Smelter Mountain Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

If you are looking for a nice, steep alternative to Hogsback or Animas Mountain, Smelter Mountain Trail will do the trick. At 1.2 miles, this trail can be a quick pre/post work hike. It also grants really nice views over Durango and much of the river valley.

Smelter Mountain Trail starts just south of Durango. From the parking lot, hike downhill, cross the little stream, and then head up the rocky hill. The ascent almost immediately opens with views to the south and east, showcasing the Durango region, its ruddy slopes, and rugged peaks. The trail is in great shape and climbs steadily with a few challenging sections until you reach the top with an even bigger view. You can even see the main station of the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from up here, which takes tourists and backpackers to Silverton and into the San Juan Mountains.

You'll encounter several communication towers at the top of the hill—which isn't ideal from a hiker's perspective, but they don't obscure the beautiful views of the Animas River and Durango below. To get stunning views of Lake Nighthorse and the San Juan Mountains, keep heading west once atop the plateau toward the next set of towers.

There are several narrow ridgelines between the San Juan Mountains and Durango that are very dynamic and catch the light really well during sunrise and sunset--photographers take note! There are not too many people on this trail outside of the summer weekends, which is a nice contrast to more popular nearby hikes such as Animas Mountain Loop.
- Additional info by Kyle Jenkins, Outdoor Project

The trail passes through high desert terrain that is common for the area. Yucca and cactus hug the base of pine and fir all along the slopes. The sound of hummingbirds buzzing around is a great soundtrack to this trail, and they compliment the many hawks that frequent southwest Colorado. You may see rabbits or other rodents skirting around, and if hiking in the early morning or late evening you may spot their nemesis coyote on the prowl.