Mt. Colorow Overlook
New Castle, Colorado
Details
Distance
2.68 miles
Elevation Gain
794 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Riley Bolitho
Mt. Colorow Overlook is a short, easy, little-known trek that climbs up above New Castle, Colorado, and is hike-able during all four seasons (winter being the most beautiful). Small elevation gain for excellent views of New Castle, Burning Mountain, Horse Mountain, and, of course, Mt. Colorow.
Although this hike could be done in a loop, it is also doable in the out-and-back format. I would recommend the out-and-back during winter months when the more eastern loop (beginning around Mustang Dr) is vulnerable to small avalanches.
If you want to do this hike in the winter, head on Alder Avenue to Lariat Loop; keep right in the loop, and take a slight right up to the trailhead. Another option is to park down at Alder Ave Park / Pond and walk up to the trailhead (I'm not sure if the trail is technically 'closed' by the town from December through March) so that you don't get a ticket from the stiff local police.
The trail begins very flat and well plowed; you'll hike roughly .5 miles of gentle incline before you reach the water tower. This point has a decent view of New Castle and the valley, but the best views and hiking will come in the next 1.5 miles. When I went on the trail after a snowstorm had blown through a couple of nights before, it had only been traversed by deer / wildlife. Hiking was pretty tough in boots considering there was roughly 2 feet of snow on the ground, but if you're up for a mild challenge, it's worth it. Snowshoes would've made this 10x easier.
You will snake around Mt. Colorow and its twin for about a mile and a half, no crazy inclines (my grandpa joined me the second time I hiked it this winter). The snow creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere in the dense forests of juniper, and on the back side of the mountain, you really feel like you're out in back country. Towards the top of the trail, make sure to turn right and head towards the spur to the overlook.
Take the same path back down as you did going up, the other trail is not marked quite as well / more vulnerable to avalanche. Be aware that there are a few possible, small avalanche zones when on the sun-facing half of the mountain; for this reason, you may want to have a small shovel handy. Also, being that it is Colorado, be on the lookout for wildlife (that means predators).
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Mt. Colorow Overlook Reviews
Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Coyote and Squirrel Trails Loop
Rifle Falls
Glenwood Hot Springs
Rifle Gap Reservoir
Rifle Arch
Grizzly Creek Trail
Community
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy