What should I know before attempting Navajo Lake?

Navajo Lake is a 7.3-mile out-and-back rated hard, and the 5,507 feet of elevation gain makes it one of the most demanding hikes in this area. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer at elevation. Bring more water than you think you need and expect a full day on the trail.

Are most trails loops or out-and-back routes?

The majority of trails in the Dolores area are out-and-back. Loops are available but fewer — Groundhog Creek, Rio Lado, Spring Creek, Goble, and Wildcat are among the loop options. Wildcat is a 6.3-mile hard-rated loop with no net elevation gain, which suggests technical or uneven terrain rather than a simple flat walk.

What gear do I need for hiking in this area?

For shorter easy trails, trail runners or sturdy sneakers and a daypack with water will do. For anything rated moderate or hard, especially trails with over 1,000 feet of gain like Salt Creek (2,003 feet over 4.3 miles) or Tender Foot (1,799 feet over 4.0 miles), wear proper hiking boots and carry layers. Afternoon lightning is a real hazard in summer, so an early start and a rain shell are worth the extra weight.

Colorado · Hiking

Hiking in Dolores, Colorado

Dolores, Colorado sits at the edge of the San Juan Mountains and the Colorado Plateau, which means the hiking here covers genuinely different terrain within a short drive of town.

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Hiking · 46 spots

Dolores, Colorado sits at the edge of the San Juan Mountains and the Colorado Plateau, which means the hiking here covers genuinely different terrain within a short drive of town. The 46 trails in and around Dolores range from flat, quick walks like the 0.6-mile Winter trail and the 1.1-mile Sockrider to serious efforts like the Navajo Lake trail, a 7.3-mile out-and-back that gains 5,507 feet. That elevation gain number is not a typo, and it earns the hard rating. For something in between, loops like Rio Lado (3.1 miles, 920 feet of gain) and Goble (3.1 miles, 936 feet) give you a satisfying half-day without committing to a full sufferfest. The easy-rated trails here are not all flat strolls either — Burnett Creek gains 1,425 feet over just 2.5 miles and East Fall Creek climbs 1,716 feet in 2.4 miles, so pay attention to the gain numbers, not just the difficulty label. If you want mileage without much climbing, Spring Creek (3.4-mile loop, zero net gain) and String Bean (4.1 miles, 93 feet of gain) are the outliers. With 46 listed trails, there is enough variety here to fill a long weekend for hikers at any fitness level.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time of year to hike around Dolores?

Late May through early October covers most trails reliably. Lower-elevation routes near town, like Rio Grande Southern and Stoner Creek, are often accessible earlier in spring and later into fall. High-gain trails like Navajo Lake hold snow well into June and can see early snow again by October, so check conditions before heading out on anything with significant elevation gain.

Are there good options for beginners or hikers with kids?

Yes. The Black Goat loop is just 0.9 miles with 75 feet of gain, and the Winter trail is only 0.6 miles on flat ground. McNeil West (2.2 miles, 17 feet of gain) is about as gentle as it gets for a slightly longer outing. Stoner Creek is another flat easy option at 1.2 miles with no recorded elevation change.

Hiking in Dolores, Colorado

Frequently asked questions

Nearby cities

Featured spots

Bear Creek

Burnett Creek

Can Do

Goble

Little Bear Pack Trail

All spots · 46

Bear Creek

Black Goat

Boggy

Burro Bridge

Cross Mountain

East Fall Creek

Fish Creek

Geyser Spring

Grindstone Loop

Groundhog Creek

Groundhog Stock Dr.

Italian Canyon

Kilpacker

Kilpacker Basin

Little Bean Canyon

Little Bear

Little Taylor

Lower Ryman

Maverick

Mavreeso

Mcneil West

Mcphee Overlook

Morrison

Navajo Lake