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The trail to the summit of Engineer Mountain.


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Map Key

0.8

Miles

1.2

KM

39%

Runnable

12,955' 3,949 m

High

11,673' 3,558 m

Low

1,282' 391 m

Up

4' 1 m

Down

32%

Avg Grade (18°)

91%

Max Grade (42°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Description

This unofficial trail starts from the meadow and the junction of the Pass Creek Trail and the Engineer Mountain Trail. While this is technically an unofficial trail, the area sees enough traffic that your way will be easy to discern. Rock cairns also mark the path. Take the switchbacking route to a nice viewpoint that some know as the Eagle's Nest. If you decide to keep going, you'll be scrambling and maybe using your hands on the way up. All in all, from the meadow you'll gain roughly 1300 feet in about .75 of a mile.

Good luck keeping your speed up in this section, the technical terrain will slow even the most experienced runners. While there is a trail, once you are actually on Engineer Mountain there is a fair bit of exposure and scrambling. Even though you are scrambling, Engineer sees enough traffic that a trail is visible on the way up. If you don't feel comfortable going on, it's okay! Stop, turn around, have a seat and enjoy the views. There isn't a bad seat in the house!

Contacts

Shared By:

aaron moore

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#8

in Silverton

#9086

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#8

in Silverton

#741

in Colorado

#9,086

Overall
7 Views Last Month
881 Since Apr 12, 2016
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Photos

After leaving the forest you enter a meadow and depending on the time of year you may see a field of Paintbrush with Engineer dominating the view above.
Apr 9, 2016 near Rico, CO
Cairn at the summit
Jul 21, 2018 near Rico, CO
View looking at adjacent mountain range next to Engineer Mountain
Jul 12, 2020 near Rico, CO
Panoramic view. On the right you are looking south, down valley towards Durango. The road cut you see is the road leading up to Coalbank.
Apr 9, 2016 near Rico, CO
Wildflowers in early August
Aug 4, 2023 near Rico, CO
This is the type of scrambling you'll be doing on the way up and more importantly on the way down.  The flat spot with a few folks hanging out is the Eagle's Nest, a great spot for those who want a break or a turnaround point before the scrambling.
Apr 9, 2016 near Rico, CO

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