Colorado Trail Segment 6

Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail spans approximately 31.9 miles from Kenosha Pass to the Goldhill Trailhead near Breckenridge, crossing the Continental Divide at Georgia Pass. The route begins at Kenosha Pass at an elevation of 10,000 feet, winding through extensive groves of aspen and lodgepole pine. The trail climbs steadily for approximately 12 miles to reach Georgia Pass, the high point of the route at 11,880 feet, which offers panoramic views of Mount Guyot, South Park, and the surrounding peaks of the Front Range and Tenmile Range. From Georgia Pass, the trail descends roughly 2,000 vertical feet over 6.5 miles into the Swan River valley. This section features rolling, sometimes rocky singletrack. After crossing the Middle Fork of the Swan River, the route begins a challenging 3.5-mile climb of over 1,000 feet of elevation gain towards the West Ridge of the Tenmile Range. This portion of the trail passes through areas impacted by historical logging and pine beetle mitigation, resulting in open, sunny slopes with limited shade. The final section descends toward the Blue River valley, ending at the Goldhill Trailhead off Highway 9, just north of Breckenridge. This segment is multi-use, welcoming hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Water sources are available along the route, including Jefferson Creek and the Swan River, though treatment is required. Due to the high-elevation terrain and exposure above treeline at Georgia Pass, travelers should prepare for rapid weather changes, high winds, and sudden temperature drops.