Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 14

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail spans nearly 3,100 miles across 5 states from Mexico to Canada, exploring a vast array of different environments and landscapes along the way. The CDT can be completed as a single thru-hike that will take 4 to 6 months, or by section-hiking smaller segments. The Colorado portion of the CDT features 800 miles of stunning and challenging high altitude hiking. Highlights include the South San Juans, Collegiate Peaks, 14,270 foot Grays Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. In this guide we'll take a closer look at Colorado Section 14.Colorado Section 14 begins at Eddiesville Trailhead where there is ample parking and a vault toilet. You'll pass through a gate and immediately enter the La Garita Wilderness. This nice section of trail follows above Cochetopa Creek.You'll cross Nutras Creek, then a short distance later the trail crosses over Cochetopa Creek itself. You should be able to keep your feet dry for both of these crossings. There are also some cool rock formations near the Cochetopa crossing.After the crossing you'll have a very short but steep climb up the other side and into some beautiful Aspen trees. You'll stay above the creek for a while and in the Aspens before dropping back down and following fairly flat terrain near the creek.The trail will then leave the Cochetopa Creek Valley behind. Be sure to fill up on water before the trail parts ways. You'll then have a slight climb up to a murky cattle pond. Be sure to look back to enjoy one last view of the beautiful Cochetopa Creek Valley.The trail then follows a gravel road that winds its way around a mountain, beginning with a gradual ascent, then a descent. This is the start of the rather unexciting trek across the "cow pasture" flatlands that will consume the next day or two for thru hikers.You'll carry on walking double track road and then veer to the right, passing more cow pasture land. There are a couple of semi-reliable water sources here including Ant Creek. You'll also hit the 1,000 mile mark - a significant accomplishment for NOBO CDT hikers!You'll eventually come out to a well maintained gravel road (CO RD 17FF) which marks the end of Section 14.