Colorado Trail Foundation > Quotes

“The trail continues west toward the Continental Divide. Cross FS Rd 427 at mile 4.4 (10,161) and Deadman Creek on a bridge at mile 4.5 (10,164). At mile 5.0 (10,180) cross a small stream and continue on the trail as it turns left. Gain a saddle and pass through a Forest Service gate at mile 5.2 (10,262). Cross Jefferson Lake Road at mile 5.9 (10,014) and Jefferson Creek at mile 6.0 (9,975). At mile 6.1 (9,986) there is an intersection. Take a right on the West Jefferson Trail for 0.1 mile, then go left at the fork at mile 6.2 (9,983). From here, the climb to Georgia Pass begins. At mile 7.8 (10,699), the CT intersects the Michigan Creek Trail. Stay to the right. After the trail leaves a subalpine fir forest and emerges above tree line, pass the Jefferson Creek Trail on the right at mile 11.7 (11,667) and cross a jeep road at mile 12.1 (11,838). Be aware of changing weather patterns when above tree line. Reach the top of Georgia Pass and the Continental Divide at mile 12.3 (11,874). Descend in a northerly direction. Reach Glacier Creek Road at mile 12.5 (11,798). This is the point where users first encounter the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which comes in from the north. The CT and CDNST are co-located for the next 314 miles (including along the CT Collegiate West) and into Segment 24 where the two trails diverge. Cross the road and descend on single-track as it turns right. After entering the trees, cross an ATV trail at mile 15.4 (11,135). Keep descending, passing a pond,”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Segment 6: Kenosha Pass to Gold Hill Trailhead”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Segment 5: Long Gulch to Kenosha Pass”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION Segment 7 begins at the Gold Hill Trailhead on the west side of CO Hwy 9, mile 0.0 (9,197 feet). Leave the parking lot on single-track to the west and begin climbing where trees killed by pine beetles have been cut down. The trail ascends moderate slopes on the fall line here, though authorities have contemplated minor reroutes (traverses and switchbacks) to mitigate tread erosion and be more sustainable. The trail climbs to mile 1.0 (9,659), where there is a well-marked, three-way logging road intersection. Bear to the left. At mile 1.2 (9,748) continue straight ignoring trail on the left. Cross a logging road at mile 1.6 (9,990), passing an old clear-cut area that recently has been replanted. At mile 2.0 (10,158) the CT turns to the right through a colonnade of young trees at another well-marked intersection. At mile 3.2 (9,952) the trail turns left at the intersection with the Peaks Trail near some beaver ponds. There is water here and good camping. At mile 3.4 (10,018), turn right on the Miners Creek Trail. The trail sign here does not identify The Colorado Trail, but there are confidence markers on trees on both sides of the intersection. Over the next mile, cross and recross a small tributary to Miners Creek several times. There are good campsites in the vicinity of the crossings. At mile 4.8 (10,555), the Miners Creek Trail reaches a parking area for jeep access to the trail. Continue on the Miners Creek Trail by bearing to the left after passing most of the parking area. There are campsites on both sides of the parking area. Cross Miners Creek at mile 4.9 (10,583) and several more times in the next mile, most with potential campsites. The last crossing of Miners Creek before entering the tundra is at mile 6.1 (11,120).”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“The waypoint database for The Colorado Trail is around 1,430 points. You can download these CT waypoints from bearcreeksurvey.com. On this site you’ll also find tips for setting your GPS to the correct units and coordinate system before you load any waypoint data.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION Segment 4 begins along FS Rd 560, Rolling Creek Trailhead, mile 0.0 (8,279 feet), where there’s a small parking area and sign. Go west on the jeep road to another small parking area at mile 0.3 (8,354), where there is an information display and trail register. The Colorado Trail is on the right side of the parking area and heads in a northwesterly direction. At mile 1.0 (8,527), take a left when the trail joins an old logging road. After passing a fence, where there is a possible dry campsite, continue uphill to mile 1.9 (9,016), where the trail enters the Lost Creek Wilderness Area. As with all wilderness areas, bikes and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Expect none of the triangular CT confidence markers you’re used to seeing, as reassurance markers are not allowed in Wilderness.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Distance: 16.6 miles Elevation gain: Approx. 3,271 feet Elevation loss: Approx. 1,373 feet USFS map: Pike National Forest, pages 92–93 The Colorado Trail Databook 6: pages 16–17 The CT Map Book: pages 13–15 National Geographic Trails Illustrated map: No. 105 Jurisdiction: South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts, Pike National Forest Access from Denver end: Access from Durango end: Availability of water: Bicycling: See pages 90–91”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Distance: 25.4 miles Elevation gain: Approx. 4,417 feet Elevation loss: Approx. 3,810 feet USFS map: White River National Forest, pages 126–127 The Colorado Trail Databook 6: pages 26–27 The CT Map Book: pages 21–24 National Geographic Trails Illustrated map: No. 109 Latitude 40° map: Summit County Trails Jurisdiction: Holy Cross and Dillon Ranger Districts, White River National Forest Access from Denver end: Access from Durango end: Availability of water:”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAILHEAD/ACCESS POINTS Trailhead access to The Colorado Trail in this area is a bit unusual. Parking is prohibited on the wide shoulders of CO Hwy 91 where Segment 8 begins. Nevertheless, there are convenient parking areas. Copper Far East Lot: This large parking area is adjacent to Segment 7, mile 12.4, a nearly flat, 0.4-mile trail walk from the beginning of Segment 8. Drive west from Denver on I-70 for 80 miles to exit 195 (Copper Mountain/Leadville/CO Hwy 91). Drive beyond the stoplight and entrance to Copper (on the right) and, less than a half mile farther, turn left into the large Copper Far East Parking Lot where there are bathrooms, though at times they are locked. Mid-lot on the east edge, find the CT (and CDT) trailhead with sign. To reach the start of CT Segment 8, beyond the trailhead sign and paved rec path, follow the CT south 0.4 mile to where it crosses CO Hwy 91. Segment 8 begins on the west side of the highway. Use caution when crossing the highway; traffic comes very fast from both directions.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAILHEAD/ACCESS POINTS FS Rd 560/Rolling Creek Trailhead: Drive west from Denver on US Hwy 285 for about 39 miles to Bailey. Turn left and head southeast on Park County Rd 68 (the main intersection in town) that eventually turns into FS Rd 560 (Wellington Lake Road). After about 5 miles, you come to a Y in the road. Take the right branch, which continues as FS Rd 560. Two miles farther on, take the right fork again (still FS Rd 560). Continue another mile to Rolling Creek Trailhead, a small parking area on the right. Drive slowly; it is easy to miss. A small road goes a short distance southwest to another small parking area. North Fork Trailhead: This trailhead is remote and the last 4 miles of the road are seldom used (except during hunting season). It is suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance. Drive southwest from Denver on US Hwy 285 for 58 miles to Kenosha Pass. Continue another 3.2 miles to a gravel side road on the left marked Lost Park Road (Jefferson County Rd 56 and later FS Rd 56). Proceed a little more than 16 miles to a side road (FS Rd 134) that branches to the left and starts to climb. Follow it about 4 miles to its end. The CT is just a short walk across the valley on the other side of the stream. The Brookside-McCurdy Trail comes into the trailhead from the southeast and joins the CT, going northwest along it for a couple of miles, then exiting to the north.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“The first campsite is at mile 7.0 (6,180), but it is small and does not have a nearby water source. The trail continues climbing, following a series of switchbacks until reaching a bench known as Lenny’s Rest in honor of Eagle Scout Leonard Southwell, at mile 7.9 (6,543). There is an intersection here with Indian Creek Trail #800, a single-track sometimes used as an alternate to Waterton Canyon. The trail then descends, crossing Bear Creek at mile 8.7 (6,177). This is the last reliable water source until the end of Segment 1 at the South Platte River. There are several good campsites in this area. At mile 9.8 (6,689) the CT begins to parallel and then occasionally cross West Bear Creek. There is a good, dry campsite at mile 11.8 (7,309) near leaning rocks. The trail continues climbing to a ridge at mile 12.6 (7,517), the segment’s highest point. From here, the CT descends 4 miles before reaching a gentle, grassy slope on a hillside with possible campsites at mile 16.6 (6,240) offering the convenience of river water a short distance below. Travel another 0.2 mile before reaching Douglas County Rd 97 and the South Platte River Trailhead, the end of Segment 1, at mile 16.8 (6,117). From here, the trail continues over the river on the Gudy Gaskill Bridge, the last water for over 10 miles. Due to private property, there is no camping along the river.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Segment 3: Little Scraggy Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Distance: 12.8 miles Elevation gain: Approx. 3,674 feet Elevation loss: Approx. 3,053 feet USFS map: White River National Forest, pages 116–117 The Colorado Trail Databook 6: pages 24–25 The CT Map Book: pages 20–21 National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps: Nos. 108, 109 Latitude 40° map: Summit County Trails Jurisdiction: Dillon Ranger District, White River National Forest Access from Denver end: Access from Durango end:”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION Segment 6 begins on the west side of Kenosha Pass. There are large parking areas on both sides of the highway. After signing in at the trail register at mile 0.0 (9,969 feet), continue into the forest where the trail passes under a power line and reaches a ridge shortly afterward with great views to the west. At mile 1.5 (10,273), cross an old, unused jeep road. After passing through a stand of aspen trees and open meadows, the trail crosses an irrigation ditch at mile 2.8 (9,920) and FS Rd 809 at mile 3.0 (9,852). Just past the road, cross Guernsey Creek, a small stream at mile 3.1 (9,828). There are several good campsites in this area.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAILHEAD/ACCESS POINTS Gold Hill Trailhead: Drive west from Denver on I-70 for about 75 miles to exit 203 (Frisco/Breckenridge). Proceed south on CO Hwy 9 for about 6 miles. The trailhead is on the right side of the highway at the intersection with Gateway Drive. (If you cross the bridge over the Blue River, you have gone 0.25 mile too far.)”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“The trail continues in a southerly direction, climbing below Peak 3, Peak 4, and Peak 5 before reaching a seasonal stream at mile 7.6 (12,320). Continue climbing until you reach the crest of the Tenmile Range at mile 8.0 (12,495). The views on a clear day are magnificent. Along the way up, Lake Dillon and the town of Dillon are visible to the north, Breckenridge sits stately to the east, and Copper Mountain lies 2,500 feet below to the west. After topping out, follow the ridge, passing just west of Peak 6. Descending south, reach a seasonal spring at mile 9.0 (12,176). Continue on a steep descent to reach tree line at mile 9.9 (11,720). The trail then makes a sharp right turn where the Wheeler Trail diverges south at mile 10.4 (11,249). Traverse downhill to the northwest, crossing several small seasonal streams before reaching the valley floor and joining a paved rec path. Continue straight, crossing a bridge over Tenmile Creek at mile 12.4 (9,767). Continue 50 yards more alongside the Copper Far East Parking Lot and trail-head where the trail diverges left onto dirt single-track. There is good access to water and possible campsites before reaching CO Hwy 91, where parking is prohibited, and the end of Segment 7 at mile 12.8 (9,820). Ahead, there is no camping within the first 4 miles of Segment 8 while on Copper Mountain Resort property.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAILHEAD/ACCESS POINTS Kenosha Pass Trailhead: From Denver, drive southwest on US Hwy 285 for about 58 miles to Kenosha Pass. Kenosha Pass Campground is on the right and the Kenosha Pass Picnic Area can be seen on the left side of the highway, back in the trees. Both are fee areas. You may park alongside the highway, however, without paying the fee. The beginning of Segment 6 is on the righthand (northwest) side of the highway, just past the turn-in to the campground. The CT is visible from the highway, proceeding into the forest in a northwesterly direction. Water is available in the campground from a hand pump, after payment of the fee. Jefferson Lake Road Access: This access requires a fee payment. From Kenosha Pass, continue southwest on US Hwy 285 for 4.5 miles to the town of Jefferson. Turn right on Jefferson Lake Road. Drive 2.1 miles to an intersection. Turn right and proceed about a mile to the fee collection point. Continue 2.1 miles to where the CT crosses the road. A small parking area is 0.1 mile farther on the left. Another larger parking area is 0.6 mile down the road, near the Jefferson Lake Campground. Georgia Pass Trail Access: Using the driving instructions for the aforementioned Jefferson Lake Road access, turn right on Jefferson Lake Road, which is also known as the Michigan Creek Road. After 2.1 miles, where Jefferson Lake Road turns right, continue straight on Michigan Creek Road for 10 miles to Georgia Pass where there’s a parking area. The last 2 miles are a little rough, but most vehicles with reasonable ground clearance can make it. From the pass and parking area, find the CT to the northeast and up a very rough jeep road 0.4 mile. North Fork of the Swan River Access: From Denver, travel west on I-70 for about 75 miles to exit 203 (Frisco/Breckenridge). Proceed south on CO Hwy 9 for 7 miles to a traffic light at Tiger Road. Turn left on Tiger Road and drive 7 miles to an intersection with the drainage of the North Fork of the Swan River. Turn left on a single-lane road for 0.5 mile to a nice open area, suitable for camping, just before the road enters the forest. The CT comes out of the forest about 100 yards up a drainage on the left side of the road and proceeds north out of the valley up a closed logging road.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAILHEAD/ACCESS POINTS Waterton Canyon Trailhead: Take I-25 south out of Denver to the C-470 exit. Go west on C-470 for 12.5 miles and take the Wadsworth Boulevard (CO Hwy 121) exit. Go left (south) on Wadsworth for 4.5 miles, then turn left onto Waterton Canyon Road. Continue 0.3 mile to the large trailhead parking area on the left. If this parking area is full, there is another parking area a quarter-mile north up the road. It is connected to the lower parking lot by a trail. South Platte River Trailhead: See Segment 2 on page 74.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION The Colorado Trail begins across the road from the parking lot on Waterton Canyon Road at mile 0.0 (5,522 feet) Continue past the interpretive display and through another parking area that is closed to the public. Bear right at a fork in the road at mile 0.4 (5,522), staying on the main dirt road for the next 6.2 miles. There is no camping permitted along this stretch of trail and dogs are not allowed. At mile 6.2 (5,786), there is a turnoff on the right for Strontia Springs Dam, worthy of a photo, plus vault toilet and water. The CT bears to the left. Go straight at the intersection with a side road on the left that is also Roxborough Trail at mile 6.4 (5,889). Dogs can join the CT at this point. At mile 6.6 (5,931), where the main road curves sharply to the right, leave the main road and go left onto a smaller road. At mile 6.7 (6,024), there is an intersection. Bear to the left and follow the single-track trail. The trail begins to climb more steeply from here.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION Begin Segment 8 on the west side of CO Hwy 91 (no parking) at mile 0.0 (9,820). Camping is prohibited the next 4 miles. The trail enters the forest southwest and follows a few switchbacks uphill as it skirts the golf course, crosses a bridge, and passes under a power line. The CT then heads northwest and traverses ski runs, goes under a ski lift, and passes nearest the Copper Mountain Resort at mile 1.6 (9,768). There are restaurants, sporting goods shops, and some grocery shopping at the base of the ski hill. The trail passes underneath the American Eagle Ski Lift and then becomes single-track at mile 2.1 (9,988), following a few roundabout switchbacks up the hill. There are two streams ahead, followed by great views of the Tenmile Range. At mile 3.4 (10,345), bear sharply to the right and leave the horse trail the CT was following. A cross-country ski trail merges from the left at mile 5.0 (10,519), but the CT continues straight ahead. At mile 5.2 (10,480), pass Jacque Creek, immediately followed by Guller Creek. There is a campsite just up the hill between the two. Continue upstream along Guller Creek following an elongated meadow to mile 6.2 (10,854) for additional camping and water. Janet’s Cabin, a popular ski hut, comes into view as the trail climbs out of the canyon.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION Segment 2 begins by crossing the South Platte River on the Gudy Gaskill Bridge, mile 0.0 (6,117 feet), the last water source for over 10 miles. Due to private property, there is no camping along the river. At the end of the bridge, the trail makes right turns and goes under the bridge along the river. Soon after, the trail veers right, leaving the river, and begins climbing steadily up several switchbacks. At mile 1.1 (6,592), pass an abandoned quartz mine and enter the Buffalo Creek Fire area. Note how the forest is beginning to regenerate. At mile 2.5 (6,841), the trail passes a distinct outcrop of pink granite and continues through rolling terrain. There are several good campsites along this stretch of the trail, including a site between boulders at the top of a ridge at mile 5.2 (7,745). From this spot, the Chair Rocks are visible to the west. Raleigh Peak (8,183) is about a mile to the southeast and Long Scraggy Peak (8,812) is about 4 miles to the south. After a slight downhill, The Colorado Trail crosses Raleigh Peak Road at mile 6.0 (7,691). A dry campsite can be found to the left of the trail at mile 6.6 (7,684). At mile 7.3 (7,613), cross an old jeep road and continue through the burned area. Approaching mile 10.1 is a metal building on the right, the unmanned fire station with emergency water spigot on the northeast corner. Turn left at mile 10.1 (7,622), where the trail parallels Jefferson County Rd 126 for 0.3 mile. Cross Jefferson County Rd 126 at mile 10.4 (7,675) and follow the Forest Service dirt road as it bends to the south. Here at mile 10.7 (7,712) a dry campsite can be found. Segment 2 ends when the trail reaches a large parking area at the Little Scraggy Trailhead on FS Rd 550 at mile 11.5 (7,834). There is a toilet and an information display here. This trailhead is a Forest Service fee area. Camping is not allowed in the parking area, but is permissible outside this area in the vicinity of The Colorado Trail.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Distance: 14.6 miles Elevation gain: Approx. 1,858 feet Elevation loss: Approx. 2,055 feet USFS map: Pike National Forest, pages 98–99 The Colorado Trail Databook 6: pages 18–19 The CT Map Book: pages 15–17 National Geographic Trails Illustrated map: No. 105 Jurisdiction: South Platte and South Park Ranger Districts, Pike National Forest Access from Denver end: Access from Durango end: Availability of water: Bicycling: See page 90–”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“After re-entering the forest, the trail begins a steady climb, reaching a bench at an overlook at mile 20.4 (9,778). Cross a jeep road at mile 21.2 (9,863). There are several potential campsites in this area. Walk over a footbridge at Fiddler Creek, mile 21.7 (9,967), then continue south until reaching US Hwy 24 at mile 22.1 (9,966). Cross the highway, then a set of railroad tracks, followed by footbridges over three small creeks. After leaving the swampy area, the CT turns to the southwest and follows Mitchell Creek in a wide grassy meadow, which features several potential campsites. At mile 23.6 (10,180), the trail turns east and begins following an old railroad grade. After bending to the south, the trail crosses a footbridge over a seasonally wet area and a railroad bridge before reaching the remains of old coke ovens at mile 25.2 (10,382). Reach the parking area for Tennessee Pass and US Hwy 24 at mile 25.4 (10,424). Camping is allowed more than 100 feet from the trail and parking lot. This is the end of Segment 8.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAILHEAD/ACCESS POINTS Little Scraggy Trailhead on FS Rd 550: Drive southwest from Denver on US Hwy 285 for approximately 32 miles to Pine Junction (it has a traffic light). Turn left (southeast) on Jefferson County Rd 126 (Pine Valley Road) and proceed through the hamlets of Pine and Buffalo Creek. Continue 4 miles past the bridge over the South Platte River in Buffalo Creek to the intersection with FS Rd 550. This intersection is also 1 mile past Spring Creek Road. Turn right (west) on FS Rd 550 and drive 0.1 mile to the parking area. The Colorado Trail trailhead is at the northwest end of the parking area. To park you must pay a fee. Rolling Creek Trailhead: See Segment 4 on page”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“There are small seasonal streams, including one at mile 2.4 (9,146), and potential campsites in the next two miles. Intersect the Payne Creek Trail on the right at mile 3.3 (9,307) and continue straight ahead. Cross the headwaters of Craig Creek at mile 4.5 (9,375). There are good campsites nearby. At mile 5.6 (9,897), reach an intersection where the trail leaves the old road. Take a left onto the single-track trail and begin a steep climb. Reaching a saddle at mile 7.4 (10,483), the trail rejoins the old road, begins descending, and crosses a small spring at mile 8.0 (10,343), then leaves the wilderness area at mile 8.2 (10,314). After entering a large, grassy valley, follow the North Fork of Lost Creek upstream. There are many potential campsites along the way. The Brookside-McCurdy Trail joins The Colorado Trail at mile 8.9 (10,199) by a trail register. Then at mile 9.2 (10,249) cross a seasonal stream. At mile 11.3 (10,428), the Brookside-McCurdy Trail goes to the right, while the CT bears to the left. Leave the valley at mile 14.5 (10,929) and enter the forest at the head of the North Fork of Lost Creek. The trail descends steeply from here. After crossing a small stream at mile 16.5 (10,200), hike a short distance to an intersection with Long Gulch Trail above FS Rd 56 at mile 16.6 (10,176) and the end of Segment 4. For trailhead parking, take Long Gulch Trail 0.2 mile downhill (south).”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Segment 7: Gold Hill Trailhead to Copper Mountain”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAILHEAD/ACCESS POINTS Long Gulch Trail Access: Drive west from Denver on US Hwy 285 for about 60 miles to Kenosha Pass. Continue another 3.2 miles to a turnoff on the left side of the road marked Lost Park Road. Follow this road for 11 miles. Look for a gully on the left side and a road marked FS Rd 817. Drive or walk up this road for 0.1 mile to its end at the very small Long Gulch Trailhead. Walk a short distance up the gully to the Forest Service register. Angle slightly to the right and follow the access trail to its intersection with the CT. Rock Creek Trailhead (FS Rd 133): Follow the aforementioned Long Gulch Trail instructions to Lost Park Road. Drive 7.5 miles on Lost Park Road to a primitive road that branches off to the left, FS Rd 133. Follow this uphill 1.2 miles to the intersection with the CT where there’s a small parking area just beyond on the right. Kenosha Pass Trailhead: See Segment 6 on page 100.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Miners Creek Access Point: The CT can be accessed via the Miners Creek four-wheel-drive road at about mile 4.8. Miners Creek Road departs south of Peak One Boulevard at the south edge of Frisco (just west of the Summit County government offices). Copper Far East Lot: See Segment 8 on page 118.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“Distance: 11.5 miles Elevation gain: Approx. 2,482 feet Elevation loss: Approx. 753 feet USFS map: Pike National Forest, pages 78–79 The Colorado Trail Databook 6: pages 12–13 The CT Map Book: pages 10–11 National Geographic Trails Illustrated map: No. 135 Jurisdiction: South Platte Ranger District, Pike National Forest Access from Denver end: Access from Durango end: Availability of water: Bicycling:”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail