The-Locals-Adventure-Guide-to-Mellow-Mountain-Trails-27-Fun-Day-Hikes-in-Salida-Buena-Vista-Hiking-Guide-to-Colorados-Upper-Arkansas-River-Valley book cover Colorado Trail South

Published with permission from the guide book: Mellow Mountain Trails Hiking Guide to Colorado’s Upper Arkansas River Valley

by Nathan Ward.

  • Featuring 27 Fun Day Hikes in Buena Vista & Salida – beginner to expert..
  • Maps and Elevation Profiles for each ride, including altitude gain and loss.
  • Local Advice on riding areas and seasons, where to sleep, where to soak, where to find the best pizza, the best coffee and the best bars in Buena Vista & Salida, Colorado.

Colorado Trail South

Chalk Creek flows east from the Collegiate Peaks mountain range into the Arkansas River. This beautiful singletrack hike starts at the creek and meanders south on the Colorado Trail. It climbs steadily from the waters of Chalk Creek through pine and aspen forests to a ridge with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Mt. Antero (14,289 ft.) is on the south side of the river and Mt. Princeton (14,197 ft.) is to the north. The trail then descends into an aspen forest and grassy meadow on the east side toward the Arkansas River Valley. A perfect spot for a picnic.

Options
Continue 1 more mile to Raspberry Gulch, 3 miles from the trailhead, or add as many more miles as you desire on the Colorado Trail heading south.

Trailhead Access & Facilities
Drive 16 miles north of Salida via US 291 to US 285, or 8 miles south of Buena Vista on US 285. Turn west on CR 162 and drive 6.9 miles to CR 291. Look for a sign to the Bootleg Walk-In Campground and the Colorado Trail on your right. Turn directly left on CR 291 and drive down the dirt road a short way. Park by the Chalk Creek Trailhead sign.

There are pit toilets in the nearby campground, but no facilities along the trail.

Location: Chalk Creek, West of Nathrop
Distance: 4 Miles – Out & Back
Hiking Time: 2 Hours
Best Months: May through October
Trail Type: Singletrack
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes
Elevation in Feet: Low Point 8,455; High Point 9,348; Climbs/Ascends 927
Land Status: San Isabel National Forest
Maps: Trails Illustrated #130
Note: There may be mountain bikers on this trail, but not many.

Chalk-Creek-CT-South-Outlines map

Chalk-Creek-CT-South-elevation

Colorado Trail South Photo Gallery

Colorado Trail South
Colorado Trail South

Colorado Trail South Mileage Log

0.0 Trailhead – Chalk Creek Trailhead. Elevation 8,455 ft. (N38 42.99, W106 12.01) Cross the bridge and admire beautiful Chalk Creek. Sign in here and begin walking up a hill to the right.
0.1 The trail divides here – go right. The trail soon divides again. Stay on the well-marked Colorado Trail. A few yards farther, a sign indicates the Bootleg Campground, a walk-in campground. Do not take this trail. Stay on the Colorado Trail, which is marked with a white and green mountain symbol. Stay to the right toward Brown’s Creek.
0.4 Trail intersects road CR 290. Cross this dirt road and continue on the trail on the other side. A CT sign here indicates it is 3 miles to Raspberry Gulch. Continue.
0.5 Turn around for a beautiful view of Chalk Creek.
0.6 There is a road to the right, do not take it. Stay on the trail.
0.7 You are steadily climbing and there is a small creek to your right.
1.1 You are climbing up steep switchbacks.
1.4 Top of the hill. Stop to rest and enjoy the views of the Chalk Creek drainage. This is the best viewpoint on the hike. It’s also a good place to stop for families with children. The trail now descends.
1.5 You are now half way to Raspberry Gulch in a grassy meadow surrounded by aspen trees.
1.7 Trail goes into an aspen forest.
2.0 This is the turnaround spot. Elevation 9,095 ft. (N38 42.66, W106 11.06) Return the same way.
4.0 Back at the trailhead.

Care for Colorado – Are You Colo-Ready?