San Juan National Forest

Columbine Ranger District

ACCESS: Drive 35 mi. north of Durango on U.S. Hwy 550. turn left into graveled parking area at Coalbank Pass (across and a little past the paved parking lot on the top of the pass). The trailhead starts here.

DIRECTIONS: The trail (marked #500 on the SJNF Recreation Map) climbs up moderate switchbacks and then gradually climbs up to the base of Engineer Mountain. Much of it falls on the heavily timbered northern aspect of the mountain, and patches of snow may linger in mid-summer. Toward the top, the trail breaks out into beautiful alpine meadows at the base of the peak, offering sweeping views of the Needles Mountains and Animas Valley. Water availability is good.