Box Canyon (617)

Box Canyon Trail (617) intersects with several other trails for a shorter or longer experience. You begin by dropping down into the West Mancos Canyon via the Box Canyon Trail and intersect a water diversion access road once in the drainage bottom. Turn to the north on the access road to access the West Mancos Trail (621). Turn south on the access road to continue the Box Canyon Trail.
- Heading North will take you to the West Mancos trail and destinations further to the north (separate trail guide)
- Heading South will take you to the Coyote Park Trail (191) heading back up the other side of the canyon via several steep switchbacks. The Coyote Park Trail (191) has the same travel restrictions as the Box Canyon Trail (617). It is approx. 1 mi to Coyote Park South Trail (170). The Coyote Park South Trail (170) is approx. 2.2 mi and can also be accessed by FSR 328.C and FSR 328.B (South Rampart Road) and is open to OHV travel from April to November.
- Continuing to the East takes you further along the Box Canyon Trail (617) by climbing a series of steep switchbacks to reach the top of a high elevation mesa. The trail continues across this mesa for several miles before descending into the Deer Lick Creek Drainage and finally its terminus at the Golconda Trail (173). Watch for cairns and marker posts along the way as this section of trail is intersected by numerous cow trails and can be hard to follow.
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Length: 6.9 mi – one way to Golconda Trail or 0.8 mi to Coyote Park Trail
Beginning Elevation: 8,219‘
Ending Elevation: 9,647’
At a Glance
Restrictions: | Motorcycles/Motorbikes including E-bikes are only allowed 6/1-11/14 |
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Closest Towns: | Mancos, CO |
Water: | Purification recommended |
Information Center: | Dolores Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From the Dolores Public Lands Office turn left onto Hwy 184 heading toward Mancos. Continue 16.7 miles to CR 42/FSR 621 W. Mancos Rd. Travel approximately 8.5 miles and look for the Box Canyon Trailhead (617).
Parking:
Parking 2-5 spaces at trailhead, extra parking and bathrooms available at Transfer Recreation Area one mile north.