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Kilpacker basin Trailhead

San Juan Mountains

Road Difficulty1 1  2WD, easy dirt 
Location10,100 feet
37.79704, -108.03892
Driving Directions
From Telluride, drive south on Colorado 145 to Lizard Head Pass. Continue south for 5.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road (FR) 535. Drive over 5 miles on the 2WD dirt road to reach the signed, Kilpacker trailhead on the right.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 7/4/2026:

Clear and dry to the trailhead, most any vehicle can make it with maybe a little care in a few spots. I recalled a big dip at the entrance to the road to the TH proper 2 years ago, but either it was never there or it is fixed - nothing to worry about now. The parking area was quite busy Friday afternoon, ~25 vehicles there. Clear blue skies Friday afternoon, quite smoky with a tiny bit of falling ...

Winter Access

Usually closed a short distance up the 535 road - miles below the TH.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: Parking for ~15 vehicles.
Camping: A few places to pitch a tent at or near the trailhead but most people pack into Kilpacker Basin.
Restrooms: No
Fees: No
Trailhead added by BillMiddlebrook