There are three major trails within the Coal Bank / Molas Pass area that are feasible for horse riding.
Crater Lake
Crater Lake Trail is located within the San Juan National Forest and accessible off of U.S. Highway 550 approximately 6.5 miles north of Coal Bank Pass (look for the sign for Andrew lake). The trail begins at Andrews Lake and climbs southward along a single track to Crater Lake. The trail passes through alpine meadow and mixed spruce and fir conifer woodland. The view at Crater Lake is breath taking.
Engineer Mountain
Located within the San Juan National Forest and accessible off of U.S. Highway 550 approximately 4.7 miles south of Coal Bank Pass is the Engineer Mountain Trail. The single track trail starts at the southern foot of Engineer Mountain and heads due north to the mountain peak. The trail is also used by mountain bikers. One will pass through mixed aspen, upland willow, mixed spruce and fir conifers and end within an alpine meadow. Once at the end of the trail, one will see Coal Bank Pass immediately to the east.
Little Molas Lake
Located within the San Juan National Forest and accessible off of U.S. Highway 550 at Molas Pass is the Little Molas Lake Trail. The single track trail starts at the west side of Little Molas Lake and heads northwest towards Twin Sisters Peak (Part of the Colorado Trail Segment 25). The trail is also used by mountain bikers. One will pass through mixed aspen, upland willow, mixed spruce and fir conifers and end at an unnamed alpine lake located between Twin Sisters and Jura Knob. One has the option of continuing on along the Colorado Trail Segment 25.
