Engineer Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Engineer Mountain is a beautiful spot in San Juan county, Colorado. There are many things to do there, including hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The scenery is breathtaking, and the air is clean and fresh. Engineer Mountain is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are plenty of trails to explore, and the views from the top of the mountain are simply stunning. Picnic areas are dotted around the mountain, so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch with family or friends. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at fishing in one of the many lakes or streams. So whatever your interest, Engineer Mountain is sure to have something for you.

Engineer Mountain is the highest summit of the San Juan Mountains in San Juan County, Colorado. The peak is notable for its symmetrical cone-shaped profile and for being the highest point in the state west of the Continental Divide. Engineer Mountain was named by miners in the 19th century who were impressed by the peak's resemblance to a coal-burning locomotive. The mountain is part of the Cimarron Range, which extends from southern Colorado into northern New Mexico. The range is home to a number of other high peaks, including Mt. Sneffels, which is the tallest mountain in the San Juans. Engineer Mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, who come to enjoy the area's stunning views and challenging trails. Whether you're looking to conquer one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners or simply enjoy a scenic hike, Engineer Mountain is an ideal destination.

Engineer Mountain is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to go depends on what you're looking for. Spring and summer are the busiest times, as the weather is warm and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, fall is also a beautiful time to visit, as the leaves change color and the crowds thin out. Winter is a great time for skiing and snowboarding, but be aware that the roads can be icy and dangerous. 

1. Start early: The peak is located at an elevation of 12,800 feet, so it's important to give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the altitude. If possible, start your hike early in the morning when the air is cooler and there's less chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
2. Bring plenty of water: There are no water sources on Engineer Mountain, so you'll need to carry all the water you'll need for your hike. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least 1 liter per person for every hour you plan to be on the trail.
3. Wear proper footwear: Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction. The last thing you want is to slip and fall on the rocky trails.
4. Stay on the trail: It's important to stay on established trails in order to minimize your impact on the fragile alpine ecosystem. In addition, staying on the trail will help you avoid getting lost in the maze of mountains.
5. Watch your step. The trails on Engineer Mountain can be tricky, so be sure to watch your step and take care not to slip or trip.
6. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you're hiking, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
7. Please respect private property rights - do not trespass on any land that is not open to the public.
    

1. Engineer Mountain is named after a engineer who surveyed the area in the late 1800s.The mountain sits at an elevation of 12,368 feet (3,767 meters), making it the highest peak in San Juan County.
2. Engineer Mountain is part of the San Juans, a group of mountains that includes some of the most famous peaks in Colorado such as Mount Elbert and Mount Sneffels.
3. The views from Engineer Mountain are truly breathtaking, especially of nearby 14ers like Wetterhorn Peak and Uncompahgre Peak.
4. Despite its relatively easy ascent, Engineer Mountain sees very few visitors compared to other Colorado mountains – you can often have the summit to yourself!
5. The mountain is covered in colorful wildflowers in the summer months, making for a beautiful hike.
6. There are two main trails that lead to the summit of Engineer Mountain – both are fairly challenging with steep sections and loose rock.
7. The summit of Engineer Mountain features a large cairn built by earlier climbers, as well as a logbook where you can leave your name and date of ascent.
8. In winter, the summit of Engineer Mountain is often snow-covered and inaccessible to vehicles.
    

Hike to the top of the peak, it is recommended that you allow a minimum of 3 hours to explore the area. However, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to rest or take in the scenery, it could take up to 6 hours to complete the hike.

There are several different ways to approach the mountain, but the most popular route is from the town of Silverton. From Silverton, take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad north for about 3 miles to the trailhead. The trail then switchbacks up the mountain for about 2 miles before reaching open alpine tundra. From here, the trail contours around the west side of the mountain before reaching the summit. 

There is no entrance fee to explore Engineer Mountain. However, there are some restrictions in place to protect the fragile ecosystem. For example, visitors are not permitted to camp overnight or build fires. In addition, off-road vehicles are not allowed on the trails. These restrictions help to ensure that Engineer Mountain remains a beautiful and wild place for everyone to enjoy.

Engineer Mountain is open all year round, and the opening hours vary depending on the season. In winter, the mountain is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, and in summer it is open from 8 AM to 7 PM.