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An easy access hike next to the reservoir.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.4

KM

Out and Back

7,849' 2,392 m

High

7,536' 2,297 m

Low

433' 132 m

Up

433' 132 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This is a fairly easy trail right off the highway that brings you to a pretty amazing geologic formation right above Blue Mesa Reservoir. It can be a good option in the shoulder season when many valley trails have snow on them. The low elevation and southerly aspects keep this relatively dry.

Need to Know

There is a restroom at this trailhead.

Description

Start at the parking lot near where the bridge lands on the north side of the reservoir. Follow the mellow trail for two miles until it reaches the Dillon Pinnacles rock formation.

Flora & Fauna

Bird life including raptors and waterfowl is common to this area.

History & Background

This rock is part of a very fragile sedimentary rock formation found in many places in this region, called West Elk Breccia. It was likely formed by a large volcanic debris avalanche.

Shared By:

Hiking Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#3870

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
40%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#581

in Colorado

#3,870

Overall
6 Views Last Month
790 Since Feb 19, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

17%
50%
33%
0%
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0%

Photos

Pinnacles
Sep 14, 2023 near Gunnison, CO
Dillon Pinnacles rise out of the trail - Curecanti NRA. with permission from eliot_garvin
Mar 9, 2016 near Gunnison, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 11, 2023
Eric Miller
Jul 18, 2022
Valerie Norton
https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2022/07/dillon-pinnacles.html
Aug 18, 2021
Matt Hage
Round trip to pinnacles and back. 4mi — 4h 00m
Nov 7, 2020
Kayla R
Cool day with clouds, some wind, and some sun at times. Trail in good shape and light traffic. 4mi — 1h 25m
Jun 20, 2020
Eric Harrill
2.8mi
Jul 23, 2019
Jen Herdman
4.1mi — 1h 55m
Jul 18, 2019
Jen Herdman
Too hot and not enough shade for the pup's black fur. Will come back and do it in the morning someday. 2mi — 0h 51m
Jul 17, 2019
Brittany Ann
4mi — 1h 40m
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