Molas Lake to Animas River Hike

If you are after a fun adventure in the San Juan Mountains that offers a good amount of difficulty, a variety of terrain, and scenic views of the picturesque Colorado landscape, then the Molas Lake to Animas River Hike will be a great route for you to explore.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will head to the south across the open meadows and descend the hillside until you arrive at the banks of Molas Creek. Here, you will turn to the east and make your way further downhill along a series of switchbacks through a mixture of meadows and forest, where you will eventually come to the edge of the Animas River.

Here, you can explore the area surrounding the riverbank, cross a bridge over its rushing waters, and take in the amazing views of the surrounding landscape, before heading back along the same trail. After climbing up the steep switchbacks and working your way through the meadows and forests, you will keep right at a junction that will take you on an alternate route to the trailhead past the shores of Molas Lake.