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A smooth and easy-rolling hike with incredible views, aspen groves, and three stream crossings.


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Map Key

12.1

Miles

19.5

KM

Out and Back

10,388' 3,166 m

High

9,845' 3,001 m

Low

1,531' 467 m

Up

1,530' 466 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This best part about this hike is that it is at high altitude, but does not have an overwhelming amount of elevation gain. There are some moderately technical areas (considered black diamond for a mountain bike), but it is a fun out and back.

Description

Part of the Colorado Trail, the first two miles from the road cut through a wider trail with roots and small rocks here and there. The trail is very well-worn and gains a bit of elevation (maybe 400ft?).

The trail then narrows into singletrack and opens up into a high alpine meadow with incredible views: mountain ranges off in the distance to the southwest, 13ers just over to the west and northwest. GORGEOUS - and all downhill. The trail continues on through aspen groves, losing a bit of elevation along the way. The first stream crossing is at 3 miles; the second is at 4.5 miles, and you're winding your way through the aspens the whole way.

You end up at Jefferson Creek at about 6 miles even. The meadow is the steepest part on the way back, but you're just stopping to take in the views - right?

Flora & Fauna

People come here for the fall colors - plenty of aspens!

Contacts

Shared By:

Kelly Kahler

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 23 votes

#2

in Park County

#490

Overall
  4.7 from 23 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Park County

#105

in Colorado

#490

Overall
3 Views Last Month
10,651 Since Oct 1, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

5%
10%
65%
15%
5%
0%

Photos

Beautiful fall day on the Colorado Trail heading southwest from Kenosha Pass.
Oct 23, 2016 near Jefferson, CO
What I dream about while at work...
Oct 30, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Aspens
Oct 30, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Heading through the meadow.
Oct 1, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Through the trees.
Oct 30, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Admiring the view on the way back!
Oct 30, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 25 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 18, 2024
Ashleigh Shunk
Aug 6, 2022
Private User
Apr 30, 2022
Elizabeth Johnson
Two creek crossings chill and beautiful hike
Sep 25, 2021
Tricia Mason
Aug 14, 2021
Floyd Hartley
Dry trail with abundant wildflowers. 9.5mi — 2h 30m
Jul 20, 2020
Pam Chapman
6mi — 2h 00m
Jun 28, 2020
Andy Ney
Busy at trailhead but not quite as much out on the trail. Good for kids and will be good one for fall colors as advertised.
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