Trail Name: Colorado Trail, Camp Hale to Kokomo Pass

Walking Mountains' weekly hikes are hand picked by our hiking guides and environmental educators to get you out on the most beautiful trails at the most scenic time of year. Whether it's wildflower blooms or beating the crowds, Walking Mountains' team of nature nerds is out there to show you the best experience on our vast public lands and wild environments. Check back next week for another timely and beautiful, Hike of the Week.

Mileage:
10-14 mile round trip depending on whether you start at Cataract Creek or the Colorado Trail Trailhead. We suggest hiking .75 miles past Kokomo Pass to a great overlook!

Subjective rating:
Moderate to Difficult. Elevation gain is spread throughout the trail, minimizing steep uphill sections (except at the very beginning!)

What to Expect:
The Colorado Trail passes through Camp Hale as it winds its way between Tennessee Pass and Searle Pass. The trailhead is clearly marked in Camp Hale towards the East Fork Campground.

The first few miles of trail follow Cataract Creek and old roads that may have been used during Camp Hale’s storied history. Past an old saw mill site, the trail opens out on to beautiful treeless meadows, reminiscent of Vail’s Back Bowls, en route to Kokomo Pass.
From the pass you get great views into Climax Molybdenum mine, which at one point was the world’s largest supplier of molybdenum, an alloy that strengthens steal. Kokomo, in fact, was once a mining town that is now buried beneath the tailings piles between Copper Mountain and Fremont Pass (look for the Masonic Lodge commemorative statue!).

Stewardship Message:
Because this hike is a section of the 500+ mile long trail from Denver to Durango it sees lots of visitors. It’s very common to see thru-hikers, hikers that are spending long durations on the trail (and whom you can usually smell before you see!), making their way across the state.
It’s important on these busy and popular trails to respect our fellow trail users and camp and dispose of waste properly. It’s also worth reminding folks that Camp Hale is a uniquely special landscape to many people in Colorado and deserves our lasting stewardship.
Hike with Walking Mountains

Walking Mountains Science Center leads guided hikes year round for people of all ages and abilities. To see a schedule, click here or stop by one of their Eagle Valley Locations:

In Avon at the Buck Creek Campus behind the hospital
On Vail Mountain at the Nature Discovery Center
At the Vail Nature Center near the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
In Vail Village at the Vail Nature Concierge