Segment 3 Route Update: The Eagle Rock Bypass
To bypass a section of private property along Segment 3 of the Northern Colorado Trail, we've introduced the Eagle Rock Bypass. This 14.6-mile alternative follows forest and county roads before reaching Highway 131, leading to Yampa and reconnecting with the main NCT route. Learn more about this update and plan your hike accordingly!
Eagle Rock Bypass Route - Yampa Alternate
As the Northern Colorado Trail continues to evolve, we are working to address private property concerns along the proposed route. In Segment 3, a new alternate route—The Eagle Rock Bypass—has been established to avoid a section of private land while still maintaining a scenic and accessible path for hikers.
About the Eagle Rock Bypass
The Eagle Rock Bypass provides a viable alternative to the original NCT redline route, bypassing 5.5 miles of the proposed trail that cross private property. Instead of traversing this section, the bypass follows a combination of National Forest roads and County roads before reaching Highway 131, leading into the town of Yampa and reconnecting with the NCT redline route.
Key Details:
Total Length: 14.6 miles
Terrain: A mix of forest roads, county roads, and highway walking
Accessibility: Open to hikers and bikers
Navigation: Trail Guides, Trail Maps, and GPS Nav Files are now avaailable for download
Why Use the Bypass?
The Eagle Rock Bypass ensures legal and responsible trail access while providing an alternative that is still scenic and enjoyable. It also offers the opportunity to resupply in Yampa, making it a convenient option for long-distance hikers.
While efforts are ongoing to negotiate trail access with private landowners, this bypass serves as a necessary adjustment for those currently planning their hike.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue working on route refinements and land access solutions!
Segment 1 Route Update: Mendenhall & Jack Dickens Alternates
A small section of the Northern Colorado Trail's proposed route crosses private property near Walden. While we work on possible thru-hiker access, two scenic alternates—the Jack Dickens Trail and Mendenhall Trail—offer great detours. Learn about your options and stay updated on future trail developments.
As the Northern Colorado Trail approaches Walden, one small section of the proposed route crosses private property, with signage indicating restricted access. We will be reaching out to the land managers to explore possible thru-hiker access and determine what may be needed to make this a reality. That being said, we do not currently have the land owner's permission for what we believe is the best route into Walden. To address this, here are two alternate routes to avoid the private property issue.
The Jack Dickens Trail Alternate (Orange) follows a more southern path through State Forest State Park and stays at a lower elevation than both the Redline and Northern Alternate. This route shaves off 7.3 miles from the Redline route, making it a great option if you're low on food or if the weather isn’t cooperating with your plans to hike the epic Medicine Bow Trail along the ridge.
The Mendenhall Trail Alternate (Purple) continues on the Medicine Bow Trail, extending north past Ute Pass (Redline) before reaching the Mendenhall Trail, which descends along Mendenhall Creek. This alternate adds five miles to the Redline route and requires a 4.3 mile road walk along Highway 125 into Walden. However, it's a small price to pay if you're interested in camping on the stunning Medicine Bow Trail ridge.
Both alternates have their pros and cons while providing a scenic detour around the current Redline route. Trail guides, maps, and GPS files for navigation are available for download.
More details will be published as we establish contact with the land managers and owners and continue discussions. Stay tuned!
The Northern Colorado Trail Now Officially Online!
Map of the Northern Colorado Trail, highlighted in red, showing the 292-mile route along the GaialGPS topo maps, from Estes Park to Glenwood Springs.
We're excited to announce that the Northern Colorado Trail is now officially online! After months of hard work, we’re thrilled to provide hikers, backpackers, and adventurers with a dedicated website packed with essential resources.
Explore the New Website
The website features trail guides, interactive maps, downloadable GPS files, and much more to help you plan your journey along the 292-mile trail that stretches from Estes Park to Glenwood Springs. Whether you're a seasoned thru-hiker or someone planning your first adventure, our goal is to make it easier for you to access the information you need to safely navigate the trail.
What’s Included:
Trail Guides: Detailed data sheets with waypoint information, distances, elevations, and more for each trail segment.
Maps: Downloadable PDFs and interactive maps to help you plan and navigate your route.
GPS Files: GPX, KML, and GeoJSON files for seamless navigation on your GPS device or mapping software.
Live Updates: Stay informed with important alerts and updates about the trail, conditions, and resources.
Get Ready for the 2025 Backpacking Season
With the 2025 backpacking season just around the corner, the Northern Colorado Trail is now ready for explorers to discover its beauty and challenge. We’re here to support your adventure with all the tools and information you need to safely and confidently trek through Northern Colorado’s stunning landscapes.
Stay tuned for future updates, and if you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us!