DIRECTIONS:  From the intersection of Hwys 550 and 62 in Ridgway, turn west on Hwy 62 towards Telluride.  Turn right (north) on County Road 24A and left (west) on County Road 24.  Follow 24 until it becomes County Road 1 and starts climbing up to the top of the Mesa.  At the top, turn right on Ponderosa Drive.  Follow Pondersa Drive past the fire station and look for a small parking area and trail sign on the right.  The trailhead is very difficult to spot after a big snow storm.  There is room for a few cars in the parking area.  
The Escarpment Path is one of many trails in the Loghill Village trail system located on the mesa top just to the west of downtown Ridgway.  While the trails are open to the public, they are surrounded by private land and residences so please be respectful.  The Escarpment Trail runs along the edge of the mesa and therefore has incredible views of both the Sneffels Range and the Cimarron Range to the east.  All the iconic peaks are visible with Mt. Sneffels (14,150 ft) being the most prominent.  

In the winter, this trail is a wonderful option as you can get amazing mountain views with easy access and short distances.  It's only about 3 tenths of a mile to the first overlook but when you are hiking through single digit temperatures you'll be happy to have the option of making this a short hike.  

On the day I visited the Escarpment Path, a snow storm had just rolled in and the epic mountain views were nonexistent.  It was also frigid cold so 1.5 miles roundtrip was all I could muster.  However, before I left the San Juans, I returned and hiked out to the main lookout on a blue bird day to experience to majesty of the Sneffels and Cimarron Ranges...simply stunning.  

With so much to offer, this hike is a great option for kids and adults alike looking to take in the views without an all-day commitment.  It's also thrilling to think that you are hiking along the edge of the Colorado Plateau gazing upon the start of the San Juan Mountains and imagining all the wonders that lie to the south.    

December 27, 2018

December 30, 2018