While this trailhead is a great find, offering plenty of parking and access to great views, both hikes that depart from here start by heading downhill (thereby breaking one of our rules – never start out by hiking downhill!) Just make sure to conserve enough energy for the hike back uphill, back to your car!Continue reading “CT Segment 5: Rock Creek Trailhead Westbound”
Author Archives: LauraH
CT Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Guller Creek
The Colorado Trail has a symbiotic relationship with some of Colorado’s ski resorts. It comes within view of several resorts, and a couple of resorts provide access to the CT, but at a couple of resorts the CT gets up close. At both Copper Mountain and Monarch Mountain, the trail goes right across the skiContinue reading “CT Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Guller Creek”
CT Segment 1: South Platte River Trailhead to the Segment High Point
This hike is a delightful get-away from the city but just about 30 miles from C-470. Along the trail you’ll find wildflowers in the spring and summer, and views at any time. Because this is a lower-elevation hike, it can get really warm, particularly in the afternoon, so consider this hike in the spring orContinue reading “CT Segment 1: South Platte River Trailhead to the Segment High Point”
How to Support the Colorado Trail
Once you have hiked any piece of the Colorado Trail, you will likely want to find a way to express your appreciation to those who labored long and hard to create it. The CT was connected from Denver to Durango in 1987, and since then it has been organized, supported, and maintained by the Colorado TrailContinue reading “How to Support the Colorado Trail”
CT Segment 4: North Fork TH/Brookside McCurdy
While this trailhead is a bit of a drive from the Front Range of Colorado, choosing this hike can make for a lovely day trip. The drive on Highway 285 and then on Lost Park Road is pleasant, and the hike is a very easy stroll through a wide valley. You might even spot aContinue reading “CT Segment 4: North Fork TH/Brookside McCurdy”
CT Segment 11: Cache Creek East
While in the Leadville or Buena Vista area, you may want to find an easy hike that includes some of Colorado’s gold mining history. The Cache Creek area provides a perfect opportunity for such an experience on the Colorado Trail. By the way, to learn more about gold prospecting in Colorado, check out our website:Continue reading “CT Segment 11: Cache Creek East”
CT Segment 27: Kennebec Pass to Taylor Lake
If you have a high clearance AWD/4WD vehicle and enough four-wheeling skill to get to Kennebec Pass (west of Durango), then this hike is worth the journey. The drive up La Plata Canyon to Kennebec Pass offers gold and silver mining history, cows along the road, and progressively more impressive views the further you getContinue reading “CT Segment 27: Kennebec Pass to Taylor Lake”
CT Segment 2: Buffalo Burn Zone
This trail is a delightful surprise, especially if done on the right day, at the right time of year. It is not far from south metro Denver and is best done in spring or fall when the temperatures are too high. Trail Description: Start from the parking along Deckers Road (126) and begin hiking theContinue reading “CT Segment 2: Buffalo Burn Zone”
CT Segment 7: Gold Hill to Peaks Trail
This busy trail provides an opportunity for some exercise while taking in views of the Blue River Valley between Breckenridge and Frisco. The Gold Hill Trailhead is popular among locals as well as tourists, since it not only provides access to the Colorado Trail, but it also provides bikers with access to the Recreation PathContinue reading “CT Segment 7: Gold Hill to Peaks Trail”
CT Segment CW-3: View of Lost Lake
This hike, west of Buena Vista, is convenient to get to and provides easy access to an above tree-line hike. It is on the Collegiate West portion of the Colorado Trail. Collegiate West is regarded by through hikers as some of the most beautiful and remote hiking on the CT. Hiking from Cottonwood Pass providesContinue reading “CT Segment CW-3: View of Lost Lake”
CT Segment 21: Snow Mesa Climb
The Colorado Trail passes to the north of Creede, heading west, and then to the south of Lake City. Highway 149 connects these two summer-tourist hotspots, and you’ll find access to the CT at Spring Creek Pass. This hike heads east from the day-use area and is a good uphill workout. The views from theContinue reading “CT Segment 21: Snow Mesa Climb”
CT CW-4 Alpine Tunnel and Tunnel Lake
To the west of Buena Vista, and then to the south of the historic mining town of St. Elmo, you can find wonderful hikes along the Colorado Trail. These hikes are especially gifted with wildflowers and views. Fortunately, the hike described here doesn’t require high clearance or 4WD, just sense and patience driving on washboardedContinue reading “CT CW-4 Alpine Tunnel and Tunnel Lake”
CT Segment 15: Marshall Pass East
Marshall Pass is a hidden gem tucked away from the crowds you find on Monarch Pass. Whether you are camping in the area or hanging out in Salida or the San Luis Valley, a day trip to hike from the Pass is a great way to enjoy the mountains. Unfortunately, like so many places inContinue reading “CT Segment 15: Marshall Pass East”
CT Segment 25: Bolam Pass East
While staying in the Telluride or Rico area (or even Dolores or Cortez), you can easily access this hike to the east of Cayton Campground, if you have an SUV or other vehicle with a little clearance. The drive itself is pretty and there are some amazing views to the north. The hike includes aContinue reading “CT Segment 25: Bolam Pass East”
CT Segment 10: Three Bridges
When in the Leadville area, you can find numerous access points for the Colorado Trail, including this easy hike, at the west end of Turquoise Lake, that takes you over three bridges and includes a picturesque creek. The trailhead is popular, so avoid weekends and holidays, or at least arrive early (or late) on thoseContinue reading “CT Segment 10: Three Bridges”
Day Hiking the Colorado Trail 