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Colorado

Middle Fork

16.9 mi

Distance

2,084 ft

Gain

No verdict for this trail

We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.

What we do know

  • Inside Rio Grande National Forest

    3 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.

    Boundary data

What's missing

  • No access route mapped

    We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.

Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.

Why you'll love it

Big climb
Out & back

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Middle Fork

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Elevation & route

Distance
16.9 mi
Elevation gain
2,084 ft
Highest point
12,461 ft
Lowest point
9,992 ft
More about this trail ↓

Photos

Directions & GPX

Permits & access

Managing agency
Forest Service

About this trail

Middle Fork is a 14.7-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the town of Colorado, managed by the Yampa Ranger District of Routt National Forest. The trail offers hikers a chance to explore the Yampa River drainage area with a substantial distance commitment suitable for experienced day hikers or those planning an overnight backpacking trip. The out-and-back format allows you to turn around at any point along the route, making it flexible for different fitness levels and time constraints. This trail provides access to the backcountry of Routt National Forest, known for its diverse terrain and mountain ecosystems. Being located within National Forest lands, the area offers typical forest service amenities and regulations. The trail is ideal for those seeking to escape crowded front-country routes while still maintaining access to well-maintained pathways in the Yampa Ranger District. Check with the Yampa Ranger District office for current conditions, any necessary permits, and seasonal accessibility before planning your visit.

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Guided trips nearby

Local operatorsoffering guided trips. You book directly with them — Roamze doesn’t take a cut.

Blue Creek Lodge

Hiking business nearby (~12 mi away) — hasn't claimed their Roamze page yet

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Grizzly RT RV Park

Hiking business nearby (~33 mi away) — hasn't claimed their Roamze page yet

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Crazy Horse Outfitters

Hiking business nearby (~40 mi away) — hasn't claimed their Roamze page yet

View operator