Colorado Trail — Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass
~2 days · 15.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Colorado Trail — Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass is known for
Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass on the Colorado Trail: a 2-day point-to-point section of about 15.9 miles from Carson Saddle (Wager Gulch Road) to Stony Pass Trail Crossing. Almost entirely above 12,000 feet, this exposed high-alpine traverse offers exceptional views and demanding terrain across the San Juan Continental Divide.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 39,278 ft to 42,431 ft over 15.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.1 mi · 52%
- Downhill 7.0 mi · 44%
- Flat 0.6 mi · 4%
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 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Colorado Trail — Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass 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 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass take?
Most backpackers hike the Colorado Trail — Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 15.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Colorado Trail — Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass?
The Colorado Trail — Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass climbs roughly 3,540 ft total — about 223 ft per mile, topping out near 12,979 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.