Colorado Trail Segment 11 – Halfmoon Road to Clear Creek Reservoir

Mount Massive Trailhead (Halfmoon Road): Take Hwy 24 south toward Twin Lakes. Approximately 5 miles from downtown turn right after the gas station on Highway 300, you will see signs for the fish hatchery. Cross the river and watch for a left hand turn on County Road 11. Shortly after the entrance to the Rolling J Ranch is a right hand turn continuing on Country Road 11/Halfmoon Road. Continue 5.5 miles on County Road 11/Forest Service Road 110 to the Mount Massive Trailhead entrance. The paved road ends and the dirt road begins into the national forest. You will drive past the campgrounds and the Mt. Elbert Trailhead. The road becomes four wheel drive only shortly after the Massive Trailhead.

Dirt parking lot can fill up quickly with many users accessing the Elbert and Massive trailheads. Be watchful of no parking signs along halfmoon road.

This trail goes includes stretches through aspen trees and along the lakeshore before going ascending over mountains to the south, entering Chaffee County. Trail includes a section of the South Elbert Trail, wraps around the east end of Lower Twin Lakes and gives thru-hikers options of Collegiate Peaks East or West paths.

Don’t be intimidated by the trail distance if you aren’t looking to “thru-hike”, choose sections for an out and back hike to experience the beauty of the trail without the distance.