Smooth, bald mountaintops alternating with craggy terrain, rocky knolls, and wildflower patches, are some of the reasons the journey from Jones Pass to Berthoud Pass is highly recommended. You will find easy access to the trailhead at Berthoud Pass which offers exemplary above timberline hiking quintessential to the CDT. Travel 19.4 hard-earned miles on the CDT through the Vazquez Peak Wilderness to the Herman Gulch Trailhead just west of the historic town of Georgetown. Contact: the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest’s Clear Creek Ranger District 303-567-3000.
Family Friendly Option
Both the Berthoud Pass and Herman Gulch trailheads are located off high traffic areas that allow for quick access and exposure to the CDT. From Berthoud, you can hike up 2 miles to an alpine lake before Mt. Flora; it is steep but offers incredible views. Berthoud Pass provides not only easy access to the CDT but it will allow families to visit what will become a world-class trailhead. In the future, there will be extensive interpretive components and facilities. From Herman Gulch, trek east almost 3 miles for a moderately challenging hike to Herman Lake, nestled in the shadow of Pettingell Peak. The wildflowers are especially lovely in July and August on the way to Herman Lake.