Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,605.00 ft (1,098.80 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
20.30 mi (32.67 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Colorado Trail: Segment 14 is a 20.3-mile point-to-point segment of the Colorado Trail that runs from the Chalk Creek Trailhead to US Highway 50. This segment travels through the southern end of the Sawatch Mountain Range. It contains campgrounds and backcountry campsites. It features flowing creeks, waterfalls, and lush forests. And, as an added bonus, this segment offers three opportunities to climb a 14,000+ foot mountain. 

The segment begins with a climb, then traverses several gentle and flat miles before crossing a rolling terrain and descending to Highway 50 with scenic views of the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 

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.

PEAK BAGGING

During this segment of the Colorado Trail, you can access the following 14ers:

  • Mount Shavano (14,231’)

  • Tabeguache Peak (14,162’)

  • Mount Antero (14,276’)

MILES AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - Start

06.00 - Cross Little Browns Creek.

09.00 - Cross Fourmile Creek.

09.80 - Cross Sand Creek.

12.30 - Mount Shavano Trail junction.

14.50 - Angel of Shavano Trailhead.

17.40 - Cross Lost Creek.

18.80 - Cross Cree Creek.

20.20 - End

WATER

There is plenty of water along this segment, though you should still treat it before drinking.

SHUTTLE ACCESS

This segment is accessible by car from the following access points:

  • Chalk Creek Trailhead

  • Browns Creek Trailhead

  • Angel of Shavano Trailhead

  • US Highway 50 Trailhead

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Colorado Trail Foundation

Chalk Lake Campground

Mount Shavano and Mount Tabeguache

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Lush Forests. Flowing creeks. Peak bagging opportunities.

Cons

Landscape doesn't vary too much.

Trailhead Elevation

8,396.00 ft (2,559.10 m)

Highest point

10,143.00 ft (3,091.59 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado

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