East Middle

Managing agency

GMUG NF — Ouray RD

East Middle is a 10.6-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the town of Colorado. Managed by the Ouray Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, this trail offers access to a scenic portion of the high country. The out-and-back format means hikers will cover approximately 5.3 miles to reach the turnaround point before retracing their steps. This structure makes it easy to customize your hike duration based on fitness level and available time. The trail is situated within GMUG National Forest lands, providing hikers with the characteristic alpine and subalpine landscapes typical of this region. Given its distance and out-and-back nature, East Middle suits hikers seeking a moderate-length day hike. For current trail conditions, access information, and any seasonal closures, contact the Ouray Ranger District directly. The high elevation terrain common to this area means conditions can change rapidly with weather, so hikers should plan accordingly and check conditions before heading out.