Segment 9

Engineer Mountain & Animas River

  • Distance: 44.4 miles

  • Vertical: +7733', -8321'

  • Highlights:

    • Engineer Mountain

    • Cascade Creek Falls

    • Animas River

  • Main Challenges:

    • Coordinating with train

    • Snow in early and late season

  • Scrambling Grade: None. All trails.

  • Exposure: Minimal.

Engineer Mountain

From Rico, the GCR gains Section Point to connect with the Colorado Trail to tour the beautiful Hermosa Peak area.

It then visits the base of Engineer Mountain which is an excellent Class 3 scramble side quest if timing and conditions permit.

The GCR then drops to Purgatory along Cascade Creek with a highly worthwhile waterfall and swimming hole nearby.

Hikers can hitch from US Highway 550 to either Durango or Silverton to resupply, but the segment continues up the Animas River for a more iconic resupply option: Taking the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from the Needleton wilderness stop to either Silverton or Durango (see below for information).

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but high snow can make sections difficult or impassable without specialized skillsets.

The Needleton train pickup and dropoff closes during winter.

Colorado Trail, near Section Point

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees for hiking or camping along this segment.

Train tickets cost a fee and may require a reservation, see below.

Cascade Creek along Colorado Trail

Train Information

The Silverton Train is a memorable way to resupply in town, but it takes some preplanning.

You can only get dropped off at Needleton from Durango, and it requires an advanced reservation.

Easiest / Most Flexible Option: Take the train to Silverton, hike Segment 10 backwards, and take the train back to Silverton.

  • While in Rico:

    • Acquire $35 cash in exact change (ATM in gas station)

    • Call the Silverton Train (1-888-872-4607) to confirm what time the Needleton to Silverton pick up is (typically in AM)

  • Hike Segment 9: Rico → Needleton

  • Hail the train Needleton → Silverton. Costs $35 cash

  • While in Silverton:

    • Acquire $35 cash in exact change (ATM in gas station)

  • Hike Segment 10 “backwards” Silverton → Needleton

  • Hail the train Needleton → Silverton. Costs $35 cash

Continuous Direction of Travel Option: For those wishing to maintain a continuous direction of travel, you will need to go to Durango and reserve train tickets ahead of time.

  • While in Rico:

    • Call the Silverton Train (1-888-872-4607) to book Durango to Needleton roundtrip tickets

      • Request to have the ride order flipped: Needleton → Durango, then Durango → Needleton

      • You will need to know roughly what day you plan on getting picked up from Needleton

      • You will need to know exactly what day you take the train Durango to Needleton. This date cannot be changed after booking

      • Also confirm what time the Needleton to Durango pick up is (typically afternoon)

      • Costs $135 roundtrip

  • Hike Segment 9: Rico → Needleton

  • Take the train to Durango

  • Resupply

  • Take the train back to Needleton

This option also works for clockwise thru hikers (Segment 10, Durango train ride, then Segment 9).

Swimming hole and Cascade Creek Falls

Water

Water is less problematic in this area, though be mindful of extended stretches above treeline and streams.

Tiger Salamanders near Bolam Pass

Camping

Camping is generally straightforward along this stretch.

  • You may want to take a small side spur to camp in a popular boondocking area near Purgatory.

Animas River and Silverton Train

Other Considerations

  • Snow Travel: Thru hikers may encounter high snow levels when traversing this section and are encouraged to carry appropriate gear (e.g., microspikes and ice axe), know how to use them, and have backup plans if their planned route is unsafe or impassable.