Box Canyon Trail #617

Located within the Dolores Ranger District of San Juan National Forest, the 5.8 mile Box Canyon Trail rated moderate and has a starting elevation of 8,720' (West Mancos Road) and an ending elevation of 9,185' (Golconda & West Mancos Trail).

Box Canyon Trail begins on the West Mancos Road (FR 561) about 1 mile south of Transfer. Parking is available at the trailhead.

Dropping immediately down into the West Mancos River Canyon via several switchbacks, Box Canyon Trail crosses the West Mancos River after about 0.75 miles, after which it begins to climb the opposite canyon wall, heading downstream to Box Canyon Creek.

Turning up the Box Canyon Creek, the trail then tops out on the Echo Basin Side. Box Canyon Trail then continues to Gray Beal Springs, then turns into an old jeep trail (now closed) that crosses the mesa, passing the Box Canyon & Slate Reservoirs before dropping into Deer Lick Creek. Follow the closed jeep trail down to the West Mancos River. After crossing the river, Box Canyon Trail heads upstream (to your right), paralleling an allotment fence until it reaches a gate. After going through the gate you will see the West Mancos Trail at Golconda. Golconda is the location of an old post office & supply store that serviced miners in the late 1800s/early 1900s.

Montezuma County Colorado

San Juan County Colorado