more stats
14.8 miles
Distance
2,526 ft
Climb
-1,643 ft
Descent
03:46:00
Avg time
884 ft
Altitude change
10,629 ft
Altitude min
12,284 ft
Altitude max
10,744 ft
Altitude start
11,627 ft
Altitude end
1.1%
Grade
-76.1%
Grade max
51.4%
Grade min
9 miles
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
4,275 ft
Distance flat
03:46:00
Avg time

Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Hermosa Creek
    Durango, Colorado
  • Ref Number
    #520
  • AKA
    Segment 27 - Hotel Draw Rd to Kennebec TH Segment 27 - Hotel Draw Rd to Kennebec TH
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    50 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 65 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
  • Global Ranking
    #95087 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #131708 in Trail Running
    • #81403 in Hiking
    • #1254 in Horseback
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    USFS

This is likely one of the most scenic sections of the Colorado trail, but it is not an easy section to ride. The first few miles is rolling singletrack weaving in and out of wooded sections, with great views of the La Plata mountains and Weminuche. The last half section is Indian Trail Ridge, a rocky but extremely scenic section of trail. Likely there will be sections that you will need to walk, but it is worth it.

Trail Supporters
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 0 rides
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All
  • 39 rides
  • Last: Aug 9, 2025
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CT - Highline... Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jun 4, 2026 @ 2:00pm (America/Denver)
Jun 4, 2026
 One fresh large tree North of Salt Creek junction.
Nov 23, 2025 @ 9:29am (America/Denver)
Nov 23, 2025
 reporter Snow covered for the season
Jul 7, 2023 @ 9:11am
Jul 7, 2023
 I only did the north 7 miles as an out and back but the trail was perfect with no snow still on it.
Oct 28, 2022 @ 6:55am
Oct 28, 2022
 Snow covered until summer 2023
May 28, 2021 @ 12:58pm
May 28, 2021
more »
Status:
on Jun 4, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 4.16 (6 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • Both Directions
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  • Uphill Only
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Slope Aspect
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to ct-highline-orphan-butte trailhead (37.605120, -108.011980)

        Photos

        23 more »
        32 |
        Nov 11, 2025 @ 10:44am
        Nov 11, 2025
        40 |
        Nov 11, 2025 @ 10:44am
        Nov 11, 2025
        34 |
        Nov 11, 2025 @ 10:44am
        Nov 11, 2025
        39 |
        Nov 11, 2025 @ 10:44am
        Nov 11, 2025

        Videos

        1 more »
        youtuber Skinny rocky ridges on top of the world | CO...
        12:24 | 848 | Sep 27, 2018 , Durango

        Trail Lists

        Routes with this trail

        29
        Upper kennebec Loop
        ★ 4.0 • 19 miles • 4,181 ft • 5 •
        High altitude loop starting on top of Kennebec mtn.
        116
        Durango Bikepacking Loop
        138 miles • 18,808 ft • 20 •
        bikepacking loop from kennebec

        Trail Products

        1 Review & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About CT - Highline (Orphan Butte)

        ▼ Where is CT - Highline (Orphan Butte) located?
        CT - Highline (Orphan Butte) is located in Hermosa Creek, Durango, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Hermosa Creek trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 37.60512, -108.01198.
        ▼ How hard is CT - Highline (Orphan Butte)?
        CT - Highline (Orphan Butte) is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The average grade is 1.1%.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for CT - Highline (Orphan Butte)?
        CT - Highline (Orphan Butte) has 770 m of elevation gain. The trail has 501 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,240 m to 3,744 m.
        ▼ Is CT - Highline (Orphan Butte) a point to point trail?
        CT - Highline (Orphan Butte) is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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