Colorado Trail (Segment 5): Kenosha Pass To Long Gulch

Updated on September 27, 2011 by

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Difficulty

Easy-Moderate.

Trail Length

2 mile round trip

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. The trail is well maintained and heavily traveled. You will enjoy the views over Park County as you gradually ascend this portion of the trail. The wildflowers along the trail vary and are plentiful.

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.

Other hikes in this area you may enjoy Colorado Trail Kenosha Pass to Goldhill segment

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

Directions

Click map below. 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.

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. Or, if you are in the mood for an All-American fare, try the world famous "Coney Island" hot dog stand - a fun choice for lunch!
Category: 60 Mins from Denver, All Trails, Easy/ Moderate, Most Popular Hikes, Southwest of Denver Tags: , , , , , , , ,

About Mary Norton, Contributor of this Hike

Mary grew up here, so she knows all the best places to go! With a family of 5 children and no lack of enthusiasm for the outdoors, Mary is well qualified to give you tips and hike spots that will challenge you as well as delight your whole family. Whether you have kids, dogs, or are just looking to enjoy nature by yourself, Mary will show you where to go to find what you are looking for.

  • http://www.ColoradoTrail.org/ Bill Manning

    Thanks for posting this hike. This part of The Colorado Trail is especially easy with only moderate elevation change. Great place for a family outing. Expect to share the Trail with some bicyclists, though most of the cyclists seem to pedal West from Kenosha. You'll enjoy the expansive views across South Park.

    Our little nonprofit organization, The Colorado Trail Foundation, and all our fun-loving volunteers work to keep The Colorado Trail in good condition. From our one-room office in Golden, we assist Trail users, provide guide books and maps, and organize volunteers. Don't hesitate to visit our website or contact us. Enjoy The Colorado Trail.

    Bill Manning, Mg Dir
    The Colorado Trail Foundation
    www ColoradoTrail.org

    • http://6webdesign.com/ Tim Norton

      Bill thanks for the comment and for all you do to keep the Colorado trail looking great! Hopefully we can post some more hikes from the trail, this summer.

  • timnorton

    Bill thanks for the comment and for all you do to keep the Colorado trail looking great! Hopefully we can post some more hikes from the trail, this summer.

  • timnorton

    Bill thanks for the comment and for all you do to keep the Colorado Trail looking great! Hopefully we can post some more hikes from the trail this summer.

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