What to do and see in Pagosa Springs, Colorado (CO): The Best Hiking Trails

November 9, 2021 Darleen Reid

Pagosa Springs is a municipality that is the county seat of, and the only incorporated municipality in, Archuleta County, Colorado, United States. The population was 1,727 at the 2010 census. Approximately 65 percent of the land in Archuleta County is either San Juan National Forest, Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness areas, or Southern Ute Indian land.
Restaurants in Pagosa Springs

1. Piedra River Trail

16 mi North of Hwy 160 on Piedra Rd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 http://www.planetpagosa.com/easyhikes2.html
Excellent
80%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 241 reviews

Piedra River Trail

Reviewed By rfw1953 - Crested Butte, United States

My wife and I just happened to find this amazing hiking area. You travel down hwy 600 from hwy 160 in Pagosa Springs. Once on 600 (Piedra Road), you'll go about 15 miles until the road becomes hard dirt. Once on the dirt road, you will travel approx 5 miles to the trail head on the left. The trail head is on the river, so it's easy to find. The trail itself goes along the river with amazing views of cliffs and the river. If you're lucky there will be plenty of rock climbers to watch. I'm 67 years old and had two knee replacements within the past 6 months, so if I can walk the trail, just about anyone can. It's well marked, and easy to follow. The terrain can be a little tricky at times, but it's certainly not hard. Take plenty of water and a lunch to enjoy while sitting along the river. We stooped for our lunch at about 2.5 miles at a bridge that goes over the river. We turned around then and went back, but the trail continues on for several miles if you like. Once you finish your hike, take a drive on up the dirt road to Piedra River Falls and Williams Reservoir. Both are beautiful and a must see when in the area. If you have a kayak, take it up to enjoy lake kayaking on the reservoir.

2. Opal Lake Trail

Pagosa Springs, CO
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Opal Lake Trail

3. Sheep Creek Trail

Pagosa Springs, CO
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Sheep Creek Trail

Scenic hiking trail leading to Piedra River Hot Springs.

Reviewed By 5isalive - Kansas, United States

The path was an easy hike. We had a couple of teenagers and a couple of 11 year olds and three dogs. Everyone had a great time.

4. Fourmile Falls Trail

Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 http://alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/fourmile-falls-trail
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Fourmile Falls Trail

Reviewed By spookie5150 - Jefferson City, United States

Most everywhere I could find rated this hike as Moderate, meaning doable by most but strenuous at times. It is certainly that. Locals might tell you it's pretty easy, and I'm sure it is for them, but don't forget they are fully acclimated to the altitude. If you're a flatlander like myself, this will be kind of a tough one at times but well worth it. My wife and I got there early and made it just beyond the third falls before turning back. Our intention was to go all the way to Fourmile lake, but the climb up from the first and biggest falls smoked us. We were back at the trailhead in about 6 hours with a stop for lunch and numerous shorter stops along the way to get our breath. Going up to the third falls probably added a little over an hour to the trip. It is a beautiful hike though and the first falls is totally doable by anyone in reasonably good shape. Be sure you take plenty of water, food, and layer up so you can peel or bundle as the weather dictates. I'd also recommend some hiking poles or a walking stick as there are some steep spots. Finally, know your limits, respect your surroundings, and enjoy this beautiful part of the world.

5. San Juan River Walk

Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

San Juan River Walk

Reviewed By janepF5111MF - Farmington, United States

I live in uptown Pagosa Springs in Pagosa in the Pines by the golf course. We have no where to safely walk because everything is dirt road with a lot of traffic.so, I take the dogs in the car to different places in the area and the Riverwalk is one of our favorite places. The river is forever changing and interesting. The walkways are stable and safe. All of the people that we meet are friendly and often stop to talk about the dogs. The dogs just love all the interring sounds sights and smells. Everyone respects the Covid safety suggestions so I don't have to read that. Spring is especially awesome there.

6. Reservoir Hill Park

320 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 +1 970-264-4152 http://www.pagosasprings.co.gov/index.asp?Type=GALLERY&SEC=%7BE142F1DC-5E4E-40B1-8EBF-30F6E139150D%7D
Excellent
67%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Reservoir Hill Park

Reviewed By Masque2Fer

Highlights: Not far from the town center (a 5- to 10-minute walk uphill). Views of the whole surroundings and mountains. Beautiful trees (great job from the city to trim them and protect the eco system - you can read all about it on several placards in the forest). Cool picnic areas (one secluded in addition to the pavilion). The disk golf was closed but it makes sense during Covid. Lowlights: None.

7. Fish Lake Trail (574)

Forest Road 660 Castle Creek Rd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 +1 970-264-2268 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/recarea/?recid=42920&actid=50
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

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