Silverton Mountain Trail Marathon

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

This loop heads out from Silverton and covers a lot of ground, circumnavigating the Kendall Mountain/Peak area and includes pars of the (in)famous Hardrock 100 course.

There is a pit toilet in Cunningham Gulch.

This map has the loop starting from where I was camping, However, it can be started from downtown Silverton or the Kendall Mountain Rec area.

From the Rec area, the route begins simply, by following the dirt road that heads west, and then southwest. It climbs for several miles before connecting with the Whitehead Trail #674. This continues through to the Highland Mary Lakes Trail #606. However, between those two points you'll cross over a ridge, providing you with some fantastic views. The challenge develops when you approach some lakes prior to Highland Mary Lakes. This area is less visited and the trail is hard to follow over the rock and through the willows. Use this and/or other mapping devices to find your way.

Once you get to the far side of the last lake, the trail becomes better defined and guides you easily to the Highland Mary Lakes Trail #606 . From that point just follow the trail down to Cunningham Gulch Trail Connector, which will take you to the road that goes through the gulch.

At the larger parking area, you'll cross the river. You'll see the trail climbing up the western wall. 2600ft in 2.2 miles. Yeah. During the Hardrock 100, in even years, runners face this climb after 90 miles of traversing the San Juans. Consider that when you feel like complaining as you gasp for air.

The trail is easy to follow once it is found. Once it goes over the ridge line, it'll drop and hit a road which you'll take back to the HR100 Silverton Route and follow back into town (the app will, again, help ensure you don't take any wrong turns)

There is a momma moose and two babies along the HR100 Silverton Route. If you see them, keep your distance.