BPX Trip – BPX 3-Day: Colorado Trail - Segment 9 from Wurtz Ditch TH to Timberline TH

Moderate due to length of days and elevation gain. Pace: 1.7 mph average, with breaks as needed. Recent backpacking experience with similar distance/elevation gain is required.

Essential Gear:

You must bring all your own gear

At least 3 days of food recommended

Wildlife-safe food storage required

Make sure you have: Rain gear, insulating layers, dry sleep clothes, hiking clothes

Trekking poles recommended

• Everyone meets at 8:20 am at Tennessee Pass Trailhead
• Strict 8:30 departure, please be on time
• Carpool:  Meet at Woolly Mammoth EE at 5:20 AM, Depart by 5:30 AM
• BE AT THE TRAILHEAD BY 8:20 AM!

To end point (Timberline Lake Trailhead) from Leadville: Turn left on Rd 5 towards Turquoise Lake. Drive 0.8 mi. Turn left on County Rd 4 which becomes Turquoise Lake Rd.  Continue around the south side of the lake for 6.3 mi. Timberline Lake Trailhead will be on your left just after the May Queen campground. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead but there are at May Queen. 

To starting point (Tennessee Pass Trailhead) from Timberline Lake Trailhead:  Head towards Turquoise Lake Road. Turn right on Turquoise Lake Road. Follow the main road around the lake. At about 6.7 miles, reach a T intersection and turn left on County Road 9D.  After 0.8 miles, continue straight on county road 9. In 2 miles you will reach US 24W. Turn left onto US 24W. Follow US 24W for 7 miles to the top of Tennessee Pass. Turn left into Tennessee Pass Trailhead parking lot. There are bathrooms at the trailhead.

To starting point (Tennessee Pass Trailhead) from Leadville: Drive north from Leadville on US Hwy 24W for about 9 mi to the top of Tennesssee Pass. Tennessee Pass Trailhead parking lot is on the left. There are bathrooms on the trailhead.