San Juan National Forest

Mancos - Dolores Ranger District

ACCESS: Travel 2 mi. south of Dolores on Colo. Hwy 145 to the intersection with Colo. Hwy 184 West and turn south. Travel 7 mi. and turn right at the McPhee Recreation Complex sign onto County Road 25. Continue .5 mi. and turn right onto FS Rd. #271. McPhee Campground is located about 2 mi. farther. Look for trailhead signs across from Unit 17 in Pinion Loop of McPhee Campground, at McPhee Boat Ramp. Paved parking is available at the overlook and boat ramp but not in the campground.

DIRECTIONS: The first .5 mi. of the trail passes through pinion/juniper forest from McPhee Campground to the McPhee Overlook, where interpretive signs enhance sweeping views of the reservoir and mountains. This part of the trail is barrier-free and rated the 'Most Difficult" challenge level for the handicapped. The grades are 9% or less, but the native surface may be difficult to negotiate in wet weather. Benches every 400 ft. offer rest stops along this portion. An Anasazi ruin is located across from one of the bench sites. Look for a circular rock mound with a central depression.

The last .5 mi. passes through an oak/shrub woodland. This portion is not considered handicap accessible because it drops steeply. A rock ledge provides a good view of the reservoir. The trial then drops quickly to the McPhee Boat Ramp.