Colorado Trail: Segment 11

Colorado Trail: Segment 11 is a 22-mile point-to-point segment of the Colorado Trail that runs from the Mount Massive Trailhead south to Clear Creek Road. It features flowing creeks and beautiful displays of wildflowers. A relatively easy to moderate segment with mostly downhill sections and several miles of flat terrain. Several intersecting side trails offer opportunities to alter the distance or change the route. One such trail leads to Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado and a popular side trip for long distance hikers (adding this mountain will increase the overall distance and difficulty of this segment). The 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 - Start at Mount Massive Trailhead.01.30 - Trail junction. The Colorado Trail stays to the left and Mount Elbert Trail goes to the right.07.20 - Pass under Highway 82.13.70 - Trail junction, stay left to remain on the Colorado Trail, head right to take the Collegiate West alternate.21.50 - End of segment / Clear Creek Road.COLLEGIATE LOOPThis segment features the Collegiate Loop, a 160-mile scenic route that circumnavigates the Collegiate Peaks. The official Colorado Trail follows the Collegiate East, but many prefer the Collegiate West. Both sides are roughly the same distance. Not sure which path to take? Do both! The entire loop is a destination 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.LOGISTICSThis segment is accessible by car from both the southern and northern ends. Access points for this segment include Mount Massive Trailhead, Interlaken Trailhead, and Clear Creek Road Trailhead.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONColorado Trail FoundationCurrent Weather Information