Where to Go Hiking in Montezuma County

Are you planning to relocate to Colorado and are looking for fun outdoor recreational things to do in Montezuma County? With so many different hiking, biking, and camping options, you can fully immerse yourself in the outdoors in this picturesque county. For the best hiking spots in Montezuma County, read on!

 

For family-friendly hiking that is beginner-friendly and open to your family dog as well, check out the Chicken Creek Trail System in Mancos. In the past few years, 12 miles of single track trails were added to the system, expanding on the existing 10 miles of double track. There are myriad possibilities for spending a day at the Chicken Creek Trail System, including a loop called “The Whole Chicken,” which spans 15.2 miles and encompasses a 750-feet elevation change.

This shady trail is a little more intense than the Chicken Creek Trail. The Transfer Trail runs along the West Mancos River and while the southern terminus is considered intermediate, things progress more steeply and with more technicality as the trail progresses.

There is a bridge to cross the river at one point. Unlike the rim of the canyon, the Transfer Trail stays shaded and mostly cool throughout the hike. As you walk along the river, you’ll find swimming holes and picnic spots to pause and refresh.

 

Located near Dolores on relatively flat terrain, Boggy Draw Trail tends to attract a lot of beginners. It consists of over 30 miles of trails that range in intensity from beginner to intermediate levels. Boggy Draw Loop is a nine-mile mellow trail shaded by the Ponderosa pines and is often perfect for family horseback riding excursions. For a slightly more challenging ride, Bean Canyon Loop starts with an easy single track before a series of climbs and descents that eventually connects back to the trailhead.

The McPhee Overlook Trail is an approximately 13-mile trail that takes you through steep sandstone formations above the McPhee Reservoir before you traverse through a few miles of high-desert flora. If you hike in the spring and early summer, you are likely to find an abundance of bright wildflowers. The mostly flat route makes this trail perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and camping.

 

The Hovenweep Trail was designed around the area’s ancestral Puebloan structures. While you’re hiking and admiring the ancient archaeological sites, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding areas and have the opportunity to take in the area’s flora and geology. Because the trail wraps around the Puebloan structures, it is imperative to remain on the trail (helpfully demarcated by rocks on either side) to avoid damaging anything. It’s also important to avoid touching or entering the structures, both to preserve their cultural heritage and for personal safety, as the structures may be unstable.

If you’re hoping to hike with your pet, you’re in luck! They’re not allowed in the visitor center, but as long as they are always on a leash and remain on the trail, you can bring them with you. Just pick up after yourself and keep your eyes open to ensure safety.

Sand Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes approximately six hours to complete. The first few miles start easy with well-marked signs and dry pathways, making it an excellent place for families and those new to hiking. However, there are many side trails that more expert hikers can explore. Many love seeing the ancestral Puebloan ruins, which adds to the distinct beauty of the landscape.

Do you want to know more about all of the many premier outdoor recreational options available to residents in or near Montezuma County, Colorado? Are you ready to take that exciting first step in buying a new property? Schedule a consultation with the experienced agents at the Stacked Real Estate team. They can give you top-notch guidance on everything from neighborhood insights to market trends. This local team of experts can help you find the perfect lifestyle home or investment property in Montezuma County, Colorado!