Big Al Trail
Big Al Trail (630) is handicapped accessible and offers spectacular views of the West Mancos River Valley and the La Plata Mountains with the visually prominent Mount Hesperus. The trail is a wide, graded, fine-gravel trail, passing through ponderosa pine, oak and aspen stands to a large wood-planked viewing platform perched on the rim of the West Mancos Canyon. The grade on the Big Al Trail never exceeds 8%, keeping the trail within the ADA maximum allowable grade of 12.5%, and there are benches located every 500 feet, making this path ideal for wheelchair users, persons with walkers, or anyone with reduced mobility. Tiny meadows break up the aspen forest and the trail is flecked with colorful wildflowers in every direction.
The trail takes its name from a local Forest Service employee, Al Lorentzen, who was injured while fighting a fire near Yellowstone National Park in 1988. Al is now a wheelchair user and the trail that bears his name is fully ADA accessible from trailhead to observation platform.
Please note, horses, mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are not allowed.
- Distance (one way): 0.6 miles
- Minimum Elevation: 8,900 feet
- Maximum Elevation: 8,980 feet
- Seasonal Information: This trail is usually accessible June through October
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
General Information
Hiking only
Address: 29211 Highway 184 Dolores, CO 81323
Phone: (970) 882-7296
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From the Dolores Public Lands Office turn left onto Hwy 184 heading toward Mancos. Continue 16.7 miles to CR 42/W. Mancos Rd. and turn left. Continue approx. 5 miles to the Forest Service Boundary. Follow (FS 561) for 4.5 miles. When approaching the Transfer Recreation Area, stay to the right onto (FS 565) for 1.3 miles.
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking
Outdoor Science and Learning
