The 18 Most Amazing Peaks in La Plata County

For breathtaking vistas, consider Animas Mountain Trail, which offers views over the Hermosa and Animas Valleys. Hogsback Peak provides a rewarding lookout from its summit, easily recognizable from Durango. Baldy Mountain also offers great views of the La Plata Mountains. For expansive views of Mesa Verde and Shiprock to the south, and the Grenadiers and San Miguel Range to the north, Hesperus Mountain is an iconic choice.

Yes, several peaks offer more accessible options. Animas Mountain Trail is a popular half-day hike near Durango, offering various options including a loop trail to the summit. Baldy Mountain, just outside Durango, can be accessed from multiple trailheads. Deadwood Mountain is also considered one of the more accessible peaks in the La Plata Mountains, often approached via an old mining road.

For experienced mountaineers, the 'fourteeners' in Chicago Basin—Mount Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak—are serious objectives, often requiring an 8-mile hike with significant elevation gain just to reach the upper basin, and typically involve camping. Gibbs Peak is ideal for those seeking a Colorado mountain experience with some Class 2 scrambling and route finding.

Yes, Hesperus Mountain (13,232 feet) holds significant cultural importance as one of four sacred mountains to the Navajo People, known as Dibé Ntsaa. The entire region also has a rich history of silver mining, and many old mining roads throughout the mountains now serve as trails, adding a historical dimension to your adventures.

The summer months are ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking. However, the La Plata Mountains offer diverse recreation year-round. Winter transforms the landscape into a playground for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountaineering, though specific gear and conditions knowledge are essential for winter ascents.

Beyond peak bagging, La Plata County is a haven for outdoor activities. You can explore various hiking trails like Raiders Ridge Trail or Twin Buttes Trail. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous MTB trails, including Hermosa Creek Trail. Running is also popular, with routes like the Animas River Trail available.

Compared to the more heavily trafficked San Juan Mountains, the La Plata Mountains generally offer a fantastic opportunity for solitude. Cumberland Mountain, located in the northern section of the range, is known for its remote trailheads, contributing to a more solitary experience with stunning views through the heart of La Plata Canyon.

Hesperus Mountain, at 13,232 feet, is the highest point in the La Plata Mountains and is easily identifiable by prominent geological bands near its summit. It's also culturally significant to the Navajo People. While not a 'fourteener,' it is the most widely climbed peak in the area and offers expansive views.

Yes, while the immediate La Plata Mountains subrange does not contain any 'fourteeners,' La Plata County is home to some of Colorado's most famous ones in the Chicago Basin. These include Mount Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak, which are considered serious mountaineering objectives.

The terrain varies significantly. You can expect rugged beauty with lofty peaks, sweeping valleys, and meandering streams. Many trails follow old, rocky mining roads, especially in the lower sections. Higher up, trails can become steep, rocky, and may require Class 2 scrambling and route finding, as seen on peaks like Silver Mountain and Gibbs Peak.

Many trails in the La Plata Mountains and surrounding areas are dog-friendly, especially those in the national forest. However, it's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out, as some areas, particularly those with sensitive wildlife or wilderness designations, may have restrictions. Always keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Parking availability varies by trailhead; some, like those for Baldy Mountain, are at the end of forest service roads (which may be closed to motor vehicles). For most day hikes in the La Plata Mountains, specific permits are generally not required. However, for multi-day trips or climbs into designated wilderness areas like Chicago Basin, it's advisable to check with the San Juan National Forest for any current regulations or permits needed for camping or specific access.

Yes, the La Plata Mountains are home to diverse wildlife. You might spot elk, deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. When hiking, especially during dawn or dusk, keep an eye out for wildlife. Remember to maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals. Some areas, like the upper Animas Mountain, might have closures for elk calving during certain seasons.