Name: Honaker Trail
Rating: 4.5

“Steeped in history, this precipitous drop to the river offers an up-close look at the area's geology.”

— Matthew Kidd

GPX File

Features River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly This trail offers pure, unbridled adventure with fantastic views. Your kids are going to love it!

Description

It's hard to believe there is a way down to the San Juan River in this area. But back in 1893, Henry Honaker constructed a trail as a supply route for gold prospectors. The gold mining didn't pan out (pun intended) and legend has it that Honaker only collected enough gold to make a wedding ring for his wife.

Hiking up the Honaker Trail is a classic San Juan River rafting activity, though many groups will turn around at Horn Point after about 1.3 miles, when the trail reaches a rock outcrop almost directly above the starting point below, rather than climb the entire 1200 ft.

From the parking area on the rim above, the descent and climb back out aren't difficult per se, but they do follow steady grades. However, your effort is rewarded constantly by fantastic views and an often-beguiling interaction of light and water.

For a detailed trip report of hiking the Honaker Trail, read Rich Holtzin's Honaker Trail guide.