CT - Segment 18: Colorado Hwy-114 to Saguache Park Road

About

This is a 14.5-mile point-to-point hiking segment of the Colorado Trail in Gunnison National Forest, running from Colorado Highway 114 to Saguache Park Road. The route is classified as easy and generally dry, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,287 feet. Hikers typically complete the trail in about seven hours. The terrain begins with flat singletrack before climbing roughly 700 feet on a service road shaded by small pine trees. The climb includes a short, steep section near the summit. After passing a gate at the top, the trail descends for 2.5 miles. The path then intersects County Road NN14, where hikers turn right onto singletrack that rolls over short climbs and descents for 4.4 miles to County Road 17FF. A final 1.5 miles of easy road leads to the connection with Segment 19. Parking is available at the trailheads. Water is not reliably available along this dry segment, so hikers should pack plenty. The trail is maintained year-round, though winter conditions may require additional preparation.