Starting from the Colorado Trail (Highline) the trail switchbacks down and east facing grassy bowl, dipping into several gullies and soon merging into the spruce and fir at the bottom of the draw. The trail stays in the bottom of the draw for the duration of the hike. Near the bottom, the trail passes through several small south-facing meadows that offer nice camping spots. Wading Hermosa Creek is necessary to access Hermosa Trail. Water should always be purified to avoid Giardia.

Directions: From Durango, Colorado, Access #2 (Trail access): Access the bottom of this trail from Hermosa Park Road (Forest Road 578). The trailhead is very accommodating with bathrooms, parking, livestock ramps, and an interpretive map. Follow this trail (514) for about 2.5 miles to the junction with Corral Draw Trail 521.

Elevation: 10,880 feet

Ending Elevation: 8,555 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,325 feet

Distance: 5.0 miles

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Strenuous

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