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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.

Some sections of the Colorado Trail are ideal for shuttle hike options. The beginning of Segment 13 climbs up and over a saddle below Mount Yale, then down the other side. To avoid climbing back and forth over the saddle, this route provides a convenient shuttle that only adds an extra 20 miles of driving.

From Buena Vista, drive west on Main Street (aka Cottonwood Pass Road) for about 8 miles to Cottonwood Lake Road (aka County Road 344). Turn left and drive for about a quarter mile to a small parking area on the left side. It’s better to get here first and secure a spot to leave a shuttle vehicle, since the lot is so small. Some additional parking is also available along the shoulder of the road.

Pile into the other car and return to Cottonwood Pass Road and turn right. Drive back towards Buena Vista for about 4.5 miles then turn left on CR 361 and continue northward for about 2.5 miles and take a sharp left on CR 365. Swing west and travel on the bumpy road for about 3.5 miles and park in a large lot on the left with interpretive signs where Segment 13 of the CT begins.

Begin hiking southward on Segment 13 and prepare to engage in a slow steady climb of about 2,500 feet over the first 3.5 miles, up to the saddle on the east slopes of 14er Mount Yale. The beginning of the trail heads southwest and travels along a wide willow-lined meadow where Yale is boldly displayed. After about 2.5 miles cross Silver Creek and after about another mile reach the grassy saddle below towering Mount Yale.

The saddle is just above treeline and provides a brief interlude of tundra, so to prolong the alpine experience take a short side trip on a well travelled trail to the left. This side trail climbs through the tundra for a few hundred yards up to a 12,040 foot high point with a wonderful 360 view, a great spot for lunch. The panorama includes Mount Yale and 13er Turner Peak to the west, 14er Mount Princeton to the south and the Buffalo Peaks 13ers to the east. Return down to the saddle and continue southward on the CT, descending into an ancient bristlecone pine forest with big bristelcones that are thousands of years old.

Over the next three miles the trail drops about 2,500 feet down to paved Cottonwood Pass Road and the Avalanche Trailhead, another access point for the CT. Approaching the road, the trail enters an open shrubby hillside with a nice view of Rainbow Lake. At the road the CT crosses over to the south side of the road then proceeds to a bridge over Middle Cottonwood River, then skirts around the right side of Rainbow Lake. After about another 2.25 miles reach Cottonwood Lake Road where the shuttle vehicle awaits.

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.