Heading south from the Tennessee Pass Trailhead, this section of the CDT overlaps with Segment 9 of the Colorado Trail. The path is mostly level as it winds gently up and down. After 2.5 miles, you will cross a stream and two bridges, and shortly after you’ll cross Wurts Ditch Road. The trail is well marked with both CT and CDT blazes across the dirt road. After 4 miles, the trail climbs into a valley where you’ll find a few camping options, and after 6.7 miles, you’ll enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. The second half of this hike passes by a number of lakes, including Bear Lake, and after popping above treeline, makes the long descent to Timberline Lake Trailhead. Note that this hike crosses into a wilderness area where bikes are not permitted. You can bike on the first 6 miles of this trail before reaching the Holy Cross Wilderness.
Tennessee Pass to Timberline Lake, Pike and San Isabel National Forest
Difficulty
Moderate
Maps
USGS 7.5 Quadrangles: Leadville North and Homestake Reservoir; CDTC Map Set: Maps 169, 170, and 171, Sections CO25 and CO26.
Length
13.6 miles
Directions
Tennessee Pass: From town, head north on Harrison Avenue/US-24 W. After 1 mile, turn left at the stoplight to continue on US-24 W. Continue for 8.7 miles and turn left into the CDT trailhead across the road from Ski Cooper. You will find the southbound trailhead in the southeast corner of the parking lot (closer to US-24). Timberline Lake Trailhead: From town, head west on 6th St. At the T-intersection, turn right onto County Rd 4/McWethy Dr. After 2.6 miles, continue on County Rd 4. At the three way fork in the road, stay right to continue on County Rd 4 and keep right at the second fork to turn onto Turquoise Lake Rd. The trailhead is on the left.
Closest Town
Leadville
For More Information
Pike and San Isabel National Forest, Leadville Ranger District: (719)-486-0749.