Basics
- Location:
- 17 miles northeast of Glenwood Springs
- Length:
- 4 miles/6.4 km one way
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time:
- 3 to 3.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 6150 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1850 feet
- Season:
- April - October
Description
The Dotsero - Ute Trail climbs from the Colorado River at Dotsero to the Flat Tops through mountain brush and pinyon - juniper woodland, eventually reaching forested land. The scenery is panoramic, and wildlife watching is good. The Ute Indians originally used the trail until late 1800s for access over the Flat Tops to the Meeker area. It was also used by prospectors to access the Caronate mining area for a short lived silver rush in the early 1900s and later became a National Forest trail and wagon road until replaced by the Coffee Pot Road.
You'll access the trail from the Colorado River Road at the trailhead north of Dotsero. The Dotsero Ute connects with Coffee Pot Road, but is very rough around the private property.
Details
Location:
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Change:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From I-70 at Dotsero drive north on the Colorado River Road. (Eagle county 301) about 0.5 miles to trail head on the West Side. Although the trail connects to other trails into the Flat Tops, presently it lacks public access over several segments and therefore dead-ends about 3 miles above the trailhead. Use limited to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding; motorized vehicles are prohibited.
