Engineer Mountain Trail at Coal Bank and Molas Pass

more stats

8.5 miles

Distance

576 ft

Climb

-3,006 ft

Descent

01:50:16

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

01:50:16

Avg time

Engineer Mountain Details

Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

Coal Bank and Molas Pass
Durango, Colorado
Difficulty Rating

Blue Rate
Voted Difficulty

Black Diamond (2 votes)
Local Popularity
55 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 50 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
Global Ranking
#38325 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #82140 in Trail Running
- #107069 in Hiking
Trail Type

Singletrack
Bike Type

AM
Climb Difficulty

Black Diamond
Physical Rating

Hard
Season

July-October
Alpine Trail

Yes
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

No
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.

Trail Supporters

USFS
Land Manager
Durango Trails
Maintainer

Local Trail Association

Durango Trails (www.durangotrails.org)
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trail development & maintenance.
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Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week

3 rides
31 miles average

6 Months

19 rides
24 miles avg distance

All

95 rides
Last: Aug 22, 2026

c1	c2	c3	c4
January	February	March	April
May	June	July	August
September	October	November	December

update trails status or condition

Engineer Mountain Trail Reports

status	date	description
	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.
	Jul 27, 2026 @ 4:30pm (America/Denver) Jul 27, 2026	reporter Couple down trees that should be hand sawable in lower woods. Some mud puddles above EMT from recent rains.
	Jun 18, 2026 @ 8:45am (America/Denver) Jun 18, 2026	reporter Durango trails cleared the very large trees.