Ute Pass Trail

This trail starts at the base of the incline. The Ute Pass Trail heads off to the right and begins to climb the hillside to the north. After reaching the first ridge, the trail drops, then ascends before dropping to a Manitou Water facility. At this point, the trail continues west and is a utility road used by Manitou Water Department. Another trail, Rattlesnake Gulch heads east down through the gulch returning to the TH. Follow the trail west as it follows the path the Ute Tribe and early settlers from the Gold Rush ear used to take between the mountains and the plains. Currently, the trail at this point is a service road; however it once was traveled by settlers in covered wagons, especially during the Gold Rush. There are placards along the trail that have interesting historical information regarding the history and still have water pipes from the early 1930s. The trail continues to a small "interpretive" loop near Cascade, which has not been kept up; so a bit difficult to find; but more placards of history. This trail is lightly traveled and a nice moderate hike.