As summer ends, people are retiring their hiking boots and tuning their skis for the coming snow. But for those still looking for that perfect end-of-summer challenge, I’d like you to meet the Calico siblings.
Calico Lower/South and Calico Upper/North are two trails that lay northeast of Dolores. Both trails (and a few between them) make up the Calico National Recreation Trail (NRT). They take visitors over rivers, through forests and across mountain ranges of the San Juan. There are also several wildflower fields to explore between the trails, hopefully in their last bloom!
Whether you’re a hiker, rider or biker (yes, this includes motorcycles), the Calico Trails are the perfect way to experience the changing seasons.
Calico Trail, Lower/South
Before it was a trail, Lower Calico was created to guide stock higher up the mountains. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the trail in the 1930s to help local farmers graze their cattle in a less populated area.
The trail is a popular destination for activities like hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Be ready to spot (and hear) about a dozen bird species along your route, too. Both of the Calico Trails also allow motorcyclists from June 1 through Oct. 31.
Aside from its long recreation list, there are also ample lodging options with Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park right across the trailhead.
Lower Calico is 25 miles northeast of Dolores and starts at Priest Gulch Trailhead. The trail is about 12 miles one way, but many visitors will extend it to 16 miles through a loop back to the trailhead.
This trail starts with a pretty beautiful bang; first, hikers and riders cross a bridge over the Priest Gulch Creek. Lower Calico then leads you up the incline through a mass of red switchbacks until it levels into an even forest path.
From there, you will find stunning views of the San Juan National Forest and surrounding mountains, including picture-perfect shots of Taylor Mesa, Landslip Mountain and much more.
Lower Calico connects to Upper Calico through the West Fork Falls Creek junction, which visitors can access by following the trail 17 miles north after the intersection. If completing the Priest Gulch and Highline Driveway Loop, be advised that the end has a steep drop into the Dolores River Canyon.
Calico Trail, Upper/North
To be poetic, Upper Calico is a needle weaving through the landscape of the Lizard Head Wilderness. This trail alone passes over and around a handful of mountains, and it features a view of El Diente Peak that will blow your boots off.
The trail starts with a steady incline through forest clumps and a few fields of flowers, which make for perfect viewing in the summertime bloom. Upper Calico runs alongside the Dolores Rivers and even summits Papoose Peak (11,866 feet).
From there, the trail can lead visitors even further into Lizard Head’s mountain range. Upper Calico’s proximity to over five peaks, including Calico Peak (12,0118 feet), makes it an ideal gateway to any mountain seeker in Southwest Colorado.
The northern trail ends at the start of West Fall Creek Trail, which recreationists can follow to Lower Calico.
Upper Calico itself is a more secluded option than its southern sibling. It’s 45 miles northeast of Dolores, following Highway 145 and a series of local county roads.
Like Lower Calico, this trail allows hikers, horseback riders and cyclists of the manual and motorized varieties. A handful of campsites are available outside the trailhead with a large parking lot and vault toilets.
Precautions
These trails offer a captivating look within the forests and ranges they inhabit, but there are certain hazards people should prepare for.
Both areas experience consistent afternoon thunderstorms. On a week trip, I experienced lunchtime hail for three days in a row. This is common in late July and August and fire season will continue from now until winter. Please view the Dolores Ranger District restrictions before visiting either trail.
Herders have also been spotted with sheep and other cattle, which often include herding dogs. Visitors should avoid both animals, especially the dogs that guard the cattle.
In the summer, both trails are popular spots for motorcyclists and horseback riders. All recreationists should be mindful of each other and pay attention to the trail; a good practice is to keep at least one ear uncovered to listen for others on the path.
As of now, the Dolores Ranger District is fixing divots and heavy water damage on Upper Calico, so visitors should watch out for workers on the trail.
All in all, the Calico Trails are perfect for an end-of-summer bucket list. Be sure to check out these siblings and all they have to offer before Oct. 31 as the trails are seasonal!
TRAVEL BASICS
*Stop by the Dolores Public Lands Office for best advice on directions and road conditions to each of the trailheads.
**Motorcycles and e-bikes are only allowed from June 6-Oct. 31.
Calico Trail, Lower/South (211)*
Travel:
From Dolores, travel east on U.S. Highway 145 toward Rico for about 25 miles. You will find Priest Gulch Trailhead to your left, which is also a way to access Lower Calico. According to AllTrails, the route has also been called the Priest Gulch and Highline Driveway Loop Trail. Parking and Campsites are available near the trail. (Drive time: 30 minutes)
Distance and Elevation Gain:
Calico Trail, Lower/South (211) – 12 miles one way; elevation gain of 4,058 feet. This can be turned into a 15.7-mile loop through the Priest Gulch and Highline Driveway Loop Trail.
Time:
Calico Trail, Lower/South (211) – 6-7 hours
Priest Gulch and Highline Driveway Loop Trail: 8-9 hours
Difficulty:
Challenging
Calico Trail, Upper/North (208)*
Travel:
From Dolores, travel east on U.S. Highway 145 toward Rico for about 45 miles. Drive into the second entrance to Dunton Road (Rd 38/FS 535). Turn left and continue about four miles to Eagle Creek Road (FS 471). From there, continue for about one mile until you arrive at the Calico Upper/North Trailhead. Parking and campsites are available near the trail. (Drive time: 1.5 hours)
Distance and Elevation Gain:
6.7 miles one way; elevation gain of 1,740 feet.
Time:
3-4 hours
Difficulty:
Moderate
For full Calico National Recreation Trail: Check Dolores Peak and Wallace Ranch Quads
