The best walks and hikes in Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area
4.9
(8)
104
hikers
6
hikes
Hiking in Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area offers a rugged experience in Montezuma County, Colorado. Geologically an extension of Mesa Verde National Park, the area is characterized by a long ridge from which steep canyons radiate. The landscape includes pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests, with no formally maintained or marked trails within the Wilderness Study Area itself.
Best hiking trails in Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area
- The most popular hiking route is Prater Ridge Trail north loop — Mesa Verde National Park, a 5.5 mile (8.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 35 minutes to complete. This moderate hike follows a path through the nearby national park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Knife Edge Trail and Mesa Verde Point — Mesa Verde National Park, a moderate 6.4 mile (10.4 km) path. This route offers expansive views from the Mesa Verde plateau.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Point Lookout Trail – Mesa Verde National Park, a 2.4 mile (3.8 km) trail leading through pinyon-juniper forest, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Hiking in Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area is defined by steep canyons, sandstone cliffs, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. The associated guide provides a network of routes in the adjacent Mesa Verde National Park for different ability levels.
- The routes in Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from 8 reviews. More than 90 hikers have used komoot to explore the area.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
19
hikers
8.86km
02:34
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
6.97km
02:05
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
12
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
62
hikers
3.82km
01:11
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
10.4km
03:01
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Point Lookout Trail in Mesa Verde National Park is a popular hike that leads to a prominent overlook above the park entrance. The trail begins relatively flat and then climbs the backside of Point Lookout via a series of steep switchbacks. Once at the top, the trail levels off until it reaches the overlook itself. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views, including: - The surrounding Mancos and Montezuma Valleys - The San Juan and La Plata Mountains in the distance - A view of the park's historic access road
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The Point Lookout Trail in Mesa Verde National Park is a popular hike that leads to a prominent overlook above the park entrance. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views, including: - The surrounding Mancos and Montezuma Valleys - The San Juan and La Plata Mountains in the distance - A view of the park's historic access road
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Nice, steady climb, quiet and then a wonderful view over the wide countryside. A lovely hike in the evening at 6pm.
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The Point Lookout Trail is one of your first hiking options once you pull into Mesa Verde National Park. The trail heads up a pretty steep hillside, but it's not a super long trek to the top. You get unobstructed views pretty much the whole time since the vegetation is so sparse here in the high desert.
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The south loop of the Prater Ridge Trail is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. From the Mesa, you are rewarded with excellent views of the National Park, as well as distant views of often snowcapped peaks. For a longer walk, the north and south loops of the Prater Ridge Trail can be combined. When the path becomes unclear, stay on track using the rock cairns.
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The longest hiking route in the Mesa Verde National Park, the Prater Ridge Trail is a great way to spend a few hours. The trailhead is just south of the Morefield Campground and there are a few options once you're up onto the mesa. There are two loops, or you can combine them, cutting out the short connector trail and creating one bigger loop. Keep your eyes out for coyote and deer on the trails.
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Point Lookout is a well-known formation that towers above the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. The moderately challenging Point Lookout Trail takes hikers to the viewpoint, which gives superb views of the San Juan and La Plata Mountains.
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The Knife Edge trail takes along the edge of a steep sloping ridge. It provides excellent, extensive views of the lower lands to the north west. The trail ends on a fine rocky viewpoint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there marked trails in the Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area?
No, the defining characteristic of the Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is the complete absence of planned or maintained trails. Hiking here requires self-reliance and excellent navigation skills. For well-marked paths in the region, consider trails in the adjacent Mesa Verde National Park, such as the easy Point Lookout Trail – Mesa Verde National Park.
How difficult is hiking in the Weber Mountain WSA?
Hiking in the WSA is strenuous and challenging, suitable only for experienced hikers comfortable with off-trail navigation. The terrain is rugged, with steep canyons radiating from a central ridge. For more predictable, moderate hikes in the area, you could try the Prater Ridge Trail north loop in nearby Mesa Verde.
Can I bring my dog to the Weber Mountain WSA?
Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the Weber Mountain WSA, but they must be under your control at all times to protect wildlife and the natural landscape. Be aware that the terrain is rugged and there are no water sources, so ensure your dog is fit for the challenge and you carry enough water for both of you.
How do I navigate without any trails?
You must be proficient with a map and compass or a reliable GPS device. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) provides a GeoPDF map that can be used with navigation apps. You can download it from the BLM website. Always tell someone your plan before you go.
Are there any family-friendly or easy hikes in the area?
The Weber Mountain WSA itself is not suitable for easy or family hikes due to its rugged, trail-less nature. However, the nearby Mesa Verde National Park offers excellent, well-maintained options. The Prater Ridge Trail south loop is a great moderate choice for an active family outing.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The area supports a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and mountain lions. Birdwatchers may spot spotted owls, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Always observe wildlife from a distance and store food securely.
Where can I find good views?
The reward for the strenuous, off-trail trek to the summit of Weber Mountain is breathtaking panoramic views of the La Plata Mountains, Mesa Verde, and even Shiprock in New Mexico. For impressive views on a maintained trail, the Knife Edge Trail and Mesa Verde Point offers expansive vistas from the Mesa Verde plateau.
What is the best time of year to hike in the Weber Mountain WSA?
The best time to visit is typically from late spring to early fall. The remote nature and high elevation mean you should always be prepared for changing weather conditions, even in summer. Avoid hiking during periods of heavy rain or snow.
Are there circular walks available in the region?
While you can create your own loop in the trail-less WSA, it requires expert navigation. For a well-defined circular route, consider the View from Point Lookout Trail – Point Lookout loop from Lone Cone in the adjacent Mesa Verde National Park, which offers a satisfying loop with great scenery.
What makes this area special besides the hiking?
The WSA is geologically an extension of Mesa Verde and holds significant cultural value, containing archaeological sites from the Ancestral Puebloan people. A striking geological feature is the 600-foot, spire-shaped volcanic neck on the mountain's western slope. Please respect these sensitive areas by taking only photos.
Are motorized vehicles or mountain bikes allowed?
No. To protect its wilderness character, the Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area is closed to all motorized vehicles and mechanical transport, including mountain bikes. Access is by foot or horseback only.
What do other hikers think of the routes in this region?
The routes in the surrounding area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the solitude and rugged beauty of the WSA, as well as the stunning views available from the maintained trails in nearby Mesa Verde National Park.
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