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Hike and Explore Kennebec Pass

Hesperus, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Tate Hanks

This is about a 20 miles drive from Durango to Hesperus, then a pretty rough drive 14 miles up to the top of Kennebec Pass. (The roads can be pretty rough, so hiking is always a good option). Once you reach the top of the pass, there is a dirt parking lot with the view of a lifetime on the backside of the pass. If you look back towards the top of the pass you can barley see a glimmering lake in the shadow of the mountains. There is a trail straight from the parking lot that leads directly to the lake. The trail is about a mile long, and is generally an easy hike. The lake is snowmelt, so if you want to take a dip, make sure it's a warm day!

Starting at the top of Kennebec Pass, the hike to the lake is about a 2 mile round trip and is full of stunning views. The lake is pretty deep in the middle, but shallow on the outer shores. If you want to continue past the lake, there is a very defined trail up the mountain behind and to the right of the lake. The ridge behind the lake takes you to another pass that is very scenic and a great opportunity for great photos. To get there from Durango: Take US 160 west out of town towards Mancos. Go 11 miles and then take a right on County Road 124 for 14 miles until you see the Colorado trail TH sign at the top. High clearance 4wd vehicles recommended.

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Mountain Biking
Backpacking
Hiking
Adult Beverages
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Hike and Explore Kennebec Pass Reviews

lot of amazing views and a pretty easy hike. plenty of opportunities to take great photos and plenty of scenic views along the way

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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