Corral Draw (521)
Within the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area, Corral Draw Trail #521 starts at the Colorado Trail (Highline Trail #520), switchbacks down an east-facing grassy bowl, dipping into several gullies and soon merging into the spruce and fir at the bottom of the draw. Near the bottom, the trail passes through several small south-facing meadows that offer good camp spots. Wading Hermosa Creek is necessary to access the Hermosa Trail. Water should always be purified to avoid Giardia.
Fishing: Hermosa creek offers opportunities to catch brook and rainbow trout.
- Distance (one-way): 5 miles
- Maximum elevation: 10,900 feet
- Minimum elevation: 8,555 feet
At a Glance
Best Season: | Spring, Summer, and Fall |
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Restrictions: | Open to single track motorized use. For a full list of regulations, visit the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area page. |
Closest Towns: | Durango, CO |
Water: | Purification recommended |
Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace |
Information Center: | Columbine Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Durango: Drive north on US 550 for 28 miles. Turn west at Purgatory Ski Resort. Follow Hermosa Park Road, FR #578 for 10.5 miles to the junction with Hotel Draw Rd #550. Turn west on this road and follow it about 5 miles to the junction with Scotch Creek Rd #550.1. Directly after this Y in the road, the Colorado Trail is south from a gate. There is adequate parking for several vehicles. Follow the Colorado Trail 1 mile to the Corral Draw trail. 4WD recommended.
The lower portion of this trail can be accessed from Upper Hermosa Creek Trail #514 off of Hermosa Park Road #578. The trailhead is very accommodating with bathrooms, parking, livestock ramps, and an interpretive map.