Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
Starting out from the dirt parking area just south of downtown Durango.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The trail gets steep right away and gains a thousand feet in the first mile.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
It doesn't take long to get south-facing views.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The high desert terrain has a great mix of flora here.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
Smelter Mountain Trail is a great opportunity for solitude. Only a small handful of people visit at one time, even on weekends.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
Looking north toward downtown Durango from Smelter Mountain.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The view from Smelter Mountain.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
Overlooking the Durango area from Smelter Mountain.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The Animas River flows right through town.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The train station for the narrow-gauge rail line to Silverton.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
Overlooking Durango and the San Juan Mountains from Smelter Mountain.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
Once atop the plateau, you start to get views into the San Juan Mountains to the northwest.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The sharp mountain spines catch the sunlight really well, and dramatic scenes unfold at the summit of Smelter Mountain.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
Arrowleaf balsamroot lining the Smelter Mountain Trail.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The second hill at the west end of the Smelter Mountain Trail.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
To the southwest of Smelter Mountain, you can see Lake Nighthorse once you gain elevation.
Kyle Jenkins
Photo Date: 
05/05/2019
The town of Durango seen from Smelter Mountain.