Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite

Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite, segment of the Colorado Trail is the gateway to the state. It leads users 16 miles through Waterton Canyon to the South Platte town site. From the Waterton Canyon Trailhead visitors will find a variety of recreation opportunities. Many mountain bikers use the first 6 miles of this section so backpackers beware.

From Waterton Canyon the trail climbs high above the South Platte River offering great views of the surrounding terrain. A variety of ecosystems are encountered from thick oak brush patches to stands of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and spruce. Aspen adds color to the fall color scheme. The trail follows the South Platte River to the Strontia Springs Reservoir where it intersects with the Carpenter Peak Trail.

The Colorado Trail continues south and begins to climb. The trail has a switchback then crosses Bear Creek. Shortly after crossing Bear Creek the trail becomes wider and forks. Stay to the right. For the next .5 miles the trail shares its path with motorcycle trail #692. This trail will intersect with smaller trail that climbs to the right. Stay to the right and follow the smaller trail. In another mile the motorcycle trail crosses the Colorado Trail for the final time. The trail climbs for the next 2 miles until it reaches its high point at 7,280'. From here the trail descends to South Platte.

This trail has been rated difficult. There is an elevation gain of 900 feet on this 10-mile trail.

Facilities: There are no facilities available at Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite.

Best Time To Visit: Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite's peak seasons are summer-fall.

Fees: No fees are charged.

Accessibility: This area is not handicap accessible.

Rules: No dogs or camping for the first 6 miles due to Denver Water Board regulations.

Directions: To get to, Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite from:

Denver (Northern terminus) Take Interstate 25 south to State Road 470; and then drive west 12.5 miles to State Road 126. Travel south on 126 4.5 miles to a side road with signs leading to Waterton Canyon Recreation Area.

Colorado Springs (Northern terminus) Drive north on Interstate 25 to the Sedalia exit (Highway 85). Pass Sedalia and continue 6 miles to Titan Road. Turn west (left) and travel almost 6 miles to Waterton Road and signs for the recreation area.

Denver (Southern terminus) Drive south on Highway 285 past Conifer turn left on Foxton Road (County Road 97). Approximately 1.5 miles past Reynolds Park turn left on County Road 97 toward Dome Rock and South Platte.

Colorado Springs (Southern terminus) Drive west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park. Turn right on Highway 67 toward Deckers. Continue driving north on Highway 67 past Deckers until the road makes a sharp right at Oxyoke. At this point drive straight following Highway 97 to the town site of South Platte.

Attractions Near
Waterton Canyon to South Platte Townsite

South Platte Townsite to Buffalo Creek
The Pike and San Isabel National Forests and The Comanche National Grassland

Address

South Platte Ranger District

19316 Goddard Ranch Court

Morrison, Colorado 80465

Phone
General: (303) 275-5610

Website

Email this page to a friend!

Back to Colorado Springs