Colorado Trail: Segment 15

Colorado Trail: Segment 15 is a 14.5-mile point-to-point segment of the Colorado Trail that runs from US Highway 50 to Marshall Pass Trailhead. This segment of trail takes you through lush pine forests dotted with colorful wildflowers. The trail climbs gradually for the first 8.5 miles up to the southern tip of the Collegiate Loop. At this point the trail connects back to the Collegiate West Alternate and rejoins the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. From here the trail levels out and then descends for the remaining miles. This section is also part of the Monarch Crest Trail, a popular mountain biking route. Hikers should look out for fast-moving mountain bikes and motorcycles, which are allowed on some parts of the trail.THE COLORADO TRAILThe Colorado Trail is a long distance trail that spans 485 miles from Denver to Durango traversing through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. A majority of the trail is located at a high altitude, with an average elevation of 10,000 feet. It is a multi-use trail that is open to hikers, backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers in certain areas (bicycles are prohibited in designated wilderness areas. MILES AND WAYPOINTS00.00 - Start03.00 - South Fooses Creek Trailhead08.60 - Southern tip Collegiate Loop. Stay left to remain on Colorado Trail: Segment 15, or head right to for the Collegiate West Alternate.14.70 - EndCOLLEGIATE LOOPThis segment is part of the 160-mile Collegiate Loop. Completing the entire loop is an adventure in and of itself, and many thru-hikers add it on to their overall trip. For more information about the Collegiate Loop visit https://coloradotrail.org/traveling-the-ct/collegiate-east-west/. WATERThere is plenty of water along this segment, though you should still treat it before drinking.SHUTTLE ACCESSThis segment is accessible by car from the following access points:US Highway 50 and South Fooses Creek TrailheadMarshall Pass TrailheadADDITIONAL INFORMATIONColorado Trail Foundation