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A long rewarding trail that contours along steep scenic canyons before a big, rugged descent.


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Map Key

11.0

Miles

17.8

KM

Point to Point

8,755' 2,668 m

High

6,718' 2,048 m

Low

871' 265 m

Up

2,908' 886 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Description

Mansfield Ditch Trail is a long, scenic trail that contours along some surprisingly beautiful canyons. The trail begins with a steep downhill section as you pass by the old Spring Cow Camp cabin. There are great photo opportunities at the cabin.

A small creek crossing (to your right) brings you to the start of a long, smooth contouring section of trail that follows the historic ditch alignment. The scenery on this section of trail is amazing, but keep your eyes wide open as the trail is often overgrown, hiding rocks and stumps..

To stay on the trail, be sure to make a hard left down a steep segment of trail to regain the lower elevation ditch portion of the trail. The trail finally ends with a rugged downhill to the New Castle Buford Road. While the trail is not particularly difficult to hike, it is rarely traveled, and often overgrown.

Many will hike this trail as part of the New Castle Buford Rd. to Mansfield Ditch Loop Hike. The length of the trail makes it a fine candidate for a shuttle hike too, skipping the long road climb included in the loop.

Check out the newly improved Cherry Creek #2256 to Mansfield #2291 Singletrack Connector to create a shorter loop or hike these trails in new ways.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Pritchard

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#9269

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#746

in Colorado

#9,269

Overall
2 Views Last Month
581 Since Aug 16, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Mansfield Ditch looking toward Main Elk before the descent
Oct 24, 2018 near New Castle, CO
Looking back at the Traverse before the final descent.
Oct 24, 2018 near New Castle, CO

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