Headwaters of the Rio Grande

About

The Headwaters of the Rio Grande is a moderate hiking destination located near Silverton, Colorado. The trail sits at an elevation of 12,564 feet and typically requires about two hours to complete. Access is available from September through November, a period when fall foliage peaks and weather conditions remain generally mild. The route follows the Stony Pass road, an unpaved forest route that connects Silverton to Creede. This high-elevation path offers panoramic views of the Continental Divide and Canby Mountain, which rises to 13,460 feet nearby. The Rio Grande originates at this location and flows approximately 1,885 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Trail conditions can be rocky and uneven, with potential for snow and ice at higher elevations later in the season. Parking is available at the trailhead, and pets are permitted on the hike.