Colorado · Hiking · Near Glenwood Springs

Ditch Trail

2.9 mi
round trip
1,422 ft
climb
8,381 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Ditch Trail open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Ditch Trail is a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Sopris Ranger District. It rises from about 7,870 feet to a high point of 8,381 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,422 feet over the round trip. The route is rated moderate, and the steepest stretch comes early, with a 25% grade at about 0.4 miles. The trail is natural-surface and open to horses and bikes, and it is not accessible. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Meredith show July highs around 81°F and lows near 40°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-30s with lows below freezing. The station sits about 550 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the summit run a bit cooler. The trail is open year-round and is reached at the Basalt Mountain Trailhead. Plan about 1.5 hours for the round trip. Nearby options include Blue Creek at 0.5 miles, Mill Creek at 0.8 miles, and Basalt Mountain at 1.2 miles. Cattle Creek, about 2.5 miles away, offers canoeing.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Basalt Area

    Campground

    Campground · 6.5 mi from the trail

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Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Ditch Trail

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      34° / 4°

    2. Feb

      36° / 6°

    3. Mar

      43° / 13°

    4. Apr

      51° / 21°

    5. May

      63° / 28°

    6. Jun

      75° / 34°

    7. Jul

      81° / 40°

    8. Aug

      80° / 39°

    9. Sep

      71° / 32°

    10. Oct

      61° / 23°

    11. Nov

      45° / 13°

    12. Dec

      34° / 5°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Meredith, CO, 17.8 mi away at 7,825 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.