CDT: Tennessee Pass to Copper Mountain (CO Sec. 26)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

From Tennessee Pass going northbound, this section starts off easy and rather uneventful as it follows an old road bed. Water sources and campsites are plentiful though, and things get more interesting as the trail starts to climb toward Kokomo Pass. Hard work pays off when crossing the pass at just over 12,000 feet, with amazing wildflowers and huge views in all directions. A high traverse leads to another alpine pass and more breathtaking scenery. From there, the traild descends gradually through a pleasant creek valley, eventually entering the Copper Mountain Ski Area where hikers can enjoy amenities at Center Village.

• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT)

Colorado Section 26 begins from Tennessee Pass, where the town of Leadville can be reached to the south via Highway 24. For the first couple miles of the trail is easy hiking. You'll follow a gently graded old road through the forest before the trail opens up along Mitchell Creek.

You'll cross the highway and continue north. Eventually the trail makes its may out of the forest and crosses the East Fork Eagle River. There are some interesting historic military bunkers near here. You'll then turn right onto a gravel road. The trail follows the road (or right next to it) for a while. This isn't the most exciting hiking.

Eventually you'll leave the road behind. There is a cool small waterfall that the trail passes beside. Soon after you'll begin climbing as the trail stays near Cataract Creek. This is the start of a long (and often steep) climb up all the way to Kokomo Pass.

As you near the pass (12,022ft) the views turn stunning. From Kokomo Pass the trail continues to ascend (surprise!) as it traverses up to Elk Ridge and eventually over to Searle Pass. This stretch of trail is breathtaking with gorgeous views and amazing wildflowers.

From Searle Pass you'll begin a long and gradual descent. The trail follows the Guller Creek Valley. This is a beautiful valley and quite enjoyable hiking. You'll follow Guller Creek until the trail curves right and begins to enter Copper Mountain Ski Area.

You'll then walk through the resort, under a few chair lifts, and right by the Center Village - an excellent place to stop and grab a bite to eat at one of the several restaurants here. The trail then continues through the ski area until reaching Highway 91 and the end of the section. - Description by Mike Windsor, Outdoor Project