length: 782km (486mi)
type: one way hiking and mountain biking
high point: South of Lake City 4,045m (13,271ft)
low point: Denver terminal 1,700m 5,500ft
season: july, august, september

The trail passes through some of the state's most beautiful country. Wildlife abounds and wildflowers, in season, are abundant. While much of the trail passes through forests, a good portion of it reaches above timberline, where trees are unable to grow and views are breathtaking.