Hermosa Creek Out-and-Back
Trail Running Route
Hard
35.84 mi
4,067 ft
Traverse a stunning, isolated mountain valley.
The Hermosa Creek Trail is a classic forest service singletrack that traverses the length of a beautiful, isolated mountain valley. Aside from the road access on either end, the only way into the heart of this valley is via singletrack! The route mapped here is an out-and-back run along the entire trail, but it can be truncated to make for a shorter day.
The run begins at the southern end, quickly leaving the trailhead behind and achieving isolation deep in the mountain valley. The bench cut singletrack undulates up and down the mountainside above Hermosa Creek. At times you're running along the very banks of the creek, and at others, you'll have climbed high above the valley below, enjoying gorgeous views of the San Juans in the distance.
While a few rocks and worn-out sections of trail can prove challenging, the vast majority of the track is smooth and eminently runnable. The climbs are all moderate and easy to conquer, allowing you to focus on cranking out miles and absorbing the stunning views around you!
Most of the worn-out sections of trails are due either to the dirt bikes that share the trail or the cattle that graze this area. You'll also share the trail with mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and quads on the very northern stretch of the trail.
Much of the Hermosa Creek Valley burned in a fire in 2018, leaving hundreds of scorched trees lining the trails. However, even at the time of this writing in 2020, the undergrowth is coming back quickly, with aspen saplings springing up all along the trail. Soon, the singletrack will be shrouded in a beautiful aspen grove, leaves whispering in the wind. But until the aspens have reached maturity, expect to spend some time busting through saplings and underbrush. You'll also have to cross the occasional downed tree as burned trunks continue to fall. Regardless, nature is prevailing and reclaiming what is hers. Written by Greg Heil
The Hermosa Creek Trail is a classic forest service singletrack that traverses the length of a beautiful, isolated mountain valley. Aside from the road access on either end, the only way into the heart of this valley is via singletrack! The route mapped here is an out-and-back run along the entire trail, but it can be truncated to make for a shorter day.
The run begins at the southern end, quickly leaving the trailhead behind and achieving isolation deep in the mountain valley. The bench cut singletrack undulates up and down the mountainside above Hermosa Creek. At times you're running along the very banks of the creek, and at others, you'll have climbed high above the valley below, enjoying gorgeous views of the San Juans in the distance.
While a few rocks and worn-out sections of trail can prove challenging, the vast majority of the track is smooth and eminently runnable. The climbs are all moderate and easy to conquer, allowing you to focus on cranking out miles and absorbing the stunning views around you!
Most of the worn-out sections of trails are due either to the dirt bikes that share the trail or the cattle that graze this area. You'll also share the trail with mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and quads on the very northern stretch of the trail.
Much of the Hermosa Creek Valley burned in a fire in 2018, leaving hundreds of scorched trees lining the trails. However, even at the time of this writing in 2020, the undergrowth is coming back quickly, with aspen saplings springing up all along the trail. Soon, the singletrack will be shrouded in a beautiful aspen grove, leaves whispering in the wind. But until the aspens have reached maturity, expect to spend some time busting through saplings and underbrush. You'll also have to cross the occasional downed tree as burned trunks continue to fall. Regardless, nature is prevailing and reclaiming what is hers. Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hermosa to Dutch | 4.02 mi | 650 ft | 1.3% |
| Hermosa Creek Trail Climb | 0.56 mi | 154 ft | 5.0% |
| Half Hermosa out | 2.14 mi | 148 ft | 1.1% |
| Hermosa Creek Trail Climb | 0.61 mi | 322 ft | 9.8% |
| Hermosa Creek Trail Climb | 0.45 mi | 144 ft | 6.1% |
| Forest Srv Road Climb | 0.21 mi | 138 ft | 11.9% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.54 mi | 259 ft | 9.0% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.21 mi | 243 ft | 20.9% |
| Unnamed Road Climb | 0.59 mi | 180 ft | 5.8% |
| Hermosa Park Road Climb | 0.72 mi | 161 ft | 4.2% |
| Hermosa: Big Bend to Salt Creek | 1.62 mi | -138 ft | -1.3% |
| Hermosa Creek Trail Climb | 0.66 mi | 180 ft | 5.1% |
| Hermosa Creek Trail Climb | 1.01 mi | 568 ft | 10.6% |
| Hermosa out from Dutch | 4.10 mi | -325 ft | -1.2% |
| Half Hermosa back | 2.14 mi | -148 ft | -1.1% |