Payne Creek

Managing agency

San Juan NF — Mancos-Dolores RD

Payne Creek is a 7.6-mile loop trail located in Colorado near Mancos within the San Juan National Forest, managed by the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District. The route gains 2,345 feet of elevation, making it a moderately challenging day hike suitable for hikers with solid fitness levels. As a loop configuration, the trail returns to its starting point without backtracking, offering varied scenery throughout the journey. The elevation gain is distributed across the route, providing opportunities to experience different ecosystems and viewpoints as you ascend through the San Juan National Forest. This trail is ideal for hikers seeking a half-day to full-day outing in southwestern Colorado. The loop format allows for a continuous hiking experience without retracing steps, and the elevation profile provides a steady but manageable climbing challenge. The San Juan National Forest setting ensures access to typical high country terrain characteristic of Colorado's southwestern mountains.