Forest Fence Trail

About

The Forest Fence Trail is a 4.3-mile moderate loop hike located in Montrose, Colorado, on the Western Slope. The trail begins at Forest Service Road 402 (South Divide Road) and ends at Forest Service Road 562 (Dented Door Spring Road). Hikers traverse a mix of aspen, spruce, and fir forests, descending into the East Fork Spring Creek drainage within the first mile. The route crosses Sawdust Pile Road approximately 1.5 miles from the start and continues north before turning west. The trail features a mix of packed earth, rocky sections, and singletrack terrain with occasional steep or loose patches. An old wooden fence, which gives the trail its name, appears near the 1.9-mile mark. The elevation gain is approximately 656 feet, with a trailhead starting around 9,284 feet. Parking is available at the trailhead. The route allows hiking, biking, and horseback riding year-round, though conditions vary by season. The typical duration is about two hours.