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Colorado
10.5 mi
Distance
1,763 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Pike and San Isabel 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
West Jefferson
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
West Jefferson is a 10.5-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near Colorado, managed by the San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District. The route gains 1,763 feet in elevation, making it a moderate hike suitable for hikers with some experience. This out-and-back format allows hikers to turn around at any point, making the total distance flexible. The elevation gain is distributed across the route, providing a steady climb without extreme steep sections. The trail traverses San Juan National Forest terrain, offering access to the natural landscape managed by the Columbine Ranger District. The trail is ideal for hikers seeking a full-day outing with moderate physical demands. Since this is an out-and-back trail, hikers will retrace their route on the return, providing a familiar descent. West Jefferson offers a solid mid-range hiking experience for those exploring the Colorado backcountry within the San Juan National Forest system. Check with the Columbine Ranger District for current trail conditions and any access restrictions before planning your visit.
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