San Isabel National Forest
North Colony Trail #1340

This moderately difficult, 3.8 mile trail goes into some good fishing lakes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, on the east side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Summer and fall are when most folks hike this route.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,720'
• High Point: 11,570'
• Trail ending: 11,570'

Access: Go south out of Westcliffe for 4.5 miles to Colfax Lane (County Road 119) and go west to the end of the road. Then turn right on South Colony Road. Go about 1 mile to 2WD parking (beyond here requires 4WD and high clearance).

Notes: 2 miles up the South Colony Road from the 2WD parking, the Rainbow Trail crosses the road. Follow the Rainbow Trail north for 2 miles to the junction with the North Colony Trail. Go west and enjoy the views in the glacier-carved valley between the north face of Humboldt Peak (14,064') and the south face of Colony Baldy (13,715'). The lakes are spread out in the valley but you'll be right up under the north side of Crestone Peak (14,294') and Crestone Needle (14,197'). Once you leave the Rainbow Trail, you're in wilderness area: wilderness rules and regs apply.

USGS Maps: Horn Peak, Crestone Peak