Transfer Trail - West Mancos loop

After fueling up at Absolute Bakery in Mancos, we hit the Transfer Trail loop starting at the Transfer Campground. The loop was about 4 miles, but with decent (700 ft) elevation gain. There is significant gain and loss during the 1.5 mile section on the West Mancos trail. The trail drops down 500 ft to the floor of the West Mancos canyon, downstream a mile and a half and back up about 700 feet to the rim trail. An awesome little loop.

We followed the route on page 108 (Transfer Trail) of Hiking Trails in Southwestern Colorado (4th ed). It was a nice hike for me and a great one for the dogs, Andrea and Adaira. Since recovering from her torn Achilles, this is probably Andrea's hardest hike. A good test with amazing views. I've heard that the West Mancos does not support a strong fish habitat. While the river looked great for brookies, rainbows and maybe a brown in the deep holes, I didn't see a single fish. Poor biomass on this stream, but I'm sure there is a fish to get into.

Andrea and Adaira trucking up the Box Canyon trail on the return section of the loop. The temps were in the mid 80s and hot when out of the shade and breeze. But, the girls did great.

Pancho cooling off in the West Mancos looking upstream. Lots of pocket water, not many evident fish. Caddis and Mayflies on the water.

Great views up canyon 15 miles to Mt Hesperus and Sharkstooth. The ridge on the right of Hesperus drops down into Tomahawk Basin on the La Plata Canyon side.