Near Engineer Mountain Trail
After leaving the forest you enter a meadow and depending on the time of year you may see a field of Paintbrush with Engineer dominating the view above.
Near Engineer Mountain Trail
Grassy singletrack along the Engineer Mountain Trail.
Near Engineer Mountain Trail
On the EMT above Pass Creek, looking north at Jura Knob.
Near Engineer Mountain Trail
Looking south at Engineer Mountain from the EMT.
Near Engineer Mountain Trail
High Country wildflowers are amazing

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Engineer Mountain Trail

3.7 (6 Ratings)
A great connector trail to lots of exploration!
9.7
mi
Distance
636
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsLakeViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.66mi
Distance
636ft
Elevation Gain
3,685ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
12,196ft
High Point
9,073ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
I have not completed the portion of the Engineer Mountain Trail that starts at the bottom of Coal Bank Pass, so this description will only cover where you intersect the Pass Creek Trail on your way up to Engineer Mountain. The portion of the trail beginning near Coal Bank Pass is a moderate incline, though there are some steeper portions. Along the way, the trail will pass through meadows and dense forest alternately, eventually ending at the Colorado Trail. From the intersection with the Pass Creek Trail, either go up Engineer Mountain (left), down to Coalbank Pass (right) or continue on straight. After roughly a mile, you'll come to an intersection, go left to continue on the Engineer Mountain Trail. Going right will take you towards the base of Jura Knob. The views of the knob are beautiful, and this is a good place to take photos or just to appreciate the view. In another 1.8 miles, you'll come to yet another intersection. To stay on the Engineer Mountain Trail, turn right and steeply ascend the trail to connect with the Colorado Trail after about 1.5 miles. It is my understanding that this is technically the end of the Engineer Mountain Trail. If you continue on at the junction, turn right (keep going straight) and this will eventually lead you to Molas Pass.

Route Conditions

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Classic Hike Route

Coalbank Pass to Molas Pass

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Classic Hike Route

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Classic Hike Route

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Contributors
aaron moore