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CT - Segment 3: Little Scraggy to FS-560 Wellington Lake Road

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Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (36)
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  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. South Platte
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“An awesome segment of the Colorado Trail with options to include sections of Buffalo Creek. ”

Chuck McQuade
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Map Key

13.3

Miles

21.4

KM

100%

Singletrack

8,290' 2,527 m

High

7,374' 2,248 m

Low

1,831' 558 m

Up

1,223' 373 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

Segment 3 of the Colorado Trail will take riders from the Little Scraggy trailhead to the trailhead on Wellington Rd. Passing through rolling terrain, this long stretch of trail makes for an excellent adventure on its own, or as part of the full Colorado Trail. Along the way, you'll cross multiple roads and creeks, and enjoy beautiful scenery the whole way.

Section Of

Description

A glorious segment of the Colorado Trail! But what really sets this one apart is the numerous link-up possibilities with the glorious Buffalo Creek area. This entry will stick to the Colorado Trail segment only, rides featuring link-ups will be described later.

The segment officially starts at the Little Scraggy trailhead parking lot. Look for the trail to start out west from the north end of the parking lot, just behind the restroom facilities.

The first half of the trail flows nicely with minimal elevation gain. A mile or so in you'll come to a dirt road (Redskin creek Rd.) cross the road and continue on the CT. The trail then winds underneath Little Scraggy Dome - some of the Platte's best slab climbing is found here.

Following a short climb comes a several mile section of downhill. Once you get to a livestock fence, go through the gate and continue a short distance along a stream until crossing another dirt road (S Buffalo Creek Rd.) Just over the road is a nice spot for a cool off in the creek before starting on a several mile climb. A few miles into the climb you'll either hear gun shots or see the warning signs. Don't stray from the trail at this point as there's a shooting range just south of the trail.

Continue on great rolling singletrack until about the 13 mile mark. This is the end of the segment at Willington Lake Rd. There is a parking lot here as well, which provides a spot for a possible shuttle. However, turning around and enjoying the several miles you just climbed as a great downhill is highly suggested. There are also several suggested link-ups with the Buffalo Creek area upon your return trip. These all will be in the 30 mile + range for round trip mileage. A great connecting point with the Buffalo Creek sector is the Redskin Creek Trail.

The next section of the Colorado Trail only continues for 1.9 miles before ending at the Lost Creek Wilderness Boundary, at which bikes are not allowed. If riding the CT in its entirety is a goal then adding on the 3.8 miles as an out and back is suggested. Find a trail description here: Colorado Trail: 1.9 miles to Lost Creek Wilderness boundary.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Pike National Forest - South Platte Ranger District

Shared By:

Chuck McQuade with improvements by s platte and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 36 votes

#1

in South Platte

#535

Overall
  4.4 from 36 votes
5 Star
46%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
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2 Star
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0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in South Platte

#141

in Colorado

#535

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Photos

Just another flowy section on the colorado tail cutting through the aspens
Sep 20, 2016 near Pine, CO
Late spring is the best time to ride the Colorado Trail in Buffalo Creek... the trail does better with rain.
Nov 16, 2015 near Pine, CO
A good look at Buffalo Creek riding.
Oct 9, 2013 near Pine, CO
Riding on Buffalo Burn, just before meeting up with the Colorado Trail.
Nov 16, 2015 near Pine, CO
Taking a break up on the rocks.
Sep 4, 2016 near Pine, CO
A quick stop in Buffalo Creek. The views are tough to beat!
Jun 17, 2014 near Pine, CO

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