Spencer Basin Trail

About

The Spencer Basin Trail is a 4.5-mile difficult hike near Silverton, Colorado, reaching an elevation of 12,777 feet. The route begins at the end of the Cunningham Gulch road and follows an old mining road into a valley surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. The trail climbs gently to the southwest before becoming faint and challenging to navigate through the basin near a stream. Hikers cross a southern pass, descend toward the Whitehead Trail, and can connect to the Highland Mary Lakes trail for a larger loop. The area is largely treeless, offering open views of mountains and wildlife including mountain goats, marmots, and wildflowers. Parking is available at the trailhead. The trail is accessible year-round from January to December, though winter conditions may require extra preparation. The typical duration for the hike is about 3 hours.