Engineer Mountain Details

Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

Coal Bank and Molas Pass
Silverton, Colorado
Difficulty Rating

Black Diamond rate
Voted Difficulty

Black Diamond (2 votes)
Trail Type

Singletrack
Bike Type

AM
Direction

Downhill Primary
Popular direction shown
Climb Difficulty

Blue
Physical Rating

Hard
Season

July-October
Alpine Trail

Yes
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

No
Global Ranking
#7816 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #75296 in Trail Running
- #68619 in Hiking
Local Popularity
85 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking

This popular trail is technical in a few sections mainly north of Pass Trail, but is very rideable and fun overall (especially south of Pass Trail). The views at the top are very nice

There are several different ways to access this trail, the easiest being from the top of Coal Bank Pass (10,600 ft.) via the Pass Creek trail. Once Pass Creek trail meets Engineer Mountain Trail, take a left and get ready for a fun descent after about half a mile. The downhill is only steep in a few locations; it contains plenty of roots and switchbacks, but only a few rock gardens (no big mandatory moves). This option is typically done with a shuttle vehicle at the bottom of the trail (or hitchhike back up).

Alternatively, you can ride the Colorado Trail from Molas Pass and link up with the EMT. This is a high alpine ride which also is typically done with a shuttle (this option is strenuous, approx. 20 miles, with nearly 3,000 feet of climbing, most of which is done above 11,000 feet.). Upon reaching EMT from Molas Pass Trail, there is a short but steep and mildly shelfy descent (not recommended for beginners). Then the trail has a series of steep uphill grades, some are difficult to clean due to altitude, grade, and loose dirt. Eventually you'll pass Pass Trail on your left, and from there you have about a half a mile before the fun downhill.

Another option is to approach from the bottom for an out and back. This option is open earlier in the year. Climb until it gets wet/snowy and then turn around and enjoy the descent.

Local Trail Association

Durango Trails (www.durangotrails.org)
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Traditionally Indigenous Territory

More Stats for Engineer Mountain mountain bike trail trail

Altitude change

-3,057 ft
Altitude min

9,067 ft
Altitude max

12,183 ft
Altitude start

12,124 ft
Altitude end

9,068 ft
Grade

-5.9%
Grade max

-52.2%
Grade min

45.8%
Distance climb

2 miles
Distance down

7 miles
Distance flat

935 ft
Avg time

01:54:48
Avg reverse time

02:45:57
view trail stats

status	date	description
	Aug 7, 2023 @ 12:50pm Aug 7, 2023
	Aug 6, 2023 @ 2:27pm Aug 6, 2023	All clear. Thanks to the person that cut out that aspen! A bit dry and dusty in the lower meadows. Dirt is dry but still good in the trees.
	Jul 31, 2023 @ 8:31am Jul 31, 2023	Great condition, downed tree about 2/3 down the trail from the meadow. It can surprise you if you come up on it too fast.
	Jul 22, 2023 @ 8:25pm Jul 22, 2023	Cleared trees. Lower meadow moon dust.
	Jul 21, 2023 @ 3:01pm Jul 21, 2023	There are 2 overhung trees about 1/2 way down from pass creek on a turn that could take out a tall person. Quick pass by made it seem they...

title	distance
Molas to Engineer via White Creek featured	24 miles
Engineer Mountain Shuttle (Pass Cr.)	8 miles
Coal Creek-Engineer Mountain Trail	10 miles

Engineer Mountain

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