Colorado Trail (Segment 23)

Colorado Trail (Segment 23) is a point-to-point high-alpine hike in the San Juan Mountains, tied to the long-distance Colorado Trail. The mapped corridor runs from Carson Saddle to Stony Pass, carried by the long-distance route connection known there as the Continental Divide NST in the local trail network.

At roughly 16 miles, the segment is sustained and noticeably higher-elevation than many CT days, with most travel sitting above treeline and exposed to the full weather cycle. Expect harsh conditions when storms roll through—this isn’t a “duck under trees” kind of route.

The elevation profile is steep enough that timing matters: plan on a strenuous day with a long mid/late-day weather risk window. A typical completion window is about 8.5–9 hours, and aiming to finish by midday reduces exposure if July–August monsoon storms build.

Logistics are defined by the endpoints: Carson Saddle and Stony Pass both have no restrooms, and access involves 4x4-style forest road driving to reach each trailhead. Parking is limited at Carson Saddle; Stony Pass has a small parking area.

Trail tread is mapped as a hiking route with ground surface in San Juan National Forest, and parts of the lower section overlap areas where the Colorado Trail shares travel lines with motorized use (described as a shared road/travel corridor around Carson Saddle). Footing can be tricky where you’re moving along shared dirt-road alignments.

Camping is possible but not everywhere: there are a handful of options early in the segment and again near mid-segment features like Cataract Lake, with additional “spot” options around mile 10 and around mile 13.5. When weather has been wet, the more obvious camping areas near lakes can turn muddy.

Water access is generally manageable for this segment, and the later portion is described as drier than mid/early miles. Camp and water planning matters because the segment sits high and exposed, and you may have limited options if a storm forces you to stop early.

More information: Conditions, Colorado Trail Segment 23 of 28 - MAD Hippies Life, Colorado Trail Segment 22 of 28 - MAD Hippies Life