dillon pinnacles

It was a nice hike next to blue mesa reservoir. Low tech. We did it with a group of middle school kids. Beautiful scenery.

We've been by here several times and always have to stop. The lake this year looks healthy which adds to the beauty of the rare formation. There's a large parking area off Hwy. 50 to get pictures and read about how the pinnacle were formed.

One of my favorite hikes in the Gunnison area, because it is so easy to get to, with paved parking, dogs are welcome (mountain lion territory so keep them on a lease just in case), and I love the wide open expansive views. Hikes that take you through the forests are great too, but this is one of the few with open views the whole way. There is some elevation gain in the second half, but overall it is a pretty moderate hike and the first half is an easy trail walk. There are benches along the way as well as informational signs about the geological history, names, pictures, maps.

What's not to like? There were nice picnic facilities and restrooms at the trailhead. The trail (which begins at the end of the boat ramp) and starts out with a gentle grade along the lakeshore. It continues a steady climb and eventually becomes challenging for those who are not acclimated. Views of the lake and wildflowers make the climb worthwhile and you only need to hike in about a mile and a half for terrific views of the lake and the pinnacles formations. It's easy on the return. Keep in mind this is out in the open, so don't hike this in the mid day sun.

It is only a +-4 mile round trip hike to interesting rock formations. The trailhead is easily accessible and because of that there is a constant highway noise for at least 1 mile of the trail. Maybe it was wind blowing from the directions of the highway but it was noisy trail. Once farther away it became very pleasant hike. It was a very short trail but I added a side trail making a round trip of 8 miles total. IMHO, the best time for hiking to Dillon Pinnacles is early in the morning for those who want to have a good light for photographing rock formations.

This was a perfect shorter hike with just enough terrain to get your heart rate up but not too much to take the whole day. This was less than two hours round trip with really pretty views and not a lot of other hikers. We would do this again.

Good view of Blue Mesa Reservoir, attractive vegetation, easy but uphill walking. Right off the highway.

This hike was about 4 miles, easily accessable, and with great views of the pinnacles and reservoir. The trail has some elevation gain but nothing overly strenuous. A nice hike if you have 90 minutes to spare.

I've taken many photographs of the Dillon Pinnacles which change according to the clouds & sunlight. Never pass by without seeing tourists doing the same. Pull out is large enough to handle several cars. Don't pass this by!

For folks driving along U.S. 50 in Colorado, these formations (remnants of a big volcanic mud flow), on the north side of Blue Mesa Reservoir just west of a bridge, are worth a glance through the car window, and are even more interesting up close. It's worth a stop at the rest area on the north side of the bridge and a short hike to get that closer look. I believe that photos (from U.S. 50 on the west side of the lake, if you prefer to grab a shot or two and run) are best in morning light on a sunny day, which is when the accompanying one was taken.