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Colorado
27.3 mi
Distance
2,482 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside San Juan National Forest
3 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
Vallecito
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Vallecito is a 14-mile loop trail located in Colorado near the town of Colorado, managed by the Rio Grande National Forest's Conejos Peak Ranger District. The route gains 2,482 feet of elevation throughout the hike, making it a moderately challenging day trek for experienced hikers. The trail offers a complete loop experience, allowing hikers to return to their starting point without retracing steps. This format makes it ideal for those seeking variety in scenery and terrain throughout their outing. The elevation gain is distributed across the loop, providing steady climbing with opportunities for rest and descent. Vallecito sits within the Rio Grande National Forest, an expansive protected area in southern Colorado known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife habitat. The Conejos Peak Ranger District maintains this trail and manages public access to the surrounding forest lands. Hikers should prepare for a full-day commitment given the distance and elevation. Proper conditioning and appropriate gear for mountain conditions are recommended before attempting this loop.
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