9.8 miles
Distance
635 ft
Climb
-3,692 ft
Descent
01:50:16
Avg time
Supporters, Builders, Maintainers & Land Managers of Engineer Mountain Trail

Engineer Mountain Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Coal Bank and Molas Pass
    Durango, Colorado
  • Difficulty Rating
  • 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
  • Global Ranking
    #7816 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #75296 in Trail Running
    • #68619 in Hiking
  • Local Popularity
    55 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 60 in Trail Running
    • 40 in Hiking
  • Land Owner
    USFS

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
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
    01:50:16
  • Avg reverse time
    03:05:53
  • view trail stats
Status:
on Oct 19, 2024
Snow Covered
Avg: 4.65 (28 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Max Vehicle Width
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Radar Time
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  • mountain biking (>6 month)
  • hiking (1 year)
  • moto (1 year)
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  • Downhill Ski
  • Backcountry Ski
  • Nordic Ski
  • Snowmobile
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      Directions to engineer-mountain trailhead (37.746420, -107.805310)
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      Engineer Mountain Trail Reports

      statusdatedescription
      Oct 19, 2024 @ 9:03am
      Oct 19, 2024
      reporter Snow covered for season.
      Jul 20, 2024 @ 2:16am
      Jul 20, 2024
      Wet and muddy at the top, rowdy and fast for the rest
      Jun 26, 2024 @ 8:40am
      Jun 26, 2024
      reporter Trail is clear from Engine Creek south. Likely has patches of mud from Coal Creek north to the CT. The steep section above engine is likely not...
      Jun 3, 2024 @ 8:59pm
      Jun 3, 2024
      First snow patch 2.7 up from the bottom trailhead. A few more patches further up, went up to 3 miles where the trail was starting to be muddy.
      May 31, 2024 @ 7:50pm
      May 31, 2024
      Rode it today from bottom up and it’s clear and dry at least 2.3 miles from the trailhead up. Ran out of time before hitting any snow pack....
      view all reports »

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 0 rides
      •  
      6 Months
      • 10 rides
      • 20 miles avg distance
      All
      • 54 rides
      • Last: Aug 17, 2024

      Photos

      more »
      155 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 12:55pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      490 |
      Dec 12, 2018 @ 11:07am
      Dec 12, 2018
      427 |
      Dec 12, 2018 @ 11:07am
      Dec 12, 2018
      16 |
      Aug 18, 2024 @ 12:16pm
      Aug 18, 2024

      Trail Lists

      Routes with this trail

      more »
      titledistance
      Engineer Mountain Shuttle (Pass Cr.)8 miles
      Molas to Engineer via White Creek featured24 miles
      2ndAve - Molas to Engineer20 miles
      Coal Creek-Engineer Mountain Trail10 miles

      5 Reviews & Comments


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      Videos

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      29:05 | 25 | Oct 24, 2024 , Durango
      • By toddTF Pro Trailforks & contributors
      • #23251 - 11,242 views

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