The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. . Segment 27. Bayfield, CO 81122 Spotlight. After these water sources the trail remains above tree line and makes a series of climbs and descents. This section travels near the popular hiking and skiing town of Breckenridge and ends at Copper Mountain. Denis LeBlanc. Box 439 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. From here the trail follows close to the road, criss-crossing it several times. The trail then reaches the infamous Indian Trail Ridge - a spectacular short section of trail with significant exposure on both sides. Along the way it meanders through high alpine mountains and valleys, offering a glimpse at some of the finest terrain Colorado has to offer. Mike Windsor. . Share Via . 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. Login . Mileages are listed from Denver. San Juan National Forest . Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. The Trail – The Colorado Trail a continuous, narrow path from Denver to Durango for hiking, horseback, and bicycling. Taylor Lake. Between these two reliable sources, however, are two possible water … On my thru-hike I resupplied in Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, Creede, and Silverton. Gorgeous views. The scenery is breathtaking here as you enter the La Plata Mountains. The trail then climbs up to one last summit where you’ll be met with an amazing view down to Taylor Lake. Junction Creek Trail, Colorado Trail. After that the trail flattens out for the most part, with a brief stretch of forested area that provides some shade. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. 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. Login. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. You’ll be able to see the rugged peaks of the Needle Mountains, including 14ers North Eolus and Sunlight Peak. To the east of Segment 22, the CT crosses Snow Mesa and San Luis Pass near 14er San Luis Peak. Below is a description for Colorado Trail Segment 27. This is a video of the first two segments of the Colorado Trail starting at the Waterton Canyon Trailhead southwest of Denver, CO. 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). There is also abundant wildlife along the Colorado Trail, ranging in size from small pika and marmot, to bear and moose. A steep descent follows, and you’ll soon come to the lake. This section starts at the Little Scraggy trailhead and ends at the Rolling Creek trailhead. 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’. Our hike of on this segment of the Colorado Trail was filled with snow and graupel showers, thundersnow and poor visibility. Although it is technically just off trail, Taylor Lake is a great place to take a break, swim or even camp for the night. Whereas 28 is the last segment, it is not necessarily a "big finish" so to speak in terms of big and bold views. Approximately 12 miles into the segment is where you’ll reach two potential water sources. Starting in Segment 6, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail for the next 253 miles. ... (CT). 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. 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 Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail are concurrent for this segment stretching 17.6 miles. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. They’re also convenient bail-out points should something go wrong (i.e., injury or bad weather), and determine where hikers can resupply. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-2 970-884-2512 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. This 17.2-mile segment of the Colorado Trail is arguably the finest segment of the entire Colorado Trail. 20 miles from Stony Pass to Molas Pass. The trail starts at the end of CT - Segment 1 along the Platte River. Colorado Trail Segment 27 Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead . Colorado Trail Segment Map; Virtual Tour; Toggle Photo. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-8 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. http://www.coloradotrail.org/. 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. Colorado Trail Segment 27 . Dogs are also able to use this trail. Welcome to the Trail . 367 Pearl St. These are the only water sources on segment 27 other than Taylor Lake (another 7 miles ahead). 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 follows the edge of a ridge and the views to the east are fantastic. 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. 72 were here. © 2020 Outdoor Project. There is very limited water and over seven continuous miles of trail above treeline. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Colorado Trail Segment 22 is a 17.2 mile segment from Spring Crk. Segments of the CT. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Although not 100% reliable, there is a small (usually stagnant) creek followed by a small seep. Segment 27 of the Colorado Trail begins at Hotel Draw Road. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000’ for the majority of the trail. Segment 28’s claim to fame is the southern end of the Colorado Trail, just a few miles from Durango at Junction Creek Trailhead. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Dogs are also able to use this trail. Although the trail never gets too far … San Juan National Forest Public Information Center: 970-247-4874 You can still park at a trailhead, but after a few days you’re probably 20 or 30 miles away from your ride. This is one of the more difficult segments of the Colorado Trail. Hiking the Colorado Trail: Segment 1 and 2 I am blessed to live within a 30-minute drive of the Colorado Trail. The trail offers a number of activity options. The trail is divided into 28 different segments, each beginning at a trailhead accessible by vehicle. Once above treeline, Indian Trail Ridge consists of a series of steep talus ridges. Colorado Trail Segment 27 Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead . My wife Jackie and I continued our quest to hike the entire Colorado trail hiking segment 2 and 3 in one day. Trail in San Juan National Forest, Hermosa Creek Wilderness, Hermosa Creek Special Management Area, CO. Get Here. 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. The Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments which includes a choice … 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. That’s not how it works when piecing together segments of The Colorado Trail. Unbelievable scenery and good weather added to a great experience. It can take four to six weeks to hike the whole thing, but you can hike it in smaller segments. The trail then closely parallels the boundary of the Hermosa Creek Wilderness Area. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Horses are also able to use this trail. 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. Colorado Trail Segment 26 Bolam Pass Road to Hotel Draw Road . P.O. 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. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. 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. 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). We believe good things come from people spending time outside. This is the third segment of the Colorado Trail, a long distance trail from Denver to Durango. If continuing past the lake, it is only another mile to Kennebec Trailhead which marks the end of segment 27. 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. 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. 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; … The best segment of the Colorado Trail. 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. Login. As the trail continues onward, you’ll still be closely following the boundary of the Hermosa Creek Wilderness. As per usual for accessing the various segments of the CT, you will likely want a 4x4 vehicle to reach this point. From here the trail follows close to the road, criss-crossing it several times. It’s about protecting what sustains us. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/colorado-trail-segment-6 As you work your way across the talus, enjoy the amazing 360 degree views. Here are the details. Completed in 1987, the Colorado Trail stretches 485 magnificent miles from Denver to Durango. 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. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. Star This. 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. The trail, starting at Hotel Draw, continues south to gradually climb to treeline. It’s about nourishment and learning. Elevations run from just below 11,000 feet at Spring Creek Pass to 13,271 feet near Coney Summit. Login. Segment 27 — Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead. More. The first quarter of the trail is the majority of the climbing you'll do. As per usual for accessing the various segments of the CT, you will likely want a 4x4 vehicle to reach this point. Below is a description for Colorado Trail Segment 27. This accessibility is what makes the Colorado Trail special. Indian Trail Ridge. Colorado Trail Segment 4 was our favorite of the CT so far, until we hiked segment 5. The easiest solution is for you and a hiking partner to shuttle a second car to your pre-determined endpoint. Although the trail never gets too far from the road, after the first few miles you’ll likely forget that it’s there. 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. It will impact CT […] Read More . The Colorado Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization that oversees the care and improvement of the Trail. Animas Overlook Trail. Mike Windsor. 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. Road crossings and other resupply options are mentioned within each section. Note that a 4x4 vehicle is needed to access this trailhead. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. Maps and Guidebooks. Columbine Ranger District, San Juan National Forest Share Via . 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 . 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