Details
Features
About this place
After recent fires, this trail is re-opened and lightly trafficked, offering a diversity of ecological zones and a quiet walk through the woods.
Leaving from Durango, head north on Florida Road/CR 240. From the intersection with County Road 250 (the last stoplight), drive about 8 miles until you reach Colvig Summer Camp. Turn northwest here. The road will soon narrow and turn to dirt - continue straight. 1 mile further, there will be a large gate. You can either park your vehicle here or continue through the gate, closing it behind you before you drive on.
One further mile of dirt roads gives way to the Red Creek trailhead, where parking is limited, but parking along the road leading there is plenty.
Access the First Fork trail by turning left at a fork that is 1/4 mile past the parking lot and clearly marked.
The first 2 miles of trail are moderately flat. The dirt path is narrow but in clear condition, although occasionally blocked by fallen trees. The final 1.3 miles of ascent onto Missionary Ridge switchbacks up an intermittently open and forested hillside, and the top of the ridge is dense with aspen trees.
Turn right (northeast) when this trail intersects with the Missionary Ridge trail, and walk for 2.9 miles along the ridge.
At this point, Red Creek trail will cut off to the right side, heading direction southeast. You'll descend back down the ridge while following the Red Creek. This last segment of trail is roughly 3.5 miles, and leads you back to the parking lot.