wildernet

South Park Ranger District

Quick Facts

Colorado Trail (Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass)

Beginning Elevation:	9,994 Feet (3115.3 Meters) Kenosha Pass Campground
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation Gain:	3,000 Feet (935.2 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,585 Feet (3611.3 Meters) Georgia Pass
High Point:	11,800 Feet (3678.3 Meters)
Length, One-way:	11 Miles (18.33 Kilometers)
Other Maps:	Pike National Forest, Trails Illustrated 105, 109
Recommended Season:	Summer to Fall
Trail Number:	1,776
Usage:	Moderate
USGS Maps:	Jefferson, Boreas Pass

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

This section of the Colorado Trail extends 11 miles from Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass in the Pike National Forest. It was the first official loop of the Colorado Trail called the West Jefferson Loop Trail. Beginning at the Kenosha Pass Campground walk northwest for approximately 4.5 miles. The trail remains relatively level between 10,000' and 10,300' in elevation. After dropping into the second drainage hikers will pass Jefferson Hill on the left then descend into the Jefferson Creek drainage. This is a highly developed with several campgrounds. The trail crosses Forest Road 401; then crosses the West Jefferson Trail and begins to ascend. This segment of the Colorado Trail reaches its high point at 10,800 as it crosses the Continental Divide immediately east of Georgia Pass. From here the Colorado Trail exits the Pike National Forest and enters the Arapaho National Forest.

Directions from Fairplay: Access from Beaver Ponds Picnic Ground is located approximately 22 miles northeast of the town of Fairplay, Colorado. Visitors may reach this area by taking State Highway 285 north from Fairplay 17 miles to the town of Jefferson. Then drive west on County Road 35 for approximately 2 miles to Forest Developed Road 37. Travel northwest on FDR 37 for approximately 3 miles to the picnic ground.

Directions from Grant: Access from Kenosha Pass Campground is located approximately seven miles southwest of the small town of Grant, Colorado. Drive west from Grant on Highway 285 to reach the campground.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: May through October .

		Current Conditions & Trip Reports
		Add your own trip Report! Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report Difficulty: Easy Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl Recommend to a Friend: Neutral Report: Hikers, beware of mountain bikers. You will have to step off of the trail quite often to let them by. We went off of the trail and hiked up to Jefferson lake (uphill climb on a paved road about one mile off of the trail) which was very beautiful. We camped in the overflow camping near the Jefferson Creek campgrounds--we were about 100 yards away from the trail which made it easy access for an early morning start. The valley offers a beautiful view of South Park.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	Colorado Trail	Yes
	Dispersed Camping	Colorado Trail	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Colorado Trail (Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass)	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Colorado Trail	Yes
	Animal Identification	Colorado Trail	Yes
	Bird Identification	Colorado Trail	Yes
	Mushroom Identification	Colorado Trail	Yes
	Wildflower Identification	Colorado Trail	Yes
	Mountain Biking	Colorado Trail - non-wilderness areas only	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Colorado Trail	Yes

Related Activities

Colorado Trail (Long Gulch Trailhead to Kenosha Pa - This segment of the Colorado Trail leads users 14 miles from Long Gulch Trailhead to Kenosha Pass. The first few miles are within the Lost Creek Wilderness boundary and closed to mechanized and motorized travel.

Kenosha Pass Campground - The Kenosha Pass Campground consists of 25 individual family campsites, which include a table, fire ring and parking spur. The site is located on the Colorado Trail providing access to hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Lodgepole Campground - Lodgepole Campground is located approximately 21 miles northeast of the town of Fairplay, Colorado. This campground consists of 35 individual family campsites.

West Jefferson Trail - West Jefferson Trail begins in the Jefferson Lake area and climbs to Georgia Pass, 11,585'. Users can make a loop hike by following the Colorado Trail back to the campgrounds.