Smelter Mountain Durango Colorado
Conquer Smelter Mountain for breathtaking 360-degree views of Durango and the Animas Valley. A challenging but rewarding hike!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Smelter Mountain Durango Colorado
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Smelter Mountain for breathtaking 360-degree views of Durango and the Animas Valley. A challenging but rewarding hike!
"The 360 degree views are well worth all its challenges and I highly recommend it."
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Ankle support is crucial for the steep, rocky terrain. Don't underestimate the climb!
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Frequent breaks are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Durango Views
Summit of Smelter Mountain
Soak in 360-degree vistas of Durango, the Animas River, and Lake Nighthorse. Absolutely worth the climb!
Challenging Summit Trail
Smelter Mountain Trailhead
A steep, rocky, and rewarding hike that tests your endurance and offers incredible payoff.
Historic Mining Legacy
Smelter Mountain
Learn about the area's mining history, including its connection to vanadium processing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Smelter Mountain's Steep Ascent
Timing Your Smelter Mountain Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Ankle support is crucial for the steep, rocky terrain. Don't underestimate the climb!
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Frequent breaks are recommended.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are spectacular, perfect for capturing Durango's beauty.
🚗 Rugged Trail Access
A regular car cannot handle the 2-track jeep trail. Hike or run from the paved road.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
Ankle support is crucial for the steep, rocky terrain. Don't underestimate the climb!
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Frequent breaks are recommended.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are spectacular, perfect for capturing Durango's beauty.
🚗 Rugged Trail Access
A regular car cannot handle the 2-track jeep trail. Hike or run from the paved road.
🔦 Night Hike Caution
If hiking at night, a headlamp and trail shoes are essential.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smelter Mountain is lauded for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Durango and the surrounding landscape, making the challenging hike undeniably worth it. Visitors praise the well-marked trailhead and the rewarding summit vistas. However, the steep, rocky, and demanding nature of the trail is a significant challenge, requiring good physical condition and proper gear.
"A short hike to the top, approximately a mile and a quarter, with an amazing view of Durango to the north and Lake Nighthorse to the south. Very steep and mostly straight up. Coming down is more difficult although worth the view.
The trailhead is well marked with a nice size parking area."
LauraLee Beaton
"It’s classified as a Hard hike rightfully. Steep and rocky sections sandwich a moderate hike section. 360 degree views are well worth. I recommend ankle support hiking boots, hiking pole(s) and plenty of water and frequent breaks if you’re feeling weak/tired. If you had a hard time going up, give enough rest for the legs before heading down, as it’s demanding. Take it slow, to be safe. The hike is fully worth all its challenges and I highly recommend it. The towers shown in one of the pics is the highest point."
gopi gautama
"Pretty view of Durango. 212 is an extremely rugged 2 track jeep trail. You CAN NOT drive a regular car up here. Its possible to hike or run up from the paved road. If at night, bring a headlamp and trail shoes."
Daniel Centilli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is well-marked with a parking area. While a rugged 2-track jeep trail exists, regular cars cannot access it. Most visitors hike or run up from the paved road.
Only high-clearance, 4x4 vehicles are recommended for the jeep trail. For most visitors, hiking or running from the base is the best option.
The trailhead is accessible from Durango. Look for clear signage indicating the start of the hike.
Public transport directly to the trailhead is limited. It's best to drive or arrange a ride to the base of the mountain.
The jeep trail is extremely rugged and not suitable for regular cars. It's possible to hike or run up from the paved road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Smelter Mountain is a natural area and typically does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the hike and views for free!
Smelter Mountain is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to hike during safe daylight conditions.
No advance booking is required for Smelter Mountain. It's a public hiking area.
Typically, no special permits are needed for day hiking on Smelter Mountain. Always check local regulations if unsure.
While possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to the rugged terrain. If you do, bring a headlamp and trail shoes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 1.25 miles one way and can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
It's classified as a 'Hard' hike due to its steepness and rocky sections. Be prepared for a strenuous climb.
Expect stunning 360-degree views of Durango to the north and Lake Nighthorse to the south. It's a photographer's dream!
Restroom facilities are generally not available at the trailhead or on the trail itself. Plan accordingly.
Due to the steep and rocky terrain, it's best suited for older children who are experienced hikers. Adult supervision is essential.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday provides clear, expansive views.
Capture the panoramic views of Durango, the Animas River, Lake Nighthorse, and the surrounding San Juan Mountains.
The summit offers the most expansive views. Look for the towers, which mark the highest point.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. Consider a tripod for stable shots, especially during golden hour.
Drone regulations can vary. Check with local authorities or the Forest Service for current rules before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the time of day to avoid the hottest parts of summer. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. If the full summit hike seems too daunting, exploring the lower sections or enjoying the views from the trailhead might be a more manageable option for younger families.
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts & Trail Runners
Be prepared for a demanding climb. Proper trail running shoes with good grip are essential. Bring plenty of water, as there are no water sources on the trail. The descent can be just as challenging as the ascent, so maintain control and focus.
📸 Photographers
For the best light, aim for sunrise or sunset (golden hour). Midday offers clear, unobstructed views, perfect for showcasing the vastness of the landscape. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the expansive scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Smelter Mountain Hike: A Challenge and a Reward
Despite the difficulty, the payoff is immense. The summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Durango, the winding Animas River, and the expansive Lake Nighthorse to the south. Many visitors find the panoramic vistas to be 'well worth all its challenges.' Taking your time, staying hydrated, and resting when needed are crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.
For those seeking a more intense workout, Smelter Mountain is also a popular spot for trail running. The steep incline provides a formidable challenge. Remember to bring ample water and be aware of the rugged terrain, especially if attempting this during dawn or dusk.
Smelter Mountain's Historical Echoes
This historical context adds another layer to the visitor experience. While the focus for most is the stunning natural beauty and the challenging hike, understanding the mountain's industrial legacy can provide a deeper appreciation for the region's development. It's a reminder of how the landscape has been shaped by human activity over time.
For those interested in local history, researching Durango's mining and industrial past can enrich a visit to Smelter Mountain. It connects the present-day recreational use of the mountain with its historical significance.
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