Colorado · Hiking · Near Glenwood Springs

Mansfield Ditch

19.0 mi
round trip
1,931 ft
climb
8,762 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Mansfield Ditch is a 19.0-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near Colorado, managed by Pike-San Isabel National Forest's San Carlos Ranger District. This trail offers hikers an extended backcountry experience through national forest lands in south-central Colorado. The out-and-back route provides flexibility for hikers to turn back at any point, making it accessible for varying fitness levels and time constraints. Hikers tackling the full distance will cover 38.0 miles round trip. The trail traverses Pike-San Isabel National Forest terrain, which features diverse landscapes typical of Colorado's mountain and foothill regions. Being managed by the San Carlos Ranger District, the trail benefits from Forest Service maintenance and oversight. Before heading out, hikers should check with the ranger district for current trail conditions and any seasonal closures. Water availability, weather patterns, and seasonal considerations are important factors for this longer trail. Visitors should prepare accordingly with adequate supplies and navigation tools. For the most current information about trail conditions and any recent updates, contact the San Carlos Ranger District directly.

Around this trail

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

    Rifle Mountain Park

    Campground

    Campground · 5.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Elk Creek Bar & Grill

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 8 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Glenwood Springs

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Mansfield Ditch

    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

      26° / 6°

    2. Feb

      27° / 4°

    3. Mar

      34° / 12°

    4. Apr

      40° / 17°

    5. May

      49° / 27°

    6. Jun

      62° / 37°

    7. Jul

      68° / 42°

    8. Aug

      64° / 40°

    9. Sep

      57° / 34°

    10. Oct

      45° / 24°

    11. Nov

      34° / 14°

    12. Dec

      26° / 5°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bonham Rsvr, CO, 41.6 mi away at 9,852 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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