9.8 miles
Distance
635 ft
Climb
-3,692 ft
Descent
01:54:48
Avg time
Supporters, Builders, Maintainers & Land Managers of Engineer Mountain Trail

  • USFS
    Land Manager

Engineer Mountain Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Coal Bank and Molas Pass
    Silverton, 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
    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
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:
on Aug 7, 2023
Dry
Avg: 4.75 (25 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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      Directions to engineer-mountain trailhead (37.746420, -107.805310)
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      Engineer Mountain Trail Reports

      statusdatedescription
      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...
      view all reports »

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 2 rides
      • 23 miles avg distance
      6 Months
      • 50 rides
      • 21 miles avg distance
      All
      • 269 rides
      • Last: Sep 30, 2023

      Photos

      more »
      27 |
      Jul 9, 2023 @ 1:09pm
      Jul 9, 2023
      80 |
      Aug 25, 2021 @ 12:55pm
      Aug 25, 2021
      339 |
      Dec 12, 2018 @ 11:07am
      Dec 12, 2018
      394 |
      Dec 12, 2018 @ 11:07am
      Dec 12, 2018

      Trail Lists

      Routes with this trail

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

      4 Reviews & Comments


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      Videos

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      18:58 | 98 | Oct 7, 2022 , Silverton
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      21:05 | 24 | Aug 10, 2023 , Silverton
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      • #23251 - 9,225 views
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