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Colorado
3.3 mi
Distance
890 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
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
Big Johnson
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Big Johnson Trail is a 3.3-mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado near the Colorado area. Managed by Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Parks Ranger District, this trail offers 890 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderately challenging day hike. The out-and-back format allows hikers to turn around at any point, providing flexibility for different fitness levels and time constraints. The consistent elevation gain throughout the route makes it suitable for those looking to build endurance without extreme technical difficulty. This trail is maintained by the Parks Ranger District, ensuring regular upkeep and marked pathways. The location within Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest provides access to the natural landscape characteristic of the region. Whether you're planning a full 6.6-mile round trip or a shorter out-and-back excursion, Big Johnson Trail delivers a solid mid-distance hiking experience with meaningful elevation change. Check current trail conditions with the managing ranger district before heading out, as conditions can vary seasonally.
Atkinson Bench
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Lower Bench
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South Bear Pen Gulch
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Bunch Ground
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Tabeguache (25 Mesa)
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Corral Fork
~30 min drive
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Uc
~10 min drive
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