piedra river trail

42pamt

We have been many times to this area in Pagosa Springs, CO.It is the most beautiful place and we are drawn back there every year. A must see place to go.

emilyg676

The Piedra River Trail is, hands down, one of the most scenic areas around Pagosa. Between the mountain views and rock walls by the river, it's worth a visit... And, best of all, it's a moderately easy walk without significant elevation gain. This makes it ideal for anyone visiting from lower-elevation areas and wants to take in some scenery but is concerned about acclimating.

Pagosatravelbumusa

How fabulous to be able to hike alongside a flowing river. This is a great trail because you can walk as far as you like and always be able to take a break alongside the water.

Stacie141

Fun easy hike and if you are adventurous enough, take your bathing suit and jump off the cliffs into the icy snow melt below. If you are not adventurous, hike up to the top and find a nice perch to watch the other crazy souls as they take the plunge. beautiful hike, very easy and only takes about a 1/2 hour one way.

cradtypunkrockmom

I almost hate to write this review so I can keep it quiet! This is my favorite place to go with the dogs in the summer.....we take a mile or two walk, chill (literally) in the cool river and the scenery around you is so serene. I go for solitude and rarely run into people on this trail. I am completely in love with the cliffs!

SummerDakotaBandit

Even the road to the trail was a really magnificent drive! We enjoyed the view of Pagosa Lake and many gorgeous mountain views on the way! A little snow fell, with 1 to 3 inches predicted but locals said could expand to 1 to 3 feet up the mountain, so we didn't take that really curvy and skinny snow-covered back road up to the Falls after all ( our rental car did not have the best tires we discovered and a no-go on chains....) But we did stop and trek a bit on the ll+ mile trail at the River trailhead a bit down off the mountain. Ice box cave trail was short and beckoned, but so did lunch first, so we sat by the river and ate our pbj sandwiches. Then accumulating snow made our trip home seem more urgent on those worn treads. We shot the winter views up and down the river and took the road back home, briefly stopping at Turkey Spring trail for another brief walk as we were nearly at the bottom of the mountain and regular roads had been scraped. We will go back!

retiredtraveler803

Nice hike with many good views of the river. Nice to be out in the trees and we saw a few mule deer. This was an out and back hike for us. We spent about 4 hours on the hike.

Corey89

This hike can be as long or as short as you want- it is a there and back kind of hike. Beautiful scenery, not many steep areas. The only negative we found was the amount of poison ivy right along the trail.

chrismpike

Hiked this trail many times and ridden it on horse back at least 4 times. Go at least as far as the bridge but be careful as the trail narrows at the highest point. In the winter the Nordic Club (or someone) cuts a trail out of the snow all along the side of the river then down onto the ice that covers it. We walked all the way back on top of the actual iced over river. You could hear the water underneath. It was really cool!

TotalRocky101

Weather was great: warm and sunny with a slight breeze off the river. The hike itself is easy and you don't have to be a very fit person. There were some rocky or uneven areas but the track is well marked. The gravel road to the trailhead was bumpy but in good condition. Its about a 16km round trip but don't let the distance scare you!

RItraveler512

We did Piedra River Trail hike in the end of September. Weather was great: warm and sunny. Leaves already started to change color – we encountered many-many beautiful views, pictures will not do a justice, just amazing.If the distance from parking lot (trail-head) to the first bridge is 3.5 miles, we probably walked for 5 miles each way (~10 miles round-trip). It‘s relatively easy hike, but still in the end we started to feel it. A lot of open spaces especially after the bridge, need to have a hat, sun screen, and water. We liked this hike and will recommend it. It is relatively easy hike, only in the river canyon a little bit up and down and after all straight up through the meadows; it will suite for everybody.

TAJNWP

The trail was moderate in terms of difficulty. Some rocky and uneven areas. Scenery was great! If you like to fish, well its by the river and there are trout there.

Snowbeann

This trail walk is just as lovely and peaceful as everyone else mentioned. I couldn't stop taking photos. For us, in our rental VW, the 12 mile drive to the trail head on the gravel road was challenging. The road itself was in good shape, with just a few washboard sections and pot holes. Breathtaking drop offs, steep sections, tight U turns and narrow passageways had us gripping the steering wheel and ringing our hands. Would we go again? YES.

SubmitReviews

The trail follows the river for many miles and the scenery is phenomenal! Just a perfect place to hike on a sunny day. You will not regret this hike. Pretty easy terrain once on the trail and enough people to keep animals away but not usually crowded. If you hike above the trailhead there are ice caves worth seeing. Easy parking.

RichDar

We have done this about 6 times over the years. Drive out about 18miles on gravel road to base parking lot. Well marked trail through shade to pretty falls where families splash around. On way back stop at Sportman's campground for an ice cream bar, not inexpensive but no competition out there.