We saw two other hikers and no other campers during our trip. ). Nice easy hike with great scenery. The fissures on the side of the ridge contain snow deposited through the winter, protected from the sun. The Hike:The trail to Opal Lake is 1.2 miles. The full 20 mile trip requires a shuttle at the other end (off US Highway 160). dogs run free , I love this hike, it meanders along the river, This is a gorgeous trail that can be either a shorter day trip or a long (20 Mile) trip. Definitely... Skate rentals are available. The lake is bordered by wooded hillsides and a sheer mountain face. Ice Cave Ridge Trail A nice geological detour. The ice rink is open each winter, conditions permitting. We brought our puppy too and she loved it. At mile 4, the Quartz Lake Trail (568) goes about one mile north to the lake. read more. The Ice Cave Creek Trail is a new trail that splits off the Palmer Lake to Limbaugh Canyon (715 Trail) trail to the north. Use caution when viewing the ice fissures. Not something you can miss easily. 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Last summer, on my first visit to Pagosa Springs, I climbed up the hill on one end of the Piedra River Trail (forest service trail 596) to discover the beautiful Williams Creek canyon.But at the time I did not have time to follow the trail very far on south. read more. Wear walking shoes/boots, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring drinking water. Although the fissures and caves are very cool, they are dangerous to explore. I suggest starting the trip on Piedra Road and going in as far as you like then turning around. Start on the Piedra River Trail, after several hundred yards follow an old road bed to the right and a short trail up the ridge to fissures that are sheltered from the sun and contain snow into late June. Piedra River Trail, Pagosa Springs Picture: Ice cave - Check out Tripadvisor members' 3,673 candid photos and videos. This hike features small caves, deep fissures and a great view at the top of the hike. Piedra River Trail, Pagosa Springs Picture: Ice cave - Check out Tripadvisor members' 3,643 candid photos and videos. Have you ever wondered what those strange cracks were on Ice Cave Ridge? PAGOSA SPRINGS – The Pagosa Ranger District will be kicking off the interpretive program season with a guided hike at Ice Cave Ridge. BACKPACKER Magazine Price: Free. Little Blanco Trail continues northeast four miles to the Divide. Take a pleasant walk on Saturday, July 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. and join Rick and Lynne Stinchfield to “fissure out the past” and learn about the geology of Ice Cave Ridge and the Pagosa Springs area. Historical Weather. There are 23 moderate trails in Pagosa Springs ranging from 2 to 81.1 miles and from 7,522 to 12,775 feet above sea level. This hike also has good views of the Piedra Valley. and not very crowded - no snowmobiles. This trail is eight miles in length from trailhead to the Continental Divide Trail at its junction with Quartz Creek Trail (571). The guide was extremely knowledgable and friendly. We backpacked and camped for two nights on the Piedra River Trail and it was absolutely beautiful. Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. There are reputedly ice caves in the area (hence, the name), but I haven't located these yet. This is our warm up hike when we visit. Saw deer and an eagle, no otters. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It’s open every day during the season. In the winter however, the trail can be narrow, steep, and muddy in places, but it is worth it. I … There is quite a complex of deep fissures that you can climb down into especially on a hot trail day. Caves in Pagosa Springs, CO - plus lots of other great things to do with kids Piedra River Trail, Pagosa Springs Picture: Ice cave - Check out Tripadvisor members' 3,652 candid photos and videos. Whether you want a short or a long trip, the Piedra River Trail will not disappoint. 585 at 6.5 miles before climbing up to the Continental Divide at Squaw … We were glad we did! Good place to take a lunch & eat by the river. 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This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Meet at the Piedra River Trailhead northwest of Pagosa Springs. read more, This hike is really easy and beautiful. Piedra Ice Fissures Trail is a 2.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Pagosa Springs, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Location - Piedra River Trail parking area. An easy to moderate trail where you feel on top of the world. Guided hike: ‘Fissuring Out the Past’ on Ice Cave Ridge By Brandon Caley Special to The SUN. It follows the Piedra River, in a beautiful valley, and is relatively level. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Piedra River Trail: ice caves - See 240 traveller reviews, 166 candid photos, and great deals for Pagosa Springs, CO, at Tripadvisor. Did you know there is more adventure hiding on the ridge above? The trail itself is gently undulating, but nothing too strenuous. Instead of following the trail from the parking lot down toward the river, veer slightly right up what looks to be an old access road. Jul 23, 2020 - Hike or trail run to the Ice Caves near Pagosa Springs, CO: trail description, trail map, and pictures Location - from Pagosa Springs, drive to Continental Divide summit on Wolf Creek Pass and turn left on dirt road just past it. From the ridge at the top you have a good view of the Piedra Valley and other ridges. Drive 1.5 miles to the Lobo Overlook parking area. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. It's obvious once you get there. If you've visited Durango, you've probably driven by Pagosa Springs. This hike is really easy and beautiful. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is PAGOSA SPRI which is approximately 16 miles away and has an elevation of 7,250 feet (880 feet lower than Ice Cave Ridge). Pagosa Springs Area ... easy, short trail up Ice Cave Ridge. Nice casual hiker. Good place to take a lunch & eat by the river. In all we hiked about 4 miles into and out of the canyon. The Piedra River Trail is as long or short as you want and is beautiful and peaceful. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g33584-d2335211-r16247638… Piedra River Trail Hiking route in Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County, Colorado, United States Leave a Review. A portion of the trail is steep before it traverses an open meadow to the lake, passing through groves of aspens. more. This is also a good spot for wildlife viewing. read more, This hike is really easy and beautiful. Many people walk the trail and pass right by these caves and head for the vistas but the caves are well worth the side trip. Some narrow areas you need to be... Trail Summary: The Piedra Ice Fissures trail is a short out and back hike located outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Took a guided snowshoe hiking tour with my family. A Great Trail for Hiking/Snowshoeing We hiked Piedra River Trail in the winter, which meant that more than a few miles were on the iced over Piedra River itself. Walk will take place Wednesday August 15 th, from 9-11am at the Piedra River trailhead. The trail enters the South San Juan Wilderness at about one mile. This is a short trail (although it did look as if there might be a longer one if you are into that sort of thing - would havae to check the maps). Come by for a pick-up hockey or broomball game, join a league or just come for an open skate. You hike out and back unless you want to go like 16 miles. Nice casual hiker. Guided Hike at Ice Cave Ridge July 13 Have you ever wondered what those strange cracks were on Ice Cave Ridge? The trail is quite different in the summer; we cannot attest to that. In the winter however, the trail can be narrow, steep, and muddy in places, but it is worth it. The Piedra River Trail is the first trail I do when I go to Pagosa.It is relatively easy for a flatlander and has little change in elevationYou can go as fas as you like an see wonderful sights.The first 1 mile of the trail is through a canyon cut by the reive rand is spectacular.The trail then follows the river along a gentle valley.I call it the "sunburn trail" as I must remember to be prepared for walking completely exposed.You are not in the trees unless you go ~ 5 mile to the second river crossing.If you are up to it (and have a car spotted) you can hike over 10 miles to Hwy 160.If you fly-fish- this a great spot to do it. Come take a pleasant walk and uncover the geology of Ice Cave Ridge and the surrounding area. Nice casual hiker. Anywhere along the river.Absolutely stunning. Definitely... The trail climbs steeply passing a spot referred to as the Cimarrona Arch Window at almost 4 miles. Some mild hills but nothing difficult, well marked. Good place to take a lunch & eat by the river. The views are simply outstanding and well worth the physical exhaustion you will likely experience when hiking at 9000 feet elevation. Short Trail Summary: The eastern terminus of the Piedra River Trail overlooks rafters, ice caves and otherwise grand landscape and will be busier in the summer season. Fissuring Out the Past. Nice casual hiker. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It's a decent ways north of Pagosa. The trail continues to the northeast side of Cimarrona Peak passing the Hossick Creek Trail No. They all come to hike for 20 minutes then head back. Don't be scared off by the hordes of tourists during the first mile. The western terminus is more difficult to reach, thus quieter. We brought our puppy too and she loved it. Ice Skating – The Town of Pagosa Springs maintains the ponds behind River Center for ice skating. Take a pleasant walk on Saturday, July 13 from 9:00 – 11:00am and join Rick and Lynne Stinchfield to “fissure out the past” and learn about the geology of Ice Cave Ridge and the Pagosa area. Relatively easy beginner slopes, but away from town. After melting and compressing, the ice remains in the fissures as late as the end of June. Thursday, June 11th, 9:00-11:00 am . This trail is fairly easy to find. Guided hike at Ice Cave Ridge and medicinal plant walk offered By Brandon Caley Special to The SUN Have you ever wondered what those strange cracks were on Ice Cave Ridge? First 2 miles are steep with switchbacks. When the trail splits take the high road and this trail leads to some wonderful overlooks. In the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs families and visitors alike will enjoy our free skating pond and sledding hill on Reservoir Hill. The Piedra River Trail is fantastic for a family-friendly hike. Take a pleasant walk and learn about the geology of Ice Cave Ridge and the surrounding area. Ice skating in Pagosa Springs is fantastic at the Multi-Purpose Pavilion. We hiked Piedra River Trail in the winter, which meant that more than a few miles were on the iced over Piedra River itself. The trail is quite different in the summer; we cannot attest to that. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, Recommended experiences in and around Pagosa Springs. The river is clean and clear. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Ice Cave Ridge Trail. Some narrow areas you need to be... Recommended experiences in and around Pagosa Springs. Could have spent more time if we had not gotten hungry while waiting for the snow to arrive. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. This is an excellent trail any time of the year offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. The caves are very unusual (don't fall in) but be sure to hike past them up the trail where it forks to the right...you will find beautiful scenic overlooks. When the ice is at least 4″ thick, ice skating is allowed. This hike is really easy and beautiful. These trails are easy and extremely enjoyable. Continue walking up to Ice Cave Ridge for a stunning view of the Piedra Valley. There is a large frozen waterfall along the way (locals call it the Blue Column), and you will likely only run into one or two other hikers all day. But before you get there keep an eye on the terrain and when you see areas begining to open up or seem to go under the trail take a slight diversion to the right or down and you will see the ice caves. Sometimes muddy with lots of horse tracks and pooh. We brought our puppy too and she loved it. Εικόνα του Piedra River Trail, Pagosa Springs: Ice cave - Δείτε 3.641 ρεαλιστικές εικόνες και βίντεο από μέλη του Tripadvisor για την τοποθεσία Piedra River Trail. We thought we must have overlooked or passed it, but about 16-17 miles from hwy 160 there it was. Ice Cave Ridge: Follow same directions for access as the Piedra River Trail, but when the trail forks, stay to the right. The Pagosa Ranger District will be kicking off the interpretive program season with a “Fissuring Out the Past” guided hike at Ice Cave Ridge on Thursday, June 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. Continental Divide Trail North. The river and rocks were beautiful. Great places to take a break and relax beside the river. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Great place for a picnic! This trail will quickly bring you to a very neat geological feature know as the “Ice Caves.” These deep fissures shelter ice into early Summer and continue to … (Tip - start to the right and head to the right for the short one)Easy walk, although it could be slippery in wet weather - the path gets a bit narrow at one or two points and a bit of gravel/scree.We are "elderly" and from 0 feet elevation, and this poised no problems for us at all. Nice falls (not very high) - just a nice outing north of town. We brought our puppy too and she loved it. You can rainbow trout if your a good fisherman. We saw a decent amount of wildlife and were able to take some good pictures. Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com. I think the whole trail is a little over 20 miles. We saw the Piedra River Trail here on TripAdvisor and decided to check it out. 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