Ute - Sweetwater

The Ute-Sweetwater Trail is a 9.1-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado near the town of Colorado, managed by the Pike-San Isabel National Forest Salida Ranger District. This trail offers hikers a moderate journey through the scenic landscape of south-central Colorado's national forest system. As an out-and-back route, the trail follows the same path for both ascent and descent, making navigation straightforward for visitors. The out-and-back format allows hikers to turn around at any point if preferred, giving flexibility to customize their experience based on fitness level and available time. The trail is maintained by the Salida Ranger District of Pike-San Isabel National Forest, one of Colorado's major public lands. This area provides access to the natural forest environment characteristic of the Pike-San Isabel region, with its mix of evergreen forests and mountain terrain. The Ute-Sweetwater Trail is suitable for hikers looking for a full-day outing in the national forest. Before heading out, visitors should check current conditions with the Salida Ranger District and come prepared with adequate water and supplies for the roughly 9-mile journey.