Navajo Lake State Park - Cottonwood Campground To North San Juan River Trail

This log covers my hike from the Navajo Lake State Park - Cottonwood Campground To North San Juan River Trail, but also includes the Simon Canyon Trail (BLM).

Finding the trailhead from the Cottonwood Campground was a little confusing at first, but basically it starts near the river and parallels it.  You get some scenic views of the river along the way, but it is even more scenic along the North San Juan River Trail.  The only problem with the latter trail is it was very poorly maintained at the far end.  I am not sure where the trail actually ended.  It just seemed to disappear and walking became increasingly difficult so I turned around.

On the way back, I took the Simon Canyon Trail to the end where the ruin is located.  This was a pleasing diversion and added more miles to my hike.