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


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Map Key

12.1

Miles

19.5

KM

94%

Runnable

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 run 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.

Runner Notes

This is also a popular hiking and mountain bike trail. During fall peak colors, the first 2 miles from the road have lots of hiking/biking traffic.

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

#493

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

#493

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

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

Photos

Aspen groves
Oct 1, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
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

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 60 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jul 3, 2021
Elizabeth Stapleton
9.5mi — 2h 15m
Sep 25, 2020
Matt Church
13.2mi — 2h 04m
Sep 30, 2019
Sarah M
12mi — 2h 30m
Aug 10, 2019
David Olderman
Jul 6, 2019
Jessica B
14mi — 2h 24m
Jun 8, 2019
Jeff Gregg
Sep 9, 2018
Zeb GrandPré
14mi — 3h 10m
Jul 29, 2018
Lo Britt
5.3mi
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