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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
579 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.4 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4.5-6.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Cave Basin Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Cave Basin Trail is a spectacular hiking route in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will take you through a variety of terrain types to reach a beautifully scenic viewpoint. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain, before arriving at a vista overlooking Dollar lake and the surrounding landscape. The trail can be a bit hard to follow towards the upper end of the hike, so bring a GPS if you are concerned about losing your way.

Route Description for Cave Basin Trail

Even though it can be a bit tricky to navigate in certain places, the Cave Basin Trail is a wonderfully scenic route to set out on if you are looking to take in the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains. Keep an eye out for the cairns along the trail and you should make it to the viewpoint over Dollar lake with no issue!

Setting out from the trailhead, you will head to the northeast and begin immediately climbing uphill alongside the banks of South Bear Creek. Here, you will pass through a mixture of open meadows and forests, taking in the views of the surrounding trees and mountains as you continue on to the northeast.

After working your way through some fairly rugged terrain, you will eventually arrive at a scenic vantage point overlooking the blue waters of Dollar Lake below. Take some time here to relax and appreciate the beautiful Colorado scenery, before heading back along the same route for the return to the trailhead.

Getting to the Cave Basin Trail Trailhead

The Cave Basin Trailhead can be found along Middle Mountain Road, just 10.3mi northeast of the Vallecito Reservoir.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    July-October

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Cave Basin Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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