Colorado Bend State Park Trail Project

Each trail in Colorado Bend State Park provides a unique opportunity to enjoy something special.  Whether its wildlife, beautiful views, or a technical bike ride, each trail has something to offer.  Take your time and enjoy!  Many of these trails are new and we are working hard to get everything open and marked well with clear signage. Please bear with us and feel free to share your concerns and comments with us.

Please Remember: TAKE A MAP AND PLENTY OF WATER.

South Section (Main Campground Access):

River Trail:

Length:  3.6 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

The River Trail has something for everyone: swooping downhill runs, fun climbs and beautiful views to boot!  The trail can be accessed from the Main Campground Area or from the Cedar Chopper Loop.  From the Cedar Chopper Loop junction, the trail descends the ridge along an old jeep road to the river basin.  A very challenging set of switchbacks leads to a gentle section of trail along the river's edge.  Follow the river all the way back to the Park Headquarters, or head back up the ridge on the Lower Lemons Ridge Pass.

Spicewood Springs Trail:

Length:  2.7 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate 

The Spicewood Springs Trail can be accessed from the Main Campground Area or from the junction with Lemons Ridge Pass.  The lower portion of the trail follows Spicewood Creek (be prepared to cross the creek several times) as it tumbles over travertine falls and gathers in clear, pristine pools.  The upper section of the trail climbs out of the canyon, meandering through cedar brakes as it makes its way toward Lemon's Ridge Pass.  Note:  Spicewood Springs Trail is closed to cycling. Trail Markers: White arrows and Blazes

Lemons Ridge Pass (Lower Section):

Length:  1.3 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate 

The Lower Section of Lemons Ridge Pass is accessed from the trail head on the park road or the River Trail near the River Backpack Camping Area. Its technical, rocky sections will keep riders smiling!  Recent upgrades have made this trail more user-friendly, and hikers will enjoy looping onto the Spicewood Springs Trail.

Central Section:

Lemons Ridge Pass (Upper Section):

Length:  3.4 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate  

The Upper Section of Lemons Ridge Pass is accessed from the trail head on the park road or the Lively Loop in the Windmill Area. Upper Lemon's Ridge Pass is relatively level, following the western boundary of the park as it winds its way toward the Windmill Area.  Watch for rocky sections! 

Note:  This section of Lemons Ridge Pass Trail has recently been renovated.  The new route trends away from the fenceline, resulting in a more scenic and hiker-friendly trail.  The new trail junction is not displayed correctly on the current map; it is now approximately 1/4 mile northeast.

Cedar Chopper Loop:

Length:  2.3 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate 

The Cedar Chopper Loop winds through cedar brakes on relatively flat terrain, but that doesn't mean it's easy!  Watch for quick turns and challenging rock gardens that will keep any rider on their toes.  Trail Markers: Green Arrows from trailhead parking area.

River Trail:

Length:  3.6 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

The River Trail has something for everyone: swooping downhill runs, fun climbs and beautiful views to boot!  The trail can be accessed from the Main Campground Area or from the Cedar Chopper Loop.  From the Cedar Chopper Loop junction, the trail descends the ridge along an old jeep road to the river basin.  A very challenging set of switchbacks leads to a gentle section of trail along the river's edge.  Follow the river all the way back to the Park Headquarters, or head back up the ridge on the Lower Lemons Ridge Pass Trail.

River Trail-Gorman Area Connection (Non-Maintained Trail):

SEASONAL CLOSURES

Length: 1.3 miles

Difficulty : Moderate

This non-maintained trail connects the River Trail to the Gorman Falls Area along the riverbank. The trail runs 1.3 miles through sensitive terrain and traverses fragile habitat so is closed at various times throughout the year depending on roosting times and weather conditions. When the trail is closed please use the upper end of the River Trail to Cedar Chopper Loop to Old Gorman Road route avoiding this section of the river. Thank you for helping us protect and preserve these natural resources.

North Section (Gorman Falls Area):

Gorman Falls Trail

Length:  1.3 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

The Gorman Falls trail begins at the Gorman Falls Road gate and gently descends to Gorman Falls.  A moderately easy hike, several sections are quite rocky and challenging to cyclists.  Note:  the last ¼ mile to the falls is closed to cycling.  Riders currently must hike-a-bike about ¼ mile along Old Gorman Road Trail to the road to continue riding.

Heller Brakes Trail:

Length:  1 mile

Difficulty:  Easy

The Heller Brakes Trail is a double track trail that begins near the Gorman Falls Road gate and meanders through rolling pasture land.  If you look closely, you may see the remains of an old railroad bed left over from the cedar hauling days of the Heller Ranch.  The trail rejoins the Gorman Falls Trail 0.3 miles from the trailhead at the gate.

Tie Slide Trail:

Length:  1.9 Miles

Difficulty:  Moderate 

The Tie Slide Trail is a scenic hike accessed from the Heller Brakes Trail or the Gorman Falls Trail and features views of Tie Slide Creek and some of the most spectacular overlooks of the Colorado River in the Park.  Cyclists will find rocky sections challenging.

Gorman Spring Trail:

Length:  0.6 miles

Difficulty:  Easy

The Gorman Spring Trail follows Gorman Creek all the way to its source (be prepared for creek crossings).  Lush vegetation frames the trail as it meanders through Gorman Canyon.  Watch for wildlife!  Note:  Gorman Spring Trail is closed to cycling.

Old Gorman Road Trail:

Length:  1.0 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

This rocky old jeep trail climbs from the Gorman Falls Area to the top of the ridge connecting with the Cedar Chopper Loop.  While the climb will get any hiker or rider's heart pumping, the trip back down is worth the effort! Trail Markers: Orange Arrows from Gorman Falls Trail to Cedar Chopper Loop.

West Section (Windmill Area):

Windmill Trail:

Length:  1.6 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

The Windmill Trail is a combination of double and single track that winds its way into the heart of the Lively Pasture in the Windmill Area.  Steep hills and rocky terrain make for an exciting ride.  Hikers will find this the quickest route to the Windmill Backpack Camping Area.

Lively Loop:

Length:  4.2 miles

Difficulty:  Easy

The Lively Loop is a jeep trail, primarily double track, which loops the perimeter of the Windmill Area, located in the northwest corner of the park.  Rocky sections and rolling terrain make for a pleasant hike or a fast, fun ride.  Backpackers will enjoy hiking the area en route to the Windmill Backpack Camping Area.

Dry Creek Junction:

Length:  0.3 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

Dry Creek Junction provides a link between Lively Loop and the Windmill Trail leading to the Windmill Backpack Camping Area.

Lemons Ridge Pass (Upper Section):

Length:  3.4 miles

Difficulty:  Moderate

The Upper Section of Lemons Ridge Pass is accessed from the trail head on the park road or the Lively Loop in the Windmill Area. Upper Lemon's Ridge Pass is relatively level, following the western boundary park as it winds its way toward the Windmill Area.  Watch for rocky sections!

**Note** If trail markers are not indicated in trail description that trail is undergoing remarking and sign placement. Ask us about the temporary markers or help with navigating them.