While the Greenhorn Trail starts out fairly easy it’s not the best fit for beginners aka “greenhorns.” After a few miles the trail enters a relentless series of switchbacks that climb about 3000 feet over the a few miles up to treeline.

The route offers a great opportunity to explore the diversity of the Wet Mountains, a relatively smaller mountain range that lies east of the Sangre de Cristo Range and the Westcliffe Valley. Compared to the Sangres, the Wets receive more moisture and it shows in the lush green landscape around the trailhead and in the towering timber along the slopes.

From Colorado Springs drive south on I- 25 through Pueblo, where the long string of the Wet Mountains begin to become apparent off to the southwest. After about 65 miles take Exit 74 for Colorado City, not to be confused with “Old Colorado City” next to Colorado Springs. Continue westward on Highway 165 through the “other” Colorado City and after about another 16.5 miles turn left on Main St. in the hamlet of Rye. Drive westward on Main which turns into Park Rd. for about .75 mile to a fork then bear right on Cuerna Verde Road. Follow Cuerna Verde westward through the primitive foothill landscape and after about 2.25 miles the road swings south. Continue south for about another quarter mile to where the road ends at the signed yet obscure Greenhorn trailhead with a small parking area.

If you made it to the trailhead, breath a sigh of relief and begin the hike by crossing a bridge over Greenhorn Creek. Beginning at about 7500 feet, the first 2.5 miles head west and climb gently on a lovely path through the lush landscape. Along the way look and listen for some unique birds that are not readily found in Teller County, like black-chinned hummingbird and Virginia’s and orange-crowned warblers. After the easy start, the trail enters the rugged and rocky terrain of the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness. The relentless switchbacks begin, revealing views of the surrounding mountains and cliffs and be sure to turn around to soak in the massive plains sprawling eastward beyond the mountains.

When I hiked this route in late May of 2020, about five miles from the trailhead at around 10,500 feet I started to hit patches of deep drifted snow across the trail and the route became more difficult to follow. After about another mile at about 11,250 feet, I encountered a massive avalanche that had wiped out the trail corridor, making for a good turnaround point for this route description. Find a good spot for a lunch break to enjoy the treeline landscape with patches of tundra and fine views on a clear day. Retrace the route for about six miles back to the trailhead, which is mostly downhill all the way.

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Joe LaFleur has lived in Woodland Park since 2016 and is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.

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BOX

PARK: San Isabel National Forest, Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: June through October

TRAILS: Greenhorn

LENGTH: About 12 miles up to treeline and back, about 4500 feet elevation gain

DIFFICULTY: Difficult

NOTES: Icy and snowy conditions in spring and fall may require microspikes and may inhibit access to roads and trails.