Colorado Trail Kenosha Pass (East Side)

Trail Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.

Trail Description:
This hike is a segment of the Colorado Trail. When you reach Kenosha pass you will need to go to the east side of HWY 285 to park. The trail is located just to the south of the parking lot.
This hike is easy to moderate and offers nice, shady forest, grassy meadows, views of the Rockies and a pleasant climb.

It is a wonderful fall hike – the huge aspen trees tower above the trail in golden colors. It is a pleasant trail that wanders through the forest at a slight uphill grade with wonderful views of the valley looking south toward Fairplay.

We hiked with our kids (all under age 7) for about an hour (approx. 1 mile). This took us to a lookout area with rocks and logs where we had lunch and looked down into the valley and out to the south. It was a beautiful picnic spot.

One thing we noticed was at this time of year, September, there are still a lot of mosquitos and gnats in the area. Be sure to take bug spray with you – it will make your hike a lot more pleasant.

Restrooms available at parking lot.

Picnic Recommendations:
Anywhere along the trail – we like eating where there is a nice view.

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

How to get there:
From Jct C-470 and US 285 go south toward Fairplay for approximately 47 miles. You will reach the trailhead at Kenosha Pass (approximately 7 miles southwest of Grant). Park on the left (east) side of Hwy 285. 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. Give it a try.