Saturday, June 6, 2026
This morning I was on my way to Durango to meet up with my friend Jackson so we could raft the Upper Animas River together on Sunday. But since today was also National Trails Day, I made sure that I gave myself enough extra time to go on a high-country hike in the San Juan Mountains along the way. After following the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton, I stopped at Little Molas Lake just above Molas Pass so I could hike a short section of The Colorado Trail to two small tarns located on a ridge between Lime Creek and North Lime Creek. Although it was clear and a little bit hazy out when I started hiking shortly after 9:00am, clouds started to build quickly later in the morning and by the time I was hiking back to the trailhead the wind had picked up and I was rained on a few times. These are a few photos from the hike.
Following The Colorado Trail across the Lime Creek drainage from Potato Hill.
The Colorado Trail
Bear Mountain came into view when I reached the divide between North Lime Creek and Bear Creek.
Looking down Bear Creek to Anvil Mountain from the divide.
Following the trail across the Lime – Bear Divide.
There were nice views of Engineer Mountain throughout the hike.
Lime Creek View
The Twin Sisters came into view when I reached the ridge above Lime Creek.
I walked down the ridge to the two small tarns below.
Twilight Peak in the West Needle Mountains
PT 12569
Twin Sisters
Following the trail back to the divide above North Lime Creek.
At this point I could see the rain above Potato Hill coming right for me. I would need to stop and put my rain jacket on shortly after this.
Twilight Peak
Great light highlights the western end of the Grenadier Range.
Needle Mountains
Snowdon Peak
I followed the trail back down to Little Molas Lake and then continued my drive to Durango.
