The small, rustic wooden cabin known as the Molas Pass cabin is one of the most photographed cabins in Colorado. It offers breathtaking views of the rugged Grenadier Mountains and evokes a sense of a bygone era, a time when life was simple yet challenging for those who took risks in search of silver in southern Colorado.

If you're traveling north from Durango, CO, you'll pass this charming piece of history. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this remarkable location and reflect on how much life has changed over the years.

Images and location summary by Tim Wier

Trail Difficulty - MODERATE

I would rate this trail's difficulty 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The location of the shot is a short 300-yard hike from the parking area off of the highway (HWY 550). There are several locations and compositions on the hill south of the parking area. Walk around until you find the composition you like best.

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

37°45'50.3"N 107°40'40.5"W

10,465 Ft. Elevation

Download KMZ Trail File

Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.

Photography Tips

This location is all about the angle, light, and the vibrant colors of the trees surrounding the cabin. As mentioned, there are several excellent compositions available down the hill from the parking area. Take some time to walk around and discover your favorite view. Additionally, consider descending further down the hill from this spot; the shot will feel more intimate, and your perspective will change as you get closer.

If you visit this location and find that the leaves have not yet turned brilliant colors, try to return later when the foliage is more vibrant. The scene becomes much more captivating with colorful trees framing the cabin. If you're in the area after a recent snowfall, this is also a fantastic place to photograph in Colorado.

Be prepared to be patient and wait for the right lighting. Fortunately, I was able to capture this image on an overcast day with dappled light. After some waiting, a spotlight of light illuminated the cabin, drawing the viewer's eye.

Directions

CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the parking area for the Molas Pass Cabin

The Molas Pass cabin is between Silverton and Durango (much closer to Silverton).

From Silverton - from the gas station on the south end of town, drive south toward Durango for 3.9 miles, and on the left (east side of the road), you will see a small parking area that holds about 10 cars. If you pass the Molas Lake and campground on the east, you have gone too far.

From Durango - from the north part of town, drive north toward Silverton for approximately 41 miles (you will drive past the Molas Pass Lake and campsite on the right east side). About 1 mile after Molas Lake, you will see a small parking area on your right that holds about 10 cars.

From the parking area, walk south down the hill for about 150 to 200 yards.

View In Google earth

EXIF Data

Focal Length – 70 mm
Exposure – 200th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 250
Date – Sept 29th
Time – 3.50 PM

Best Time of Day to Shoot

I have seen images from this location at different times of the day. In the morning, the sunrise casts a beautiful glow on the sky and the distant mountains. However, the sun needs to rise quite high to clear the eastern mountains and provide light to the cabin. I found that late afternoon or cloudy days with dappled light offer excellent lighting conditions. Close to sunset could be another option, but a large mountain to the west will block the sun during that time.

Best Time of Year

You can photograph this location anytime you can access it. However, for me, the very best time is during the Fall color season.

Lens(es) Needed

The image above was taken at 70 mm lens. However, there are MANY locations south of the parking area for this shot. A 24 - 105 mm lens would allow for different compositions.

Birds-Eye View

Permits

No permits are required at this location.

Direction of the Shot

The direction of your shot is southeast at around 140°.

Equipment Needed

Depending on the time of day you are photographing this location, you may want to bring a tripod (for sunrise or sunset). However, if you are shooting this in the late afternoon, there is really no need for a tripod.

The hike to the location of this shot is fairly close; you would benefit from hiking boots.

Number of Other Photographers to Expect

I have heard of times when many photographers are at this location at sunrise. I have visited this spot several times, and most of the people are tourists who just want to take quick pictures with their iPhones.

Weather

Current Weather

The Colorado weather is usually mild in the summer and cold (lows in the 20s) in the spring and fall. Having never been to this location in the winter, I am not sure the road is open or maintained at that time of year.

The Little Cabin