Colorado Trail Seg. 12 Clear Creek to North Cottonwood Creek Road

Managing agency

Forest Service

The Colorado Trail Segment 12 stretches 20.6 miles between Clear Creek and North Cottonwood Creek Road in Colorado. This out-and-back route offers backpackers and day hikers access to a significant portion of the renowned Colorado Trail system, which spans across the state's diverse terrain. As part of the larger Colorado Trail network, this segment connects key waypoints while traversing the landscape between these two creek access points. The trail's out-and-back configuration allows hikers to choose their own turnaround point, making it accessible for various fitness levels and time constraints. This section of the Colorado Trail passes through Colorado's mountain environment, providing hikers with the experience of one of the state's most celebrated long-distance trails. Whether tackling the full 20.6 miles or hiking a portion of the route, visitors can experience the natural features characteristic of Colorado's high country. The segment serves both as a destination for dedicated Colorado Trail thru-hikers and as a standalone hiking option for those exploring the state's trail system.