Those who hike or bike up or down Stevens Creek Trail may be confused by a sometimes disappearing sign and other postings at the trailhead off County Road 250, north of Durango. Here’s the scoop:
Although a trail sign has been removed several times, Forest Service officials say there is legal access to the bottom of the Stevens Creek Trail from East Animas Road (County Road 250). A new-looking trail sign was in place Tuesday, visible from East Animas Road.
Hikers, however, should note that there is no legal place to park nearby along the county road or on the private road that connects East Animas Road with the trail.
Jed Botsford, recreation staff officer with the Columbine Ranger District, said there is a legal public easement for a trail at the site. However, a small wooden trail sign keeps disappearing, he said.
The public can walk or bike from East Animas Road uphill about 20 yards to the start of an actual trail on the left. At that point, along a split-rail fence, an obvious, well-used trail begins. The easement continues through private property up a couple of switchbacks before the trail enters the national forest.
A local hiker reported the issue to the Herald, saying she had parked along the private road and gotten notes on her windshield saying she couldn’t park there. Recently, she said, a barricade appeared where she had been parking.
Because there is no legal parking at the site, Botsford suggested having a friend drop you off at the trailhead.
It’s also possible to park at the bottom of Missionary Ridge Road (County Road 253) and walk south along County Road 250 about 0.4 miles to the Stevens Creek Trailhead. However, there is no good shoulder for pedestrians or cyclists.
The Stevens Creek Trail also is accessible from Missionary Ridge Road (County Road 253) at a switchback about 3½ miles up from its start at East Animas Road. From the switchback an unmaintained trail becomes evident once you begin going south. In about a half-mile the trail connects with the Stevens Creek Trail. This connector trail is easy to follow but not part of the national forest system, so it is not signed, Botsford said.
Once on the Stevens Creek Trail, heading uphill eventually will connect you in several miles to the Missionary Ridge Trail.
johnp@durangoherald.com
