Kenosha Pass East (South of 285)- Colorado Trail

To get to this trailhead take US 285 from Denver west for 68 miles to Kenosha Pass. Pull off on your left onto a dirt road just as rail fence ends on your left. The Colorado trail can be accessed from either side of the road.

Fall is a great time to view all the aspens that are found here. You MUST get here early because there are tons of people strolling around taking pictures throughout the day.

There are lovely views as you walk along the trail. You can go as far as you want and then turn around. We went about 3-4 miles and then headed back.

This portion of the trail has 400 feet of elevation gain and a high point of 10,500 feet. This hike follows a portion of the Colorado Trail that is an old jeep road through aspen forests and meadows that offer panoramic views of the South Park Basin

On our route, the east-side trail hits the Aspen grove at 0.5 miles, views of South Park appear at 1.76 miles, and the trail starts to descend at 2.89 miles. The trail is rocky in places with occasional nooks with stellar views. It winds in and out of coniferous forest, open meadows, and Aspen groves (some large, some small). I found the trail very easy to walk on and we made very good time.

The farther you go the better the views. Many people walk a mile take pictures and head back.

This marker designates you are on the Colorado Trail.

All the people when we got back congested and taking photos. Try to arrive early. We started at 8AM at the trailhead.

Golden gate Canyon State Park for Labor Day Weekend!

Tanglewood Trail August 22

We decided to do this hike after how crowded the last one was. We have gone here before and knew it was hardly traveled. We start at the Deer Creek Trailhead. It was flooded out last time and we had to wade across the road to the trailhead.  This starts up with many trees along the way.  Follow the signs for rosalie and Tanglewood trails. 

There are many rocks and boulders on the trail. Poles come in handy.

The trail split comes at about 1.1 miles Rosalie Trail turns off here to Guanella Pass here but you want to keep right.  The trail now begins to get steeper, rockier and thinner. 

You basically follow a creek along the trail. There are three bridge crossings: bridge, some rocks, and another bridge.

About 2.6 miles from the trailhead the trail crosses Tanglewood creek a final time and turns away from the stream and the switchbacks begin. They are not terribly steep. 

Here is an occasional meadow.

Finally the woods open up to see some views.

Heading to the saddle at about 3.5 miles we come to the tundra area. The trail will gain 600 feet in the next .7 miles. Take lots of breaks to enjoy the views.

There are bristlecone pines just before you get to the top. You can make it! These trees are 2000 years old.

After the pines a bunch of scree leads up to the amazing views.

This was a great place to have our lunch. You can see mount Evans from here and the road going up.

Views from all directions at the saddle. If you want to go further you will reach Roosevelt Lakes. But is is down and then you have to go back up.  Some people were camping and fishing down there. They planned to come back the next day.

Heading back down. This hike is 7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2650.