Colorado Trail Segment 6 Hiking Trail Guide

Colorado Trail Segment 6 is the longest segment of the entire CT at just under 33 miles. This is also the first segment where hikers will frequently encounter pockets of snow deep into June and sometimes July. Segment 6 starts at Kenosha Pass and ends at Gold Hill trailhead just outside of Breckenridge. Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail offers tremendous mountain views, miles of beautiful hiking and beautiful spots to camp.

Colorado Trail Segment 6 Quick Facts

Virtual Trail Guide: Colorado Trail Segment 6

Colorado Trail Segment 6 Rating: ★★★★ (⅘  Stars)

Distance: 32.9 Miles One Way 

Elevation Start: 9,190ft 

Highest Point: 11,880ft

Total Elevation Gain: 5,196ft 

Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 Days 

Difficulty: Difficult Difficulty System Explained

Class: Class 1 What does this mean?

Season: Late June- Early November (Expect snow outside of this period)

Weather: Check the Weather Forecast

Directions to Colorado Trail Segment 6

Trailhead: Kenosha Pass & Gold Hill

Getting Here:  Start Trailhead (Kenosha Pass): From Morrison, take US285 for 45 miles to reach Kenosha Pass. Segment 5 ends officially on the right side of the highway (west) but access to it is commonly gained on the right side by continuing to the bathrooms about .4 miles up the dirt road. This road is seasonal. The CT starts on the right side of the parking area across from the restrooms. 

End Trailhead (Gold Hill): From either Breckenride or Frisco, take Colorado Highway 9 to reach Goldhill trailhead right off the road. It’s about 5 miles from both Breckenridge and Frisco. 

Fees: There is no fee to hike segment 6 of the Colorado Trail. 

Parking: Kenosha Pass has plenty of parking along the road, you will be hard pressed to not find a spot. Gold Hill is a bit more limited as it’s a heavy day use area, but typically parking will be fairly easy to find here as well. Both areas do not have restrooms. 

Summary

Camping: This segment offers a ton of great camping spots with plenty of camping before and after Georgia Pass. In general, my favorite areas were right around Georgia Pass and near the water sources after you descend the pass. The closer you get to the end of the segment, the worse camping options get. In addition, once you start the large climb near Keystone Ski Resort, there will be sparse camping for about 8-10 miles here. 

Dogs: Like all segments (except for number 1), this hike is dog friendly hike, but be sure to pack lots of water for your pup as the miles do get hot and long, especially in the summer. As always, please keep your dog on a leash whenever possible during this hike and pick up after them.

Access to Water: In general, this segment has fairly common water sources but there is a stretch between miles 20 and 28 that are very dry. As you end the segment and enter the neighborhoods near Gold Hill, there are two great sources of water that flow year round. 

Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike. 

Trail X Factors: Lingering Snow

When hiking Colorado Trail Segment 6, snow fields near Georgia Pass can easily linger into June and sometimes even July. Typically, this will not be a deal breaker for through or segment hikers and will not require additional gear but you should expect to have to cross or circumnavigate snow if you plan on hiking around this time. Before June, snow fields can present a larger problem and will have the potential to significantly slow you down. 

Mick’s Tip: If you plan on camping during segment 6 of the Colorado Trail, I would highly advise against camping in the last 5 miles or so. Of course you CAN camp here, but spots are very limited and could be fairly close to the neighborhoods in the area without any water sources. Jackie and I originally planned on spending 2 nights on this segment but due to odd spacing of camping spots and water sources, we decided to just knock it out in two days. 

Best Views: Almost the entire hike offers beautiful views of the Tenmile Range, spanning fields full of wildflowers, flowing streams and numerous chances for wildlife spotting. This hike was without a doubt our favorite of the first 6 segments with beauty to be found around every corner. 

Colorado Trail Segment 6 Hike Route

Gear Needed

• Osprey Atmos 65 Backpack
• Hiking Shoes
• OR Hiking Boots
• Garmin inReach
• Water Filter OR UV Pen
• Headlamp
• Optional: Tent
• Optional: Sleeping Pad
• Optional: Sleeping Bag
• Optional: Cook Kit
• Optional: Hiking Poles

Jackie’s Gear:

• Backpack
• Puffy Jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Shirt
• Pants
• Socks
• Sleeping Bag

Juno’s Gear

• Harness
• Bag
• Bowls

Colorado Trail Books:

• Full Version
• Pocket Guide
• *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.

Our Trip to Colorado Segment 6: June 2020

Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail is notorious for holding snow and blocking hikers looking to attempt it far into June and even sometimes in July. Since it’s the longest segment of the Colorado Trail, we knew this would be a two day trip. Jackie, Juno and I finally found a pair of days that we thought would be ideal to hike this segment. Although the hiking was absolutely beautiful, they were a pair of very long days that ended with what else? Snow. Check out my virtual trail guide of segment 6 of the Colorado Trail below! 

Colorado Trail Segment 6 Virtual Trail Guide

Questions or comments about our hike along Colorado Trail Segment 6? Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram!