If you have a high clearance AWD/4WD vehicle and enough four-wheeling skill to get to Kennebec Pass (west of Durango), then this hike is worth the journey. The drive up La Plata Canyon to Kennebec Pass offers gold and silver mining history, cows along the road, and progressively more impressive views the further you get up the valley. The hike to Taylor Lake is relatively easy, and you have the option of hiking further along the Colorado Trail to see the views above Taylor Lake.
Trail Description: From Kennebec Pass Trailhead, begin this hike at the southwest end of the parking area. The beginning of the hike is basically flat, with a slight downhill, but the hike back up to the parking lot is still relatively easy. The views of LaPlata Canyon and the surrounding peaks are worth at least a bit of a hike down the trail. After hiking 1.2 miles you will find a couple of wayfinding signs. The sign on the left points to the Mancos Spur. That’s the way to Taylor Lake, which is just 1/10 of a mile away. The lake is beautiful, with a backdrop of rocky slopes.
The wayfinding sign on the right points to “Entire Loop” and the Highline Trail. The only indication that this is the way to the CT is a confidence marker on the post. If you are looking for a longer hike and a climb, continue on the CT. At first the trail climbs gently through shrubs. Soon the trail begins to climb more steeply uphill. Fortunately, every break to catch your breath comes with better and better views of the lake in the valley below. Interestingly, you may even find you have a bar of cell service up here! After a couple of switchbacks, you’ll find bigger rocks to climb, but this part of the trail is short, and you’ll soon be at a summit where you can peek into the next valley to the west. Be careful on the rocks – there is exposure and some danger here. You also need to be aware of the weather and any risk of lightning up here. This shrub-covered, rounded summit is the southernmost point on the trail above 12,000 feet elevation.
If you are looking for even more challenge, continue to the next summit, which is only 0.4 miles ahead and 43 feet higher in elevation.
Features: Taylor Lake, wildflowers and dramatic views abound!
Terrain: Above tree line. To Taylor Lake the trail is a well-maintained single-track. To the summits, the trail is in rough shape from bicycles in some places and the climb to the summit is rocky – even a scramble for a person with short legs.
Difficulty: Easy to Taylor Lake (keeping in mind this is high elevation – all above 11,000 feet). Difficult to the summits but highly recommended if you are up for it.
Getting There: From Durango, take US-160 west to County Road 24 on the right. Head up hill into the canyon. The drive up LaPlata Canyon is long and may be a challenge. It requires 4WD and high clearance for a couple of points on the road up to the trailhead. We have seen Subarus at the top but nothing less. After passing several campgrounds and LaPlata City (an almost ghost town from the gold mining days which is still privately owned), you’ll likely see some cattle along the road, ruins from mining buildings, and a turn-off or two to operational mines. Near the end of the road, you’ll come to a bowl, surrounded by Cumberland Mountain and Snowstorm Peak. You’ll find lots of artifacts from the mines that operated here. Hang a left and stay on the road to go uphill to the Trailhead. You are miles and hours from civilization, but there is parking for several cars on this saddle, signage and cell service (and even a couple Pokestops for PokemonGo players!) We have also seen lower-clearance vehicles at the trailhead, but it depends on the road condition which varies from year to year.
Parking: There is decent area for almost a dozen cars to park at the Trailhead, all the way up here!
Length of Hike: To Taylor Lake: 1.2 miles. To first summit: 1.9 miles. To second summit: 2.3 miles.
Elevation: KennebecTrailhead: 11,643. Taylor Lake: 11,638. First summit: 12,254. Second summit: 12,297.
Day Hiking the Colorado Trail 