CDT: Beartown to Stony Pass (CO Sec. 9)

About

The CDT segment from Beartown to Stony Pass is a 7.89-mile moderate hike located near Silverton, Colorado, within the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail begins at Beartown, crossing the road east of Kite Lake, and climbs through a gulch characterized by wildflower meadows, small conifers, and streams. Hikers encounter an abandoned mine shack with open shafts to the west before ascending steeply on loose soil. The route transitions to high alpine terrain above treeline, following a ridge line with grassy rolling hills and rocky outcroppings. Elevation gain totals 3,869 feet, reaching a high point of 9,309 feet. The trail shares the corridor with the Colorado Trail and is marked primarily by wooden posts rather than dense signage. Navigation can be challenging in snow, which may obscure the path and create boulder fields. The trail descends past the Highland Mary Lakes Trail junction toward Cunningham Gulch. Parking is available at the trailhead, and camping is permitted in the surrounding wilderness.