The CT Series is a special series of hiking articles about the Colorado Trail (CT) that runs from May through October. The CT is a unique and well maintained continuous trail, spanning 485 miles from Denver to Durango. The Colorado Mountain Club Guidebook to the Colorado Trail is an indispensable tool for planning and executing trail excursions. The book divides the CT into 28 segments of varying length. The Colorado Trail Foundation website (coloradotrail.org) also has a ton of useful information.

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Every trail has to start somewhere, and the “supertrail” that is the 485-mile Colorado Trail launches from Waterton Canyon in Denver. The elevations of this route stay below 6,000 feet, making it an ideal option for hiking in the shoulder season months of March and November. In these months, mornings will likely be chilly, maybe in the lower 30s, but on average the daily highs rise into the 50s. In the summer early mornings are best as the exposed and rocky canyon is lacking for shade and can get quite hot during the day.

From C-470 west of Denver, drive south on Wadsworth Boulevard for about 4.5 miles and turn left on Waterton Canyon Road. After about a quarter mile reach the large trailhead parking area on the left. If the lot is full at this popular urban trailhead, additional parking is available another quarter mile down the road.

From the main lot cross Waterton Canyon Road and begin hiking westward, connecting to a wide road/trail that travels along the South Platte River, lined mostly with willows and some cottonwoods.

The roadway supports a steady flow of people walking, running, biking and fishing. Major rivers like the South Platte are like highways for migrating birds, so this area can be quite good for birding especially during migration in May and September.

The first few miles of the trail follow an easement through private land before entering the San Isabel National Forest. The road is used by the Denver Water Board to access the Strontia Springs dam and note that this beginning section of the CT is only accessible during daylight hours and dogs are not allowed.

The route climbs ever so gently along the river, passing through foothills habitat of shrubby hillsides. As hikers continue deeper into the foothills, lower mountains in the montane life zone come into view with forests of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-Fir. Penetrating deeper into the mountains and farther from the city crowds, Bighorn Sheep may be observed, feeling right at home in their native rocky canyon habitat.

About 6.25 miles from the trailhead, the road reaches a turnoff for the impressive Strontia Springs Dam, an obvious landmark indicating the turnaround point for this route. Find a shady spot for lunch before gliding back down the road for about another six miles back to the parking area.

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Joe LaFleur has logged about 200 miles of the Colorado Trail from Denver to the Salida area. 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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PARK/NATIONAL FOREST: San Isabel National Forest, private land easement

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: March to November

TRAIL INFO: Segment 1, MM 0.0 to MM 6.2 (MM = Mile Marker)

LENGTH: About 12.5 miles total out and back hike and about 500 feet elevation gain

DIFFICULTY: Easy on slope and terrain, difficult on distance

NOTES: Snow levels may inhibit access to trail in early spring and late fall