In every mountain range, there is an obscure corner that few people ever visit. The locale may not be high enough, or difficult enough, or it may be so out of the way that even the animals seem to avoid it. Jura Knob isn’t quite that bad as it is a haven for wildlife, but there’s no doubt this often overlooked mountain is rarely visited.

Located south of the town of Silverton in Colorado’s sprawling San Juan mountains, Jura Knob stands as a lonely sentinel of tundra amidst the higher monarchs that surround it. Despite its modest 12,614 foot elevation, Jura Knob offers one of the state’s most incredible and diverse views from an alpine summit. The highest point of the immediate area, the view from Jura Knob is unimpeded and features impressive peaks such as Engineer, Grizzly, Twin Sisters, Rolling Mountain and the many peaks of the Needles and Grenadier ranges to the east. Add to this an abundance of wildlife and you’ve got one spectacular mountain perch, and one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.

There are a number of routes to Jura Knob, two of which are covered in the excellent book by Paul Pixler, “Hiking Trails of Southwestern Colorado.” They are highlighted in the route options section below. Don’t expect to see many folks on these routes, though. The East Ridge route, featured here on this page (upper left hand column), is even more obscure and is somewhat of a bushwhacking exercise and exclusive to SP. Expect solitude on this route, and bring a GPS and a topographical map.

If you’re one who likes company, Jura Knob is not the mountain for you! If you are after a quality wilderness experience and perhaps a route finding challenge through dark timber and high tundra, Jura Knob via the East Ridge route is your ticket to a challenging and captivating time in Colorado’s great San Juan mountains!

Jura Knob, nestled in a cozy tundra paradise, as seen from Engineer Mountain
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson

Getting There

From Molas Pass, south of Silverton on highway 550, drive 3.5 miles south to a hairpin turn where the highway crosses the Lime Creek drainage. There is parking just before the crossing right at the beginning of the Lime Creek trail. Gather your things, lock your car and walk across the crossing along the highway. On the west side of Lime Creek, turn right (north) and follow a use trail a short distance and look up the STEEP hillside to your left. Your climb and route finding challenge begins here.

Go to the East Ridge Route page for this route description.

For other options, see the ROUTE OPTIONS section below.

Route Options Overview

LIME CREEK Class 1 10 miles round trip, 2,768 feet gain
One can follow the Lime Creek trail from the trailhead mentioned in the GETTING THERE section. This trail follows Lime Creek up a broad, glaciated drainage, arcing to the north and then west. Route finding challenges undoubtedly await the explorer in the higher reaches of this unnamed basin. The route gains benches that eventually lead south toward Jura Knob.

EAST RIDGE Class 2 7.75 miles round trip, 3,144 feet gain
An SP exclusive and featured in the ROUTES section (upper left hand column) which utilizes the fastest approach to the mountain by a quick scramble up steep terrain that may involve some brief and exposed class 2 or 3 climbing. A bushwhack through dark timber follows, although one could choose to follow a hunter’s trail that is inevitably encountered but cannot be relied upon for long. Around timberline, the trail fades and one must rely on route finding abilities to navigate westward along a ridge, then southwest to the summit.

COAL CREEK Class 2 6 miles round trip, 2,333 feet gain
This route follows the first drainage north of Coal Bank Pass. Park on the south side of the road where the highway crosses the creek. The route follows a trail and culminates in a shoulder high scramble just before reaching the top.

DEER CREEK Class 2 8 miles round trip, 3,009 feet gain
A good unmarked trail option that begins at the SECOND crossing of a creek (Deer Creek) north of Coal Bank Pass on Highway 550. The trail climbs 1,000 feet in good switchback style before contouring through the forest, then gaining timberline and intercepting the Coal Creek route high on Jura Knob’s south ridge.

LOOP OPTION Class 2 6.5 miles round trip, 2,314 feet gain
Combines the Coal Creek and Deer Creek options, but involves either a shuttle to a vehicle or walking back to your vehicle along Highway 550.

The last three options are covered in detail in the excellent guide by Paul Pixler, “Hiking Trails of Southwestern Colorado.” This rare book covers some great and obscure trails in Colorado’s awesome San Juan Mountains. (See the BOOKS section in the upper left hand corner).

Red Tape

Jura Knob is located in an unprotected, multi-use area. Despite this fact, this area is truly wilderness and should be regarded as such. Please practice “Leave No Trace” protocols and plan accordingly as if you were visiting an official wilderness area.

When To Climb

SUMMER AND FALL: The best time to climb Jura Knob. Be advised the area is popular with hunters in the fall, so plan accordingly.

SPRING: This mountain would present a wet and messy challenge in spring melt conditions. Early spring may offer a great snow and ski ascent and descent (if you’re good enough for the wet snow that falls here in the spring).

WINTER: Allowing for considerable avalanche potential above timberline, a careful ascent and descent could reward you with a successful winter visit to this isolated summit. Knowing and recognizing avalanche dangers and maneuvering on the ridge to avoid them could make this mountain a good candidate for a winter outing. Be sure to be properly equipped and plan for the worst. A serious storm or blizzard in this area would be a formidable challenge to escape from unscathed.

Camping

Each of the route options presented here offer great opportunities for camping and backpacking. There is plenty of water, but be sure to use a filter in this area, which is popular with people and animals alike. Nearby camping is also available at Little Molas Lake, Molas Lake (fee camping), and the Andrews Lake area. The Lime Creek Campground (fee area) is located south of Coal Bank Pass on Highway 550. Informal camp sites are also available along the road that circumnavigates Spud Hill, east of Engineer Mountain.

Silverton is not far to the north on Highway 550. Several established businesses host camping areas around town, and of course there are a number of fine lodging facilities available in Silverton.

In the Mineral Creek area west of Silverton, camping possibilities are endless. Camping near the trailhead on the west side of Clear Creek, south of the road, is very good. Mineral Creek Campground, a fee site, is nice for vehicles and RVs.

This is a high alpine environment. Severe weather can turn a glorious campsite into a nightmarish experience. Take appropriate gear and tent suitable for alpine use.

Mountain Conditions

Telluride/San Juan Regional Weather

GOES Western US Satellite Image

Uncompahgre National Forest
2250 Hwy 50
Delta, Co. 81416
970-874-6600

San Juan National Forest
15 Bunett Ct.
Durango, Co. 81301
970-247-484
970-385-1243 FAX

COLORADO STATE PATROL ROAD CONDITIONS STATEWIDE
303-639-1111

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