CO - Spring Creek Pass to Carson

The Spring Creek Pass to Carson segment of the Colorado Trail traverses one of the most exposed and dramatic sections of the CT, where the trail coincides with the Continental Divide Trail and travels almost entirely above treeline through the high San Juan Mountains. Beginning at Spring Creek Pass on Highway 149 at 10,898 feet, the route climbs immediately into the tundra and stays high for its entire length, offering relentless above-treeline walking with massive sky and distant views in all directions.

The ghost town of Carson sits at 11,588 feet near the end of this section and provides historical context for the mining boom that once drove human activity across these otherwise inhospitable heights. Old mining roads, cabin foundations, and rusting equipment scattered across the landscape tell the story of the silver and gold rushes that drew thousands of prospectors into the San Juans in the late nineteenth century. The combined CT-CDT designation through this segment means the trail is well-documented and relatively easy to follow despite the exposed terrain. Lightning is a serious and ever-present danger on this above-treeline route and early starts are non-negotiable for safety.