By starting from Highline Trail, the hiker drops over 2,000 feet and enjoys an all downhill excursion. The top of the trail was reconstructed in 1989, so the tread is in excellent condition. The trail switchbacks down through meadows and aspen glades. The bottom of the trail is a bit rough and steep, so watch your step. The trail goes along the creek the last few miles and offers views that seem almost tropical. At the bottom of the trail, there is an old log crossing that could be dangerous during spring runoff. After crossing the creek, the trail merges with the Hermosa Creek Trail.
Directions from Durango, Colorado: Access #1: Travel north for 28 miles on U.S. Highway 550 to Purgatory Ski Area. From there, take Hermosa Park Road (Forest Road 578) 10.5 miles to the Hotel Draw Road (Forest Road 550) junction. Turn west here and follow it for approximately 5 miles to the Scotch Creek Road junction. Directly after this "Y" is a gate with the Colorado Trail leading south. There is adequate parking for several vehicles and Four-wheel-drive is recommended. Follow the Colorado Trail approximately 6 miles to the Salt Creek Trailhead.Access #2: Access the bottom of this trail from the Hermosa Creek Trail. To reach the trailhead for Salt Creek, the hiker must hike about 5 miles down the upper Hermosa Creek Trail.Access #3: Salt Creek Trail can also be accessed by parking at the second road closure gate off Road 564 near Orphan Butte. Walk behind the gate and on the closed road to the ridge line beyond the Colorado Trail. Look for the Salt Creek Trail sign along the Colorado Trail.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend .
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