Colorado Trail(edit)

based on 174 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#15 hike out of 459 in Pike National Forest |

DIFFICULT

9.9 mi

Distance

5 hrs 14 min

Time

1,681 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a moderate one way trail in Pike National Forest. People use it for hiking and mountain biking and come from both directions. There is a parking lot on the east end of this segment that has a bathroom and signs providing information. Going east to west there are some fairly steep switch backs but they are manageable. The trail is easy to walk on. Much of the trail is exposed due to the past Buffalo Creek wildfire so be prepared for the weather. About half of the trail parallels Raleigh Peak Rd. The road is gated so the public do not drive on it. Although there is a home at the end of it on Raleigh Peak. There are wildflowers on the trail during their normal season. Look for the cactus flowers during the day. Other than the South Platte at the parking lot on the east end and the fire station at the west end there is no water source on the trail. Lots of wildlife in the area including turkey.

Getting Started

In order to get to the parking lot on the east side of the trail it is best to use Google maps and the address of 2706 N. Platte River Rd, Pike National Forest, Sedalia, CO 80135. There are several spots to park on the east side of this trail segment. The parking lot also serves those who fish and enjoy the water on the South Platte.

If you are coming from the west side you will navigate to the intersection of Deckers Rd (County Road 126) and the Colorado Trail. There are about 10-15 spots to park in the ditch on the west side of the road. There is another pull off on the east side of Deckers Rd just a little north which the trail literally goes through. This parking spot is preferable if you are hiking the section of the trail from west to east and or you hiking to Chair Rocks. The pull off is just a little south of the fire station which is located at 19384 Co Rd 126 Pine, CO 80470.

Taking Children

Taking children on this hike is child dependent. If the child is used to hiking several miles in steep terrain then travelling east to west is possible. It is more probable that a family would hike a portion of this trail at a time.