The Colorado Trail: Carson Saddle to Rio Grande Reservoir

The Colorado Trail: Carson Saddle to Rio Grande Reservoir

This is a very pleasant section of trail, contouring along the mountainside just below the Divide and paralleling Lost Trail Creek below. It was here that one CT hiker had the privilege of observing the birth of an elk calf and watching it struggle to its feet for the first time. After 3.5 miles, the trail passes into the Pole Creek drainage and begins a descent. The upper Pole Creek valley is quite picturesque in late spring, although a bit wet underfoot. As you proceed down the valley, signs of motorized traffic become more pronounced. At about the 9 mile point, the West Fork of Pole Creek trail comes in on the right. Shortly after that, you may take a short walk off the right side of the trail to observe Pole Creek Falls, concealed in a deep gorge. Continuing on down the valley, it becomes narrow and it requires several creek crossings that may get your feet wet. With all of the motorized traffic at the lower end of Pole Creek, the trail becomes somewhat braided and it’s difficult to determine which exactly is the CT. But don’t worry, all trails end up on Rio Grande Reservoir Road, where this segment terminates.

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