This ride begins at the Hermosa Trailhead Campground and climbs north on Forest Road 478 gaining about 2,500 feet en route to Bolam Pass. The loop's first 9 miles are a long, steep dirt-road climb that intensifies over the last several miles approaching the pass—stop for a breather at the abandoned buildings of the Greysill Mine. From the mine there are a couple of steep switchbacks before this route turns west onto the Colorado Trail at Celebration Lake.
You'll continue mostly uphill for the next 6 miles and though there's a short dirt-road stretch, it's mostly narrow singletrack and much of it is exposed—cruising alpine meadows and offering spectacular views. Keep climbing to Blackhawk Pass, the ride's high point just before mile 15. It's all downhill from here but be careful, the first section off the pass it is steep and can be very loose. Eventually you will spill out onto Hotel Draw road which will take you back to your car.
Be prepared for changing weather on this high elevation ride and, if you're short on time (or stamina for the climb), consider arranging a shuttle to Bolam Pass with Hermosa Tours.
-Mapped by Linda Paris
TO TRAILHEAD: Drive north on US 550, and turn left onto Sheol St. into Durango Mountain Resort. At the northeast corner of the parking lot, pick up FR 578 and follow signs 8 miles to the Hermosa Creek Trailhead.
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Bolam Pass - Colorado Trail
| Dist: 24.93 mi |
Points: 517 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Bolam Pass - Colorado Trail
BLM001
Location: 37.632250°, -107.915653°
There's the option to park right at the trailhead entrance or cross the creek and park near the campground bathrooms. Take your pick, but you'll begin riding west on the dirt road from here.
BLM002
Location: 37.656713°, -107.932584°
Stay straight on the forest road, bypassing Hotel Draw Road at mile 2.5.
BLM003
Location: 37.668433°, -107.929494°
This route's first 3.2 miles climb about 300 feet, but the grade increases from here as you continue alongside Hermosa Creek.
BLM004
Location: 37.701173°, -107.911406°
This first switchback at mile 6 is the precursor to a series of turns up ahead approaching the mine site and Celebration Lake.
BLM005
Location: 37.713118°, -107.903531°
Look for signs for the Colorado Trail on your left at the lake. The trail from here is rugged, but still wide.
BLM006
Location: 37.716078°, -107.924977°
Turn left onto this old gravel road after the short downhill from the pass. You'll follow the road for the next 1.4 miles and have a relatively mellow, rolling ride before turning back onto singletrack.
BLM007
Location: 37.705783°, -107.959573°
Take this sharp left below Section Point, but stop first to admire the spectacular view of the San Miguel Mountains to the north.
BLM008
Location: 37.688813°, -107.972260°
After rounding the top of this bowl (which drains toward Silver Creek), the trail turns uphill and climbs 500 feet over the next 0.7 mile. Expect some hike-a-biking as the previous 14 miles of climbing and the high-altitude oxygen deprivation take a toll.
BLM009
Location: 37.684485°, -107.980314°
Stop at Black Hawk Pass, the ride's high point, for a break and some photos. You will likely encounter other riders with whom you can share the relief and accomplishment of reaching the top. The first few miles of the remaining downhill are steep and can be loose. Watch your speed as you begin the descent.
BLM010
Location: 37.649664°, -107.957001°
As you loose elevation you may encounter other trails. Stay on the main path until this left turn onto Hotel Draw Road, a well-established dirt road leading back to the parking area.
Trailhead
Location: 37.632281°, -107.915010°
Starting out on the dirt road warm-up from the trailhead.
© Linda Paris
Mine
Location: 37.713226°, -107.898617°
Outbuildings at the Graysill Mine area add some interest (and an excuse for a rest) to the long climb. © Linda Paris
Lizard Head
Location: 37.705774°, -107.959363°
View of Lizard Head from the trail below Section Point. © Linda Paris
Rest
Location: 37.698151°, -107.967453°
Plan extra time to rest and enjoy flowering alpine meadows alongside the Colorado Trail. © Linda Paris
Pass
Location: 37.684500°, -107.979984°
Celebrate your epic achievement with a photo at the route's high point on Black Hawk Pass. © Linda Paris
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