The Colorado Trail Quotes

“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

“Leave the trees at mile 8.7 (11,708), cross Guller Creek headwaters at mile 9.2 (11,804), and continue to the top of Searle Pass at mile 9.7 (12,043). In the next few miles, the trail undulates across tundra and crosses seasonal streams with exposed campsites. Climb to the top of Elk Ridge at mile 12.3 (12,282), then descend to Kokomo Pass at mile 12.9 (12,023). From here, continue down to Cataract Creek headwaters at mile 13.2 (11,841) and tree line at mile 13.5 (11,639). Down farther find switchbacks and potential campsites as the trail travels along Cataract Creek. At mile 16.4 (10,085), ford Cataract Creek and bear right at a fork in the road 0.1 mile farther. Continue to mile 17.1 (9,668), where the trail turns right at the intersection just above the road. Cross Cataract Creek on a bridge by Cataract Falls at mile 17.2 (9,700). Camping is not allowed between this point and mile 20.1, due to possible unexploded munitions. At mile 17.9 (9,438), the trail comes to FS Rd 714. Take a right onto the road and walk 0.1 mile, picking up the trail again on the right. Rejoin the road at the Camp Hale Trailhead, where there is a small parking area at mile 18.6 (9,362). Beyond the parking area, continue to the right on FS Rd 714, looking for the next road on the left. Turn left on an intersecting road at mile 18.8 (9,349). The road ends at mile 19.2 (9,326) near some old concrete bunkers. Here the trail resumes, crossing a footbridge and heading uphill. At mile 20.1 (9,671), meet FS Rd 726. (There is a campsite about 0.1 mile north of this intersection and river water 0.1 mile farther northwest.) Cross the road and continue south and uphill.”
― 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

“Chapel Parking Lot Access: From Denver, drive I-70 west 80 miles to exit 195. Turn right into Copper Mountain Resort. Continue approximately 1 mile, then turn left into the chapel parking lot. Walk south and west to the Village Center Plaza in the area of the American Eagle chairlift. To intersect the CT, go about 150 yards diagonally southeast between the condos on the left and the American Eagle lift on the right, Segment 8, mile 1.6. Union Creek Ski Area Access: Instead of parking at the chapel lot, continue through Copper Mountain Village to the Union Creek drop-off parking area. (Parking is permitted here during off-ski-season months.) Cross over the covered bridge, go past the ticket office and under the elevated walkway, turn right on a gravel road, pass under a ski lift, and go about 200 yards on the road. Turn left up the road, around a green security gate, and follow the road east uphill about 400 yards to a wide area in the road. Pick up the single-track of the CT to the right, by a painted white rock, mile 2.1 of CT Segment 8. Tennessee Pass Trailhead Access: See Segment 9 on page 128.”
― 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

“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

“Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass”
― 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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

“then a small stream just above the bottom of the canyon. There are good campsites in this area. Cross the bridge over the Middle Fork of the Swan River and go right for 50 feet on Middle Fork Road at mile 17.1 (10,203). The Colorado Trail diverges left into the woods onto a single-track trail. The trail crosses a small stream and curves right in the next 2 miles. Reach the North Fork of the Swan River and marshy bottom at about mile 19.4, crossing on a raised walkway and bridge, beyond which there is good camping. The trail turns right (east) and then curves left as it follows the perimeter of the camping area. Cross a road at mile 19.7 (9,981). Go right at an intersection at mile 20.1 (10,067). From here, the trail begins to climb out of the drainage. Keystone Ski Resort eventually comes into view along the high point of the ridge to the northeast. Where the trail twice intersects the West Ridge Loop Trail (from Keystone Gulch), first at mile 22.6 (11,114) and then at mile 23.8 (11,022), stay left. After a long descent on a series of switchbacks, the trail intersects Red Trail at mile 26.1 (10,035) and goes to the left again. After dropping into a small valley and passing a power line, take a right at the fork at mile 27.5 (9,973). Cross Horseshoe Gulch at mile 28.8 (9,458) and follow the trail as it heads north with camping 0.2 mile ahead. Intersect and go left at Blair Witch Trail at mile 29.4 (9,458). Intersect and go left at Hippo Trail at mile 29.7 (9,700). Descending with Breckenridge coming in view, at a switchback intersect Campion Trail at mile 31.8 (9,240), and go left. Reach neighborhood and pond at mile 31.9 (9,200). Cross Swan River on a bridge, then cross Revette Drive where one could park for a few hours. At mile 32.5 (9,203), cross CO Hwy 9 adjacent to where the free Summit Stage bus stops. Go right (north) on bike path, cross Blue River on a bridge, and reach Gold Hill Trailhead at mile 32.7 (9,197). Follow the bike path for 0.2 mile until reaching the Gold Hill Trailhead on the left and the end of Segment 6 at mile 32.9 (9,197).”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“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

“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 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

“Distance: 32.7 miles Elevation gain: Approx. 5,196 feet Elevation loss: Approx. 5,968 feet USFS maps: Pike and White River National Forests, see pages 108–109 The Colorado Trail Databook 6: pages 20–23 The CT Map Book: pages 17–20 National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps: Nos. 104, 105, 108, 109 Latitude 40° map: Summit County Trails Jurisdiction: South Park and Dillon Ranger Districts, Pike and White River National Forests Access from Denver end: Access from Durango end:”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

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

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION NOTE: This description begins at the trailhead parking area and sign just off Lost Park Road. A side trail, marked as the Long Gulch Trail, goes 0.2 mile up the hillside to intersect The Colorado Trail. Thru-hikers will not encounter this trailhead unless they make a specific detour to it. From the trailhead, cross the creek on a small bridge and go uphill for 0.2 mile to the CT, mile 0.0 (10,176 feet). Westbound hikers will turn left at this well-marked intersection. There is a good campsite near here, with water available from the fast-moving creek. Cross the creek about 300 feet past the intersection. The trail enters the Lost Creek Wilderness Area at mile 0.3 (10,263). Then at mile 1.6 (10,380) it heads through a mixed aspen-fir forest with some bristlecone pines. Cross a seasonal stream at mile 2.9 (10,366). There is a good campsite nearby. Cross a marshy area at mile 3.1 (10,387) and streams at mile 3.9 (10,347) and mile 4.5 (10,258). There is another creek at mile 5.3 (10,174) with several good campsites. The CT leaves the Lost Creek Wilderness Area at mile 6.6 (9,816) and crosses Rock Creek at mile 7.3 (9,534) where users should refill their bottles. Turn left when intersecting the Ben Tyler Trail at mile 7.4 (9,519). Ranch buildings are visible ahead. Pass through a Forest Service gate at mile 7.6 (9,555), continue to the Rock Creek Trailhead at mile 8.0 (9,726), and cross the road. Cross Johnson Gulch and a small, seasonal stream at mile 8.4 (9,521). This possible water source is the last until Kenosha Pass and there’s room to camp. Just past the stream, the CT crosses a jeep road and eventually passes through a stand of large aspen trees. At mile 10.6 (9,956) continue straight on the CT at a T road intersection. There are great views of the mountains to the south and west and toward the town of Jefferson. The trail eventually reaches a parking area at mile 14.4 (10,010). It continues to the left, and after crossing US Hwy 285, reaches the end of Segment 5 at mile 14.6 (9,969).”
― 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

“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

“Segment 5: Long Gulch to Kenosha Pass”
― 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

“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

“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

“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

“Segment 4: Rolling Creek Trailhead to Long Gulch”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“At mile 7.6 (7,405), cross Meadows Group Campground Road, then go through a gate and veer left at mile 7.7 (7,364). (For Buffalo Creek Trailhead go right 0.2 mile.) After a nice walk along Buffalo Creek to a bridge, cross it and FS Rd 543 at mile 8.0 (7,391). Turn left at an intersection with Redskin Creek Trail at mile 8.3 (7,448). At mile 9.1 (7,900) there is a dry campsite. Ahead is a rifle range south of the trail and it’s common to hear shots; stay on the trail. The trail climbs to mile 9.6 (7,930), where it crosses the road to Buffalo Creek Gun Club. At mile 11.9 (8,127), cross a small stream where there’s good camping. After a short but steep climb, arrive at FS Rd 560 (Wellington Lake Road) and Rolling Creek Trailhead, the end of Segment 3 at mile 12.2 (8,279).”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail

“TRAIL DESCRIPTION Segment 3 begins at the Little Scraggy Trailhead next to the interpretive display at the northwest end of the parking area, mile 0.0 (7,834 feet). Head west on the trail. The CT and side trails in Segment 3 are part of the Buffalo Creek trails network popular with mountain bicyclists. At mile 0.6 (7,855), the trail crosses FS Rd 550, then rolls before dropping slightly to a small intermittent stream at mile 1.3 (7,813) and, beyond, a small campsite on the left side of the trail. The trail crosses the Shingle Mill Trail at mile 1.9 (7,795), then crosses another small intermittent stream with marginal camping at mile 2.1 (7,746). At mile 2.8 (7,709), where there’s an abandoned jeep trail, cross a stream, then cross another stream at mile 3.4 (7,760). Cross Tramway Creek at mile 5.1 (7,797), where there are some good campsites, and take a left at the Tramway Trail at mile 5.6 (7,681). Intersect the Green Mountain Trail and take a right at mile 6.3 (7,645). Cross a small stream at mile 6.4 (7,592). From here, the trail descends slightly to an intersection at mile 7.0 (7,516) with a trail that leads to Buffalo Creek Campground, a fee area about a quarter-mile north. Go straight through this intersection and continue on to another intersection at mile 7.5 (7,441), this time following the CT to the right.”
― Colorado Trail Foundation, The Colorado Trail