Horsethief Trail
~4 days · 15.8 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Horsethief Trail is known for
Horsethief Trail is a 2-3-day backpacking route in Colorado.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 25,272 ft to 41,506 ft over 15.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 10.2 mi · 68%
- Downhill 4.9 mi · 32%
- Flat 0.0 mi · 0%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Horsethief Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Horsethief Trail scores 40/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 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 Horsethief Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Horsethief Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 15.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How high does the Horsethief Trail go?
The Horsethief Trail tops out near 12,687 ft over its 15.8 miles.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.