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A steep steady climb that is heavily rooted, rutted, and rocky, giving access to Mount Rosa Summit Trail (#673).


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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.8

KM

63%

Runnable

10,980' 3,347 m

High

9,943' 3,031 m

Low

758' 231 m

Up

1,144' 349 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

60%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs Off-leash

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

Description

This trail can be accessed from the St. Mary Falls Trail (#624) or Foresters Trail (#701). Other access points are at the end of FSR 381 or FSR 379 (Frosty Park Road). If you choose to use either of these access points, a high clearance vehicle is necessary, or you can park on Gold Camp Rd. and run to the trailhead down either Forest Service Road.

This trail connects St. Mary Falls Trail (#624) with the Pipeline Trail (#668) via Foresters Trail (#701) and is the main passageway to the Mount Rosa Summit Trail (#673).

The Nelson's Trail (#672) is a steep steady climb that is heavily rooted, rutted, and rocky on both sides of the Mount Rosa ridge line. Either way you ascend or descend requires careful footing to ensure hips, knees, ankles and feet remain uninjured. The trail carries travelers through heavily forested areas and to almost 11,000 feet where at time a glimpse of a spectacular view can be had.

Flora & Fauna

Mule Deer and Monarch Butterfly. Timbers include spruce, aspen, and mixed pine. Tansy Asters, Purple Asters and Yellow Violets are among the wildflowers.

Contacts

Shared By:

K Keiter with improvements by Edward Potereiko

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#23255

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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Trail Rankings

#1,806

in Colorado

#23,255

Overall
2 Views Last Month
930 Since Jul 5, 2017
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Photos

Roots, rocks, and ruts make up this portion of the trail.
Jul 5, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
Spring on trail. Bear activity nearby.
Jul 18, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
This is the St. Mary Falls Trailhead off FSR 381. The trailhead is unmarked, so look for the fenced entry.
Jul 10, 2017 near Manitou…, CO
Bear Scat on the trail. Keep an eye out, make noise as you head down the trail, and bring bear spray!
Jul 18, 2017 near Manitou…, CO

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