Autumn is a great time to enjoy our public lands. The trees and shrubs will soon be showing off their fall color. With cooler weather on the horizon, its time to get out and ride.
Although horses have the right of way, being aware of other users on the trail is always a good idea; many trails are multi-use. Before leaving home, check with your local Public Lands Office for current trail and road conditions.
Always make sure a friend or family member knows your itinerary for the backcountry. Even if its a short ride, someone should know where you will be. It is recommended to wear orange clothing, as it is hunting season. Bring proper rain gear and clothing; weather changes quickly in Southwest Colorado. Dont forget to bring a good map, matches and a first aid kit.
Make sure your horses are recently shod and acclimated to the area. Take only certified weed-free hay into your public lands. The spread of noxious weeds is a serious problem.
Also, be bear aware. This is the time of year when bears are actively foraging in preparation for hibernation.
Remember to use low-impact camping and horse-tethering methods. Do not tie horses to trees for long periods; instead, use hobbles or high lines. Help protect the land by using a high line, temporary fence, hobble or picket to restrain your stock, and always use tree-saver straps.
These are a few of my favorite trails on the Dolores Ranger District. For more information on these, and other trails, visit your local Public Lands Office.
Chicken Creek Trail begins at the Transfer campground, eleven miles north of Mancos, where there is a newly constructed trailhead. The trail takes you down into the Chicken Creek drainage, where it follows the bottom and at one point the east side of the canyon. The upper portion of the Chicken Creek trail is motorized down to the junction with the Rim Trail, approximately 1.5 miles. From that point on it becomes a non-motorized trail until you reach the lower end at Mancos State Park. It is 7.8 miles from Chicken Creek Trailhead to Mancos State Park. If you prefer, there are shorter loops that will bring you back to the trailhead.
Dolores River from the Pump Station to Slick Rock: This is a great trail in the fall since the water is low and easy to cross. It is not recommended to take this route during the spring and summer months. This trail is approximately 26 miles long. An overnight trip is recommended with a vehicle picking you up near Slick Rock. It begins at the Dolores Pump Station where there is parking for trailers. The trail is an old road that follows the Dolores River. The road changes to a trail along the way and back to an old road again. It is billed as a near Grand Canyon experience. The top of the canyon walls are three quarters of a mile above the trail.
The next two trails take you into the Lizard Head Wilderness, which offers only primitive forms of travel (hiking and stock animals).
Burro Bridge Trail is located two miles east of Dunton on Forest Road #535. If you are camping, there are two side by side corrals available on a first come basis, located adjacent to Burro Bridge campground. The trail has many switchbacks and makes a steady climb through spruce and aspen forests. Once it levels out a bit, it heads north through open meadows into the Lizard Head Wilderness while offering spectacular views of El Diente and Mount Wilson peaks. Not recommended for beginners.
Groundhog Stock Driveway connects with the Burro Bridge Trail. At the junction of the Groundhog Stock Driveway and Burro Bridge trails, you will take a left turn and continue southwesterly. Watch for cairns (rock piles and posts that mark the trail). The trail continues through large open parks and spruce/aspen forests at a gradual downhill grade. This is a great ride to see outstanding views of the Dolores Peak. The trail ends at the Black Mesa Road-FS Road #611, which is approximately 3 miles north of Dunton.
Enjoy your time riding in the San Juan Public Lands with friends. For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/ and www.sjma.org. Remember, if you pack it in, make sure you pack it out.
Celia Boyd is the Forest Service Resource Assistant and a SJMA volunteer.
