Colorado Trail Kenosha Pass to Goldhill (Segment)

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Trail Length:
Approximately 1 mile in and 1 mile out.

Trail Description:
If you have ever hiked any section of the Colorado trail you will know that it is a fun experience to be on a trail that winds 468 miles through the beautiful mountains of Colorado with many other hikers.

This section of the trail allows you easy access by car to the trailhead – (most sections have remote trailheads). Not only that, but you will experience some of the most beautiful, spectacular and breathtaking views of the plains, and the Rockies in one place!!

The trail begins just off of Hwy 285 at Kenosha Pass. From there, the trail leads through pine and aspen forest for about 1/2 of a mile until it emerges at the edge of an enormous valley overlooking Fairplay and surrounding peaks.

This is a fantastic section of trail to this point and further along the side of the hill that overlooks the great valley. This is a good area to have a snack and then turn around and head out for the parking lot.

No Restrooms available at parking lot.

Picnic recommendation:
Once you come over the hill and see the valley and the Rockies in the distance, pick a grassy area or the wooden bench to eat and enjoy the majestic views!

Travel time:
Approximately 60 minutes from Jct C-470 and US 285.

How to get there:
Take US 285 south toward Fairplay for approximately 47 miles. You will reach the trailhead at Kenosha Pass on US 285 and will pull off to the right side of the highway to park. Look for the signs indicating the Colorado Trail.

Special Attractions:
Bailey (along US 285) offers several restaurants and cafes. There is a coffee shop (you will recognize it by the huge coffee cup on the side of the building) that offers Espresso and ice cream. The world famous Coney Island hot dog stand is on the outskirts of Bailey – a great place to stop for icecream and hotdogs after your hike on the Colorado Trail. You can’t miss it. It is a building in the shape of a hotdog with all the fixin’s!