Trails

View the Mancos State Park Area Map.

A 5.2 mile system of trails weaves through Mancos, meeting Chicken Creek Trail, which connects with a network of trails on U.S. Forest Service land as well as the Durango-to-Denver Colorado Trail. The trail system is for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. In the winter, the trail system is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The west road, which is closed in the winter, also makes a great cross-country ski or snowshoe trail.

In 2002, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado constructed a new 0.75 mile section and widened the existing trails, making them easier to travel. The pedestrian bridge over the inlet was renovated by a group of National Civilian Community Corps volunteer youth. The Southwest Youth Corps rebuilt this bridge in June 2003.

Please keep your pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

​Trail Descriptions

Black Bear Trail

• Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, skis
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 1.9
• Total distance: 1.9
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 7,800
• ADA accessible: No
• Pets: Yes
• Comments: This trail connects two USFS trails (Chicken Creek Trail and the Colorado Trail), as well as two other in-park trails, providing a variety of distance and difficulty options.

Mountain Lion Trail

• Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, and skis
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 0.6
• Total distance: 0.6
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 7,800
• ADA accessible: No
• Pets: Yes
• Comments: This trail is accessed from the Quarry Trailhead. At the end of the 0.6-mile trail, the visitor has 3 options: continue around the Black Bear Loop, turn onto the Black Bear Trail or return to the Quarry Trailhead.

Mule Deer Trail

• Permitted uses: Foot, horse, bike, and skis
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 1.9
• Total distance: 1.9
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 7,800
• ADA accessible: No
• Pets: Yes
• Comments: Much of this trail consists of a reclaimed double-track access road around the north side of Jackson Gulch Reservoir. Good views of the lake from this trail, as well as access to the shoreline.