A 5.5 mile system of trails weaves through Mancos, meeting Chicken Creek Trail, which connects with a network of trails on U.S. Forest Service land as well as the Durango-to-Denver Colorado Trail. The trail system is for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. In the winter the trail system is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The west road, that is closed in the winter, also makes a great cross-country ski or snowshoe trail.
In 2002, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado constructed a new .75 mile section and widened the existing trails, making them easier to travel. The pedestrian bridge over the inlet was renovated by a group of National Civilian Community Corps volunteer youth. The Southwest Youth Corps rebuilt this bridge in June 2003.
Please keep your pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
View the Mancos State Park Area Map.
Trail Descriptions
Black Bear Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, skis
Miles paved: 0
Miles non-paved: 1.9
Total distance: 1.9
Usage: Low
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 7,800
ADA accessible: No
Pets: Yes
Comments: This trail connects two USFS trails (Chicken Creek Trail and the Colorado Trail), as well as two other in-park trails, providing a variety of distance and difficulty options.
Mountain Lion Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike and skis
Miles paved: 0
Miles non-paved: .6
Total distance: .6
Usage: Low
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 7,800
ADA accessible: No
Pets: Yes
Comments: This trail is accessed from the Quarry Trailhead. At the end of the .6-mile trail, the visitor has 3 options: continue around the Black Bear Loop, turn onto the Black Bear Trail or return to the Quarry Trailhead.
Mule Deer Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike and skis
Miles paved: 0
Miles non-paved: 1.9
Total distance: 1.9
Usage: Low
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 7,800
ADA accessible: No
Pets: Yes
Comments: Much of this trail consists of a reclaimed double-track access road around the N side of Jackson Gulch Res. Good views of the lake from this trail, as well as access to the shoreline.
