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Colorado
44.9 mi
Distance
1,203 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Bears Ears
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Bears Ears is a 51.4-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the town of Colorado, managed by the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest Boulder Ranger District. With 1,203 feet of elevation gain across the route, this trail offers a moderate hiking experience suitable for those with backcountry experience. The out-and-back format means you'll retrace your steps on the return journey, allowing for flexibility in how far you venture before turning back. This trail is situated within the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, one of Colorado's premier hiking destinations known for alpine meadows, forest scenery, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Before heading out, contact the Boulder Ranger District for current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and any necessary permits or closures. Given the trail's length, plan accordingly with adequate water, supplies, and daylight hours. The forest setting provides typical high-country hiking with potential for wildlife encounters, so practice Leave No Trace principles and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.
Sawmill
~6 min drive
6.3 mi · Hard
North Fork Elkhead
~6 min drive
11 mi · Expert
Overlook
~42 min drive
7.3 mi · Easy
Saddle
~46 min drive
2.2 mi · Easy
South Fork
~47 min drive
5.9 mi · Moderate
Elk Park
~51 min drive
5.3 mi · Moderate
Black Mountain
~2 min drive
15 mi · Expert
Fortification Creek
~7 min drive
5.2 mi · Easy
Taylor
~7 min drive
2.0 mi · Easy
Cottonwood
~7 min drive
1.6 mi · Easy
