San Juan National Forest
Columbine Ranger District
Use: Moderate - Heavy
Elevation: 7,380 - 8,020
USGS Maps: Durango West Quad

ACCESS: Drive 5 mi. west from Durango on U.S. Hwy 160. Turn north on Lightner Creek Rd. (CR 207). Follow 1 mi., veering right onto Dry Fork Rd., CR 208 (FS Rd. #572). This gravel road enters the Perins Peak Wildlife Area, which is closed from Nov. 14 - March 31 to protect big game winter range. Go 2 mi., taking a right at the fork. Continue to the trailhead parking on the left.

DIRECTIONS: Follow the single-track trail up 1 mi. to the intersection of the Dry Fork an Hoffheins Connection trails. Make a clock-wise loop by following the Dry Fork Trail to the left. Continue up 3 mi. and look for the Hoffheins Connection on the right. (If you are not interested in a panoramic view, continue another few hundred yards along the Colorado Trail to Gundy's Rest.) Descend the Hoffheins Connection to the Dry Fork Trail. Angle left and continue down to your starting point. The trail is a very popular mountain-bike route. Horseback riders may also be encountered, especially in the fall. Motorized vehicles are not allowed.