Take a Hike: Alpine Trail

Photo by Melanie Wiseman

By far, my favorite summer and fall alpine hike is one by the same name. The Alpine Trail has earned this title due to its lush forested ascension which bursts out into high grassy meadows and the stunning views that easily compete with any 14’er. A huge bonus is its extremely light usage. It’s also very dog friendly.

The Alpine Trail is located near Silver Jack Reservoir southeast of Montrose, or northeast of Ridgway, in the Mountain Division of the Uncompahgre National Forest. This half-day hike, just under 8 miles, climbs with the aid of over 40 switchbacks between 9,198 to 11,317 feet in elevation. It’s well defined and easy to follow. The Alpine Trail may be considered strenuous, although some say it’s all relative to how fit you are. It’s a good workout no matter how you rate it.

The trail begins heading east across several large meadows through neighboring free-range cattle, toward towering conglomerate cliffs. Sunlight becomes filtered by the thick canopy of tall aspen and spruce stands. The spires and cliffs that once seemed out of reach are soon up close and personal.

After 2.8 miles, the switchbacks end and the trail is joined by the High Mesa trail. The forest is still thick at this point, so continuing on is a must for surrounding mountain views. The elevation is now 11,000 feet. Not only is the temperature pleasant at this point, but so is the ease of hiking across the top of the mesa. There are three side trails along the way which lead to overlooks, but taking the mile trek where the forest opens like a book to the High Mesa meadow will quench your scenic view thirst like no other.

If you’re a Sound of Music fan like I am (or even if you’re not), at this point it’s nearly impossible not to twirl and sing along with Julie Andrews. The view is so mesmerizing that following the twirling, find a comfy spot, take out your lunch and binoculars, and plan on sitting for a while. One hiker described the view as “magical fairytale scenery.”

To the west is the sovereign, 14,107-foot Mt. Sneffels of the San Juans. To the southwest are prominent 14,308-foot Uncompahgre Peak and 14,015-foot Wetterhorn Peak. The sculptured basins and ragged skyline leave you speechless, adding to the peace of this serene spot. The East, West and Middle Forks of Cimarron Creek can be seen as they feed into Silver Jack Reservoir far below.

At nearly four miles, the view at High Mesa is a great turn-around point. Continuing on, however, will take you to Big Park where large elk herds can be seen on long open flat meadows surrounded by dense Engelmann spruce and sub-alpine fir forests.

Wild flowers and king bolete mushrooms are abundant along the trail in the summer. Rich ground cover, grasses and loads of aspens create a colorful palette in the fall.

Scenes from How the West Was Won and True Grit were filmed in the area surrounding the Alpine Trail. It’s said that if John Wayne loved this country, you will too!

GETTING THERE

From Montrose, take US-550 south 20 miles to Country Road 8, signed Owl Creek Pass. Drive east 15 miles to Owl Creek Pass and another 10 miles to a view of Silver Jack reservoir on the left. Shortly after the entrance to the reservoir access point and restrooms is a wide spot on the left side of the road for trailhead parking, and the Forest Service sign for the Alpine Trail is on the right.

A second option is to travel east from Montrose on Highway 50 for 20.5 miles and turn right onto Cimarron Road. Follow it 17.8 miles to the trailhead pullout on the right side of the road, less than a mile past the Silver Jack Campground. The trailhead sign is on the left.

Originally published in the Summer 2021 issue.