The CT Series is a special series of hiking articles about the Colorado Trail (CT) that runs from May through November. 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.

The amazing Collegiate Peaks Wilderness west of Buena Vista is famed for its collection of peaks bearing the names of colleges. This CT route traverses near Yale, Harvard and Columbia, however an Ivy League degree is not required for trail access.

From Buena Vista, drive west on Crossman Street aka County Road 350 for about two miles and turn right on CR 361. Drive northward for about a mile and take a sharp left on CR 365 the swing west. Travel on the bumpy road for about 3.5 miles to a small parking area on the left/south side of the road for the CT trailhead where the trail heads north. A couple hundred yards down the road is a larger parking area, where the CT travels southward. These Silver Creek Trailhead access points mark the end of Segment 12 and the beginning of Segment 13.

Take the CT heading north (Segment 12), climbing over the next mile with some open views of the 14ers Mount Yale and Mount Columbia along the way. About 1.5 miles from the trailhead the route drops into a relatively flat drainage and after about another mile crosses Powell Creek. After the creek begin climbing again and after about another half mile the trail bisects the scenic Harvard Lakes. After about another quarter mile cross Three Elk Creek and Trail and beyond the creek look for some open views to the east of the Buffalo Peaks 13ers. After about another mile pass a side trail on the right that leads to an old mine.

The trail continues through pine forest with some aspen and Dusky Grouse may be observed because they like trails too, and at times they can be quite tame. After about another 1.5 miles rise above 11,000 feet and gain the ridge below Mount Columbia, enjoying some panoramic views from the crest of the ridge. The trail makes a sharp bend to the left then drops downhill for about another .75 mile to Frenchman Creek, the turnaround point for this route. Relax next to the bubbling creek then retrace the route for about 6.5 miles back to the parking area.

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.