Colorado Trail — Segment 15
~2 days · 16.1 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Colorado Trail — Segment 15 is known for
Colorado Trail Segment 15 runs about 15 miles point-to-point from US-50 near Salida to Marshall Pass, climbing steadily for its first half to top out above 11,900 ft before easing down along the Continental Divide. Usually hiked as an overnight; water is scarce after the early miles.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 29,009 ft to 39,094 ft over 16.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.3 mi · 70%
- Downhill 4.5 mi · 28%
- Flat 0.2 mi · 1%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Colorado Trail — Segment 15?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Colorado Trail — Segment 15 scores 23/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Colorado Trail — Segment 15 take?
Most backpackers hike the Colorado Trail — Segment 15 in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 16.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Colorado Trail — Segment 15?
The Colorado Trail — Segment 15 climbs roughly 3,622 ft total — about 225 ft per mile, topping out near 11,949 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.