The trail, starting at Hotel Draw, continues south to gradually climb to treeline. Welcome to the Trail . As you work your way across the talus, enjoy the amazing 360 degree views. 367 Pearl St. This section starts at the Little Scraggy trailhead and ends at the Rolling Creek trailhead. Spotlight. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. It will impact CT […] Read More . Mileages are listed from Denver. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The trail is divided into 28 different segments, each beginning at a trailhead accessible by vehicle. The trail follows the edge of a ridge and the views to the east are fantastic. Note that it never actually enters the wilderness area, so mountain bikers are welcome on this stretch, and you are likely to see a few of them. Horses are also able to use this trail. P.O. Although not 100% reliable, there is a small (usually stagnant) creek followed by a small seep. Note that a 4x4 vehicle is needed to access this trailhead. On my thru-hike I resupplied in Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, Creede, and Silverton. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Colorado Trail Segment 27 Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead . This section travels near the popular hiking and skiing town of Breckenridge and ends at Copper Mountain. That’s not how it works when piecing together segments of The Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail is broken down into 28 “Segments.” Rather than diving deeply into each individual segment, I’m going to break down the main sections of the trail according to my own thru-hiking resupply strategy. After these water sources the trail remains above tree line and makes a series of climbs and descents. Colorado Trail Segment 22 is a 17.2 mile segment from Spring Crk. September 4, 2010 Today’s Miles: 22.1 Total Miles: 501.8 Breakfast Elevation: 11,500 ft Dinner Elevation: 12,260 ft High Point: 12,260 ft . Location: Forest Road 550 / Rico, CO; Start Access: Rough roads; Trail Surface: Dirt roads; rocky single-track; Hike: Except for the last few miles, this segment follows a ridge with steep, grassy slopes to the east, and flatter, forested terrain to the west. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-8 Segment 27 includes four miles along Indian Trail Ridge that are scenic and dramatic, then a descent to Taylor Lake which is a popular camping spot. Bayfield, CO 81122 Day hikers and section hikers can easily find their way to new segments of trail, while thru hikers can still enjoy a wild and rugged four to six week journey. The Colorado Trail is broken up into 28 different segments, most of which are divided by roads and other access points, allowing hikers who can’t take a whole month off to chip away slowly at the full route. The trail is comprised of 28 segments, ranging from 11.4 miles to 32 miles. The scenery is breathtaking here as you enter the La Plata Mountains. There is very limited water and over seven continuous miles of trail above treeline. My wife Jackie and I continued our quest to hike the entire Colorado trail hiking segment 2 and 3 in one day. ... (CT). Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Between these two reliable sources, however, are two possible water … This is one of the more difficult segments of the Colorado Trail. The easiest solution is for you and a hiking partner to shuttle a second car to your pre-determined endpoint. Colorado Trail (Full Route) is a 488 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Littleton, Colorado that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. They’re also convenient bail-out points should something go wrong (i.e., injury or bad weather), and determine where hikers can resupply. The Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments which includes a choice … The first quarter of the trail is the majority of the climbing you'll do. It is not the last segment, but 27 felt as if it was the last hoorah on the Colorado Trail. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. Although it is technically just off trail, Taylor Lake is a great place to take a break, swim or even camp for the night. The trail offers a number of activity options. However, because of its length, altitude — and in many places, sheer ruggedness — the Colorado Trail can be hard to get your hands around at first. Below is a description for Colorado Trail Segment 27. The trail then reaches the infamous Indian Trail Ridge - a spectacular short section of trail with significant exposure on both sides. Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest The longest dry stretch is usually from Los Creek at mile 9.7 of Segment 18 to Cochetopa Creek at mile 7.0 of Segment 19, a distance of 11.1 miles. The Trail – The Colorado Trail a continuous, narrow path from Denver to Durango for hiking, horseback, and bicycling. Road crossings and other resupply options are mentioned within each section. This 17.2-mile segment of the Colorado Trail is arguably the finest segment of the entire Colorado Trail. It shares the route with the overlapping Continental Divide Trail as the pair runs along an east-west axis from Spring Creek Pass (east) to the Wager Gulch Saddle (west). This accessibility is what makes the Colorado Trail special. A steep descent follows, and you’ll soon come to the lake. If continuing past the lake, it is only another mile to Kennebec Trailhead which marks the end of segment 27. 970-884-2512 Junction Creek Trail, Colorado Trail. Segments of the CT. Colorado Trail : Segment 26 is a 10.6 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. As the trail continues onward, you’ll still be closely following the boundary of the Hermosa Creek Wilderness. Animas Overlook Trail. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. As per usual for accessing the various segments of the CT, you will likely want a 4x4 vehicle to reach this point. It’s about nourishment and learning. More. Segment 27 on the other hand is full of dramatic mountain views, ridge walks, climbs, descents and a great finish at an alpine lake. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. 20 miles from Stony Pass to Molas Pass. San Juan National Forest . Gorgeous views. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. One of the country’s premier long trails, stretching from Denver (technically, Littleton) to Durango, the Colorado Trail winds its way 486-miles from central to the southwestern corner of Colorado. Segment 28’s claim to fame is the southern end of the Colorado Trail, just a few miles from Durango at Junction Creek Trailhead. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. Colorado Trail Segment 27 . https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-2 Below is a description for Colorado Trail Segment 27. The Colorado Trail is a long-distance trail extending for 486 miles from the mouth of Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango in Colorado. Total Length 19mi; Elevation Range 10,418–12,292ft Δ 1,874ft; Manager USFS Columbine Ranger District 19mi USFS Dolores Ranger District ¼mi; Trail Number #1776; Allows Hiking Yes; Allows Dogs Yes; Allows Bikes Yes; Allows Horses Yes; … If you are planning an excursion on The Colorado Trail, we recommend that you utilize one or more of the following: The Official Guidebook of The Colorado Trail Foundation – the Guidebook particularly helps with trip planning, getting to access points and on-Trail reference. Share Via . This is the third segment of the Colorado Trail, a long distance trail from Denver to Durango. These are the only water sources on segment 27 other than Taylor Lake (another 7 miles ahead). Login. The trail then climbs up to one last summit where you’ll be met with an amazing view down to Taylor Lake. After that the trail flattens out for the most part, with a brief stretch of forested area that provides some shade. As per usual for accessing the various segments of the CT, you will likely want a 4x4 vehicle to reach this point. The trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. Colorado Trail : Segment 27 is a 20.1 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Mike Windsor. To the east of Segment 22, the CT crosses Snow Mesa and San Luis Pass near 14er San Luis Peak. Login. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. You’ll be able to see the rugged peaks of the Needle Mountains, including 14ers North Eolus and Sunlight Peak. Segment 27. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Segment 26-27: Potentially the longest dry stretch on the Trail is, at its worst, from Straight Creek at mile 8.4 of Segment 26 to Taylor Lake at mile 19.4 of Segment 27, a distance of about 22 miles. Segment 27 – Steep, narrow trail with drop-offs on both sides of Indian Trail Ridge and above Taylor Lake; Segment 28 – Drop-offs are precipitous in places; steep, narrow trail through Sliderock Canyon ; Good Places to Camp. It can take four to six weeks to hike the whole thing, but you can hike it in smaller segments. COLORADO TRAIL; LONG TRAIL; BICYCLING ACROSS AMERICA; APPALACHIAN TRAIL; MORE; ABOUT; Day 35 – Blackhawk Pass to the Indian Trail Ridge – Segment 27. updated: April 23, 2017. Star This. It’s about protecting what sustains us. There is also abundant wildlife along the Colorado Trail, ranging in size from small pika and marmot, to bear and moose. The Colorado Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization that oversees the care and improvement of the Trail. The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail are concurrent for this segment stretching 17.6 miles. Approximately 12 miles into the segment is where you’ll reach two potential water sources. http://www.coloradotrail.org/. The trail encompasses Jarosa Mesa and the highest point on the entire Colorado Trail (13,271) near Coney Summit. © 2020 Outdoor Project. Hiking the Colorado Trail: Segment 1 and 2 I am blessed to live within a 30-minute drive of the Colorado Trail. Mike Windsor. Here are the details. Indian Trail Ridge. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. Once above treeline, Indian Trail Ridge consists of a series of steep talus ridges. Although the trail never gets too far from the road, after the first few miles you’ll likely forget that it’s there. The journey that you are about to embark upon follows a portion, or perhaps the entire 485 miles of recreational trail that crosses Colorado from Denver to Durango. Starting in Segment 6, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail for the next 253 miles. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000’ for the majority of the trail. . https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-6 Colorado Trail Segment Map; Virtual Tour; Toggle Photo. Colorado Trail Segment 26 Bolam Pass Road to Hotel Draw Road . The trail starts at the end of CT - Segment 1 along the Platte River. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Colorado Trail Segment 4 was our favorite of the CT so far, until we hiked segment 5. Completed in 1987, the Colorado Trail stretches 485 magnificent miles from Denver to Durango. Denis LeBlanc. After tackling segment 4 and a bit of 5 in one day, we camped for the night and woke up to colder temperatures and nasty weather. The best segment of the Colorado Trail. Whereas 28 is the last segment, it is not necessarily a "big finish" so to speak in terms of big and bold views. Segment 27 of the Colorado Trail begins at Hotel Draw Road. Trail in San Juan National Forest, Hermosa Creek Wilderness, Hermosa Creek Special Management Area, CO. Get Here. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Login. Sunlight Peak via Animas River Trail and Needle Creek Trail, Sunlight Peak, Windom Peak, North Eolus and Mount Eolus via Purgatory Campground, Winter, Falls Creek, Calico, Priest, Burnett and Horse Creek Trail. Segment 27 of the Colorado Trail begins at Hotel Draw Road. You can still park at a trailhead, but after a few days you’re probably 20 or 30 miles away from your ride. Although the trail never gets too far … Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Elevations run from just below 11,000 feet at Spring Creek Pass to 13,271 feet near Coney Summit. The trail then closely parallels the boundary of the Hermosa Creek Wilderness Area. Highlights include the Collegiate Range, where multiple 14ers are just off trail and can easily be climbed, and the San Juans, where the trail remains above tree line for days at a time and climbs to elevations of over 13,000’. It affects those who travel CT Segment 12 from mile 0.0 to 0.5 (part of the CT Collegiate East) as the Trail passes through the Clear Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area (SWA). From here the trail follows close to the road, criss-crossing it several times. This is a video of the first two segments of the Colorado Trail starting at the Waterton Canyon Trailhead southwest of Denver, CO. San Juan National Forest Public Information Center: 970-247-4874 Colorado Trail Segment 27 Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead . It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. Segment 27 — Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Taylor Lake. Box 439 Share Via . We believe good things come from people spending time outside. . 72 were here. All rights reserved. Maps and Guidebooks. From here the trail follows close to the road, criss-crossing it several times. Login . Colorado Trail : Segment 27 is a 20.1 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Our hike of on this segment of the Colorado Trail was filled with snow and graupel showers, thundersnow and poor visibility. Unbelievable scenery and good weather added to a great experience. Along the way it meanders through high alpine mountains and valleys, offering a glimpse at some of the finest terrain Colorado has to offer. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email.