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Colorado Trail #1776-Segment 14 Angel of Shavano
The Angel of Shavano Trailhead is located across the road from the Angel of Shavano Campground and serves as major trailhead along the Colorado Trail #1776. The first .25 miles from the trailhead climbs steeply out the North Fork valley and then levels off to an easy hike that winds in and out aspen and spruce/fir forests.
Segment 14 of the Colorado Trail #1776 is 20.4 miles long and begins at the Chalk Creek Trailhead, heads south passing the Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead and the Angel of Shavano Trailhead then continues on to U.S. Highway 50.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Winter conditions exist; expect snow on the trail. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Parking |
| Fees: | No fee is charged. |
| Permit Info: | Special use permits are required for groups of 75 or more persons and all commercial activities including outfitting and guiding. |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | May-September |
| Restrictions: | No motorized vehicles allowed on this trail! |
| Closest Towns: | Poncha Springs & Salida, CO |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | None |
| Information Center: | Salida Ranger District |
General Information
Accessibility:No handicapped accessible facilities are available at this trailhead.
Directions:
From the junction of Highway 50 and 285, just outside of Poncha Springs, Co, travel west on Highway 50 for 6 miles to the town of Maysville. Turn right onto County Road 240 and travel northwest for 3 miles to the trailhead. You will pass the entrance for the Angel of Shavano Group area on the left and the trailhead is located on the right side of the road.
General Notes:
Colorado Trail (#1776) which is a backcountry multi-use trail connecting Denver and Durango, CO. It is over 483 miles of contiguous trail. The exact mileage for the trail is ever changing as trail segments are changed and re-routed. The project that was to be the Colorado Trail began in 1973 with a grant from the Gates Foundation and was completed in 1987. The trail sees considerable usage from day hikers, mountain bikers (although not in sections in Wilderness), horseback riders, and die-hard thru-hikers. The trail is maintained by the Colorado Trail Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service.
The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follow the same path for approximately 200 miles.
Parking:
The trailhead can accommodate up to 6 vehicles. Parking is limited but during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, the parking area can accommodate small horse trailers.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers general ride this trail from the north from Chalk Creek or Browns Creek but it also serves as one of the areas best single-track trail. Motorcycles are not allowed on the Colorado Trail.
| Usage: | Low to Moderate |
|---|---|
| Best Season: | Summer and Fall |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Day Hiking
The Colorado Trail (#1776) from Angel of Shavano is a popular day hiking trail but also serves as an access point for through hikers travel along the trail from Denver to Durango. Horseback riders use the area for rides north along the trail.
General Info:
AccessibilityThis site is not universally accessible.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee |
| Hours of Operation: | Open year round. |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Horse Riding
This trailhead is a popular access point for riders traveling the trail north to Blanks Cabin. The first .25 miles of the trail climbs steeply out the North Fork valley and then levels off to an easy ride that winds in and out aspen and spruce/fir forests.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Amenities
| Parking: |
|---|