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Colorado Trail #1776-Segment 14 Chalk Creek TH
Segment 14: Chalk Creek Trailhead to U.S. 50
The Chalk Creek Trailhead of the Colorado Trail #1776 is located in the Chalk Creek Canyon south of Buena Vista.
Distances from this trailhead:
- Browns Creek Trail #1429 - 6.5 miles
- Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead- 10.6 miles
- Angel of Shavano Trailhead- 14.4 miles
- US Hwy 50 - 20.4 miles
At a Glance
| Area Amenities: | Parking |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee is required. |
| 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 camping or campfires at trailheads. |
| Closest Towns: | Buena Vista, CO |
| Water: | No drinking water provided. |
| Restroom: | None |
| Information Center: | Salida Ranger District |
General Information
Accessibility:No universally accessible facilities are available.
Directions:
From Buena Vista, Colorado, travel 7 miles south on Highway 285 to County Road 162. Turn right onto CR 162 and travel west for 7 miles, passing the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort (private). Turn left onto Forest Road 290 (located directly across from the Chalk Creek kiosk) and travel downhill to the trailhead.
Northern route: From this point the trail follow County Road 162 for 1.4 miles to the intersection with CR 321 just west of the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Follow CR 321 up the hill for about 1.2 miles and then turn left on to CR 322. Follow the signs to an information kiosk that posts the next segment of the trail.
Parking:
Parking is available for 8 vehicles.
General Notes:
The Colorado Trail 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.
Activities
Mountain Biking
The Colorado Trail travels south from the Chalk Creek trailhead for 6.5 miles to the Browns Creek trailhead.
Day Hiking
The Colorado Trail at the Chalk Creek trailhead travels south towards Browns Creek. The trail winds for 6 miles through a Ponderosa pine forest to the intersection of Browns Creek trail (#1427). This is a popular trail for day hiking.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee required |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |
Backpacking
This trail travels south from Chalk Creek to Browns Creek, a distance of 6.5 miles. The Bootleg campsite is located .25 miles south on this trail and is a great rendezvous point for through hikers and backpackers.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
The Colorado Trail travels south from the Chalk Creek Trailhead to Browns Creek. From the bridge, the trail climbs steeply for about .2 miles and then the trail levels out and is a great snowshoe and ski route.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
Location