Kenosha Pass Mountains Loop

This 42-mile lollipop loop starting from Kenosha Pass offers a scenic and diverse backpacking adventure through the Kenosha Mountains. With expansive meadows, alpine forests, and panoramic ridgeline views, this route blends popular trail segments with quieter backcountry paths. It's an ideal 3- to 4-day trip for experienced hikers looking to explore a lesser-traveled loop with solid mileage and steady elevation gain.

Begin at Kenosha Pass and head east along the Colorado Trail, meandering through aspen groves and open meadows with big views of the South Park Basin. 

Turn north onto the Ben Tyler Trail, which climbs steadily through dense pine forest and opens up to expansive vistas as you approach the ridge.

At the junction with Craig Park Trail, head east. This quieter stretch rolls through lodgepole pine and crosses open drainages, offering plenty of scenic camping options. Continue on until you meet the Brookside-McCurdy Trail, which climbs over forested ridges and follows along the east side of the Kenosha Mountains.

Eventually, you’ll reconnect with the Colorado Trail, closing the loop. Head west along the same stretch of trail you started on to return to Kenosha Pass.

Flora & Fauna
Expect a mix of lodgepole pine, spruce, fir, and vast aspen stands. Wildflowers bloom in early summer, and wildlife sightings may include deer, elk, marmots, and birds of prey. Moose have also been spotted in the area’s wetter drainages.
Camping & Water
Dispersed camping is permitted along the entire route, with ample flat sites near creeks and meadows. Water sources are generally reliable in early summer but can dwindle later in the season. Carry a filter and plan ahead.
Permits
No permits required for this loop. Standard Leave No Trace practices apply.

Considerations

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, start early and aim to be off ridges by midday.

• While trails are generally well-maintained, some junctions can be faint or signed ambiguously, bring a GPS or offline map.

• Elevation tops out over 11,000 feet, so be prepared for colder temps and give yourself time to acclimate if coming from lower elevation.

• This loop is best from late June through early October.