Three Lakes Creek

A fun adventure in an fantastic mountain setting. The canyon is not overly difficult, and many of the raps can be bypassed (but why would you do that) . This would be a good intro to canyons with flowing water. The overall day is really enjoyable.

Located north of Durango and south of Silverton. The drainage is easily visible from HWY 550. It's accessed from Old Lime Creek road at the bottom, and from the top at the Andrew's Lake TH.

Trailhead Location/Shuttle: On Hwy. 550, drive to the north entrance of Old Lime Creek Road.Follow Old Lime Creek Road for roughly 2.5 miles, you’ll be across from the exit/Three Lakes Creek (named on the map). Park your shuttle vehicle off to the side and out of the way. Take your other vehicle back to Hwy. 550 and drive north. Before the top of the pass there will be a signed turn for Andrew’s Lake (right side of the highway if heading north). Drive to Andrew’s Lake and park in the parking lot. This is the trail head.

From the Trailhead: Follow the Crater Lake trail for 2 miles to the wilderness boundary; continue another .5 miles or so to where the trail crosses Three Lakes Creek. Follow the creek down stream through the thick forest then a meadow. After some pleasant bushwhacking down the creek(ish) you will come to the first rap. There are a handful of rappels with only a few mandatory. Enjoy short slot sections interspersed with creek hiking. Near the end you’ll come to the exit slot. At the bottom of the slot is Lime Creek. Cross Lime Creek and climb the steep hill, you will be on Lime Creek road and see your car if you parked in the right place.

Flowing water. Raps to 150'. Natural anchors, mostly trees. The two stage rap is the highlight of the canyon, perhaps.