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5-Day: Colorado Trail - Segments 18 to 21 from the CO Highway 114 TH

Colorado Trail - Segments 18 thru 21 trip is a beautiful 54.1 mile hike (one way) with an elevation gain of about 9,889 ft. It starts at the CO Highway 114 Trailhead, travels through Gunnison National Forest and the La Garita Wilderness, passes San Louis Peak (14,022 ft.), crosses Snow Mesa, and ends at Spring Creek Pass Trailhead.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 5-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Rendezvous in Lake City area to set up the car shuttle.  From Lake City, take one or more vehicles to parking lot at Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, then backtrack about 10 miles to de-commissioned forest service campground (free camping, restrooms are available, and designated campsites). Car camp here.

Day 2: Traverse north to the start of hike at CO 114 & CT trail crossing. Hike south on the Colorado Trail to the Los Creek area where there is a water source and camp in nearby area (9.6 miles, +1,143 / -1,238 ft.).

Day 3: Head south on the Colorado Trail from the Los Creek campsite to just past the Skyline Trail intersection and camp near Cochetopa creek (11.4 miles, +1,682 / -1,600 ft.)

Day 4: From the Cochetopa campsite hike south on the Colorado Trail to 1.1 miles past the gate to the Diablo Canyon area where there is a water source and a campsite (11.5 miles, +1,889 / -617 ft.).

Day 5: From the Diablo camp hike south on the Colorado Trail past the trrail intersection with the East Mineral Creek trail where there is campsite available. NOTE: The is a water source 1/4 mile prior to the campsite (10.3 miles, +3,282 / -2,393 ft.).

Day 6: From the Mineral Creek campsite hike south on the Colorado Trail to Spring Creek Pass (11.4 miles, +2,085 / -3,070 ft.). Drive exit vehicle(s) back to other vehicles at start location. Drive home from there.

Overall Route

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Length: 54.1 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 9,889 ft
  • 12,785 ft
  • Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
    La Garita Wilderness Area, Gunnison Ranger District (GMUG)
  • Parking Permit Required: Other
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 1201
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