Details: Bridge of Heaven (via the Horsethief Trail)

This well-engineered trail ascends 3,000-ft. to a knife-edge ridge with spectacular panoramic views.

Trailhead to First Viewpoint

Distance from Trailhead: 3.4 miles (round trip)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 10,385-ft.

Elevation Gain: 1,085-ft.

From the trailhead parking area (see driving directions), walk about 100 yards up the road to the Horsethief trailhead on the right (south side) of the road. The trail immediately starts uphill on a series of well graded switchbacks through a mixed forest of spruce and aspen. After ascending for about 15 minutes sporadic openings in the trees reveal views of Whitehouse Mountain to the west and Ridgway to the north.

At 1.7 miles reach a marked trail junction on a grassy hillside with a sign pointing to a faint trail heading downhill toward Ouray. This is the old Horsethief trail that starts at the northern end of Ouray (the trail was repaired and rerouted in 2004). To the right of the junction is a grassy knoll with wonderful views of Yankee Boy Basin and prominent peaks of the Sneffels range across the valley to the west. To the south you can see the town of Ouray along with the peaks flanking the San Juan Skyway (aka Million Dollar Highway) including Mt. Hayden, Mt. Abrams and, the aptly named, Red Mountain. The viewpoint is a good destination for people hiking with young children or hikers with limited time looking for a short hike with great views.

First Viewpoint to Bridge of Heaven

Distance from Trailhead: 8.0 miles (round trip)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 12,300-ft.

Elevation Gain: 3,000-ft.

The trail now travels on mostly open slopes along the south side of a ridge with nice views, passing in and out of isolated pockets of trees. Along the way a few switchbacks ease the ascent.

For a brief period the trail crosses to the north side of the ridge revealing the highly eroded hillsides of the Dexter Creek drainage and the western most peaks of the Cimarron range to the northeast, including distinctive Courthouse Mountain.

At 3.5 miles the trail breaks out of the trees for the last time, crosses a small depression and begins climbing a series of steep switchbacks up a grassy hillside. Expansive and ever improving views of the Cimarron Range, the Sneffels Range, Ironton and the Red Mountain Pass area divert your attention from the stiff climb.

At the top of the hill follow the trail a short distance to a wooden stake marking the Bridge of Heaven, a narrow 20-ft.-long section of the ridge, at 12,300-ft. To get the best views from this amazing vantage point take a short side trip up the dirt knoll on the west side of the Bridge.

From the knoll the magnificent panorama of the Sneffels range and the peaks forming the south and western walls of Yankee Boy Basin fill the skyline to the west. To the south views extends along the San Juan Skyway from Mt. Hayden to the Red Mountains. To the northeast the sculpted peaks of the Cimarron range paint the horizon. To the north is the town of Ridgway. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep on the rocky ridges below the Bridge.

Across the Bridge to the east the Horsethief trail drops down into a grassy bowl then continues its southeastern course towards Difficulty and American Flats. These destinations are beyond the range of a day hike.

After soaking in the scenery retrace your footsteps. The well maintained trail makes it easy to enjoy the views all over again on the descent.