more stats
8.5 miles
Distance
576 ft
Climb
-3,006 ft
Descent
01:30:27
Avg time
-2,430 ft
Altitude change
9,067 ft
Altitude min
11,799 ft
Altitude max
11,497 ft
Altitude start
9,068 ft
Altitude end
-5.4%
Grade
-49.5%
Grade max
45.8%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
892 ft
Distance flat
01:30:27
Avg time

Engineer Mountain Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Coal Bank and Molas Pass
    Durango, Colorado
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Voted Difficulty
    Black Diamond (2 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    55 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 45 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
  • Global Ranking
    #43220 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #140748 in Trail Running
    • #159217 in Hiking
    • #1113 in Horseback
  • State Ranking
    #656 in Mountain Biking · Colorado [+]
    • #4,118 in Trail Running
    • #5,043 in Hiking
    • #23 in Horseback
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Season
    July-October
  • Alpine Trail
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
  • 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.

Tags
Trail Supporters
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 28 rides
  • 24 miles avg distance
All
  • 104 rides
  • Last: Oct 6, 2026
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Engineer Mountain Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Sep 10, 2026 @ 4:38pm (America/Denver)
Sep 10, 2026
Down tree (10” diameter) at mile 8.1 in a high speed section.
Sep 5, 2026 @ 8:06am (America/Denver)
Sep 5, 2026
Lots of wildflowers last 2 miles of downhill:)
Aug 3, 2026 @ 9:21am (America/Denver)
Aug 3, 2026
Aug 1, 2026 @ 3:54pm (America/Denver)
Aug 1, 2026
reporter Clear
Jul 31, 2026 @ 7:57am (America/Denver)
Jul 31, 2026
reporter One large tree down from pass creek down.
more »
Status:
on Sep 10, 2026
Dry
Avg: 4.61 (30 votes)
Your vote: 0

view (506)
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      Directions to engineer-mountain trailhead (37.734080, -107.809930)

      Photos

      76 more »
      mtb
      320 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 12:55pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      mtb
      818 |
      Dec 12, 2018 @ 11:07am
      Dec 12, 2018
      mtb
      725 |
      Dec 12, 2018 @ 11:07am
      Dec 12, 2018
      mtb
      135 |
      Aug 18, 2024 @ 12:16pm
      Aug 18, 2024

      Videos

      10 more »
      youtuber 3 days of Great Trails - Engineer Mountain,...
      mtb
      35:43 | 472 | Oct 20, 2022 , Durango
      youtuber Amazing views and sick trails |  Western...
      mtb
      13:36 | 1402 | Sep 6, 2018 , Durango
      youtuber All Aboard!
      mtb
      18:58 | 368 | Oct 7, 2022 , Durango
      youtuber The Most Beautiful Ride I've Done!? Colorado...
      mtb
      57:18 | 106 | Jul 26, 2025 , Durango

      Trail Lists

      Routes with this trail

      ★ 3.7 • 8 miles • 1,051 ft • 2 •
      A short 30-45 minute climb up Pass Creek gets you a great long 20+ minute descent down Engineer Mountain...
      ★ 5.0 • 24 miles • 3,658 ft • 4 • Shuttled •
      A beautiful high alpine ride that brings you to 12,484' Rolling Pass on the Colorado Trail and finishes...
      20 miles • 2,584 ft • 3 • Shuttled •
      This is Durango High Country at it's finest! Can you name a ride with better views than this one... I...
      4.8 ★★★★★
      30 Ratings
      5 ★ 87%
      4 ★ 3%
      3 ★ 7%
      2 ★ 3%
      1 ★

      7 Reviews & Comments

      monkytrick monkytrick
      Slow but doable as an uphill grind to self-serve loops with Engine and Graysill. Minimal HAB for reasonably fit climbers, and the views are epic, obvi.
      Coryhibbert
      Pass Creek to Engineer down is definitely one of my favorite rides. So good. Makes you feel like you earned your turns even though you only earned about a third. Easy shuttle. I’ve also gone from Molas but most of the riding up higher not as interesting in my opinion, though the scenery is spectacular.
      misterjohn123
      rode this north to south from the pass creek climb. super fun trail with a great mix of flow, tech, and scenery. rode this flat out, blind, and was pleasantly surprised by no awkward features or sections. insane viewpoint about 1/4 of the way down from the pass creek intersection!

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      • By toddTF Pro Trailforks & contributors
      • #23251 - 15,446 views

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Engineer Mountain located?
      Engineer Mountain is located in Coal Bank and Molas Pass, Durango, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Coal Bank and Molas Pass trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 37.73408, -107.80993.
      ▼ How hard is Engineer Mountain?
      Engineer Mountain is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 5.4%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Engineer Mountain?
      Engineer Mountain has 576 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 3,006 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 9,067 ft to 11,799 ft.
      ▼ How long is Engineer Mountain?
      Engineer Mountain is 8.5 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Engineer Mountain?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Engineer Mountain. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Engineer Mountain?
      Engineer Mountain is best visited during: July-October.
      ▼ How do I access Engineer Mountain? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Engineer Mountain are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Engineer Mountain?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 1 hour 30 minutes to ride Engineer Mountain. The trail is 8.5 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Engineer Mountain?
      Engineer Mountain is a moderately popular trail. There have been 516 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 506 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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