Introduction
Segment 15 of the Colorado Trail begins off of Hwy 50, 9 miles west of Poncha Springs, CO. This segment is 14 miles long and ends at Marshall Pass.
Trailhead Access
Beginning - US 50
From Poncha Springs, CO. head west on HWY US 50 for 9 miles to the turnoff to Fooses Creek Rd (left). There is a small parking area here:

Across the street - The end of Segment 14 on HWY US 50:
Across the street - The end of Segment 14 on HWY US 50:

Alternate - South Fooses Creek TH
From the parking area/turnoff of US WHY 50, the first 2.8 miles of segment 15 follow the Fooses Creek Rd to a small parking area:

End - Marshall Pass TH

Trail Details
Segment 15 of the Colorado Trail starts off of US HWY 50 9 miles west of Salida, CO. The first 2.9 miles of the segment is on the dirt road that leads to the South Fooses Creek parking area:

After reaching the parking area the trail is clearly marked. Cross a foot bridge and continue on the obvious trail. Cross another bridge in 0.3 miles.

Note: There is plenty of water in this area. Be sure to stock up before heading up to the divide.

After crossing the second foot bridge be on the lookout for some great campsites in the area:

Continue climbing steeper as you approach the continental divide and the highpoint at 11,966ft. Pass a shelter at 10.34 miles and 11,516ft. You will make one last short ascent before reaching a trail junction 11.24 miles. This is the trail junction with the Agate Creek Tr #484. To your east is a trail that leads to Mt Ouray which is one Colorado’s highest 100 peaks.

Pass an obvious clearing at 11,676 and 11.84 miles. This area is pretty steep. If you are looking to camp, there is a nice level area that begins at 12.25 miles – about 0.4 miles past the clearing. Just past the good camping area there is a reliable stream at 12.24 miles. Find another great campsite at 12.50 miles. At 12.65 miles you will come to the beginning of a road with a signpost. It is 1.38 miles from this point to Marshall Pass and the end of Segment 15.

 Hiking along the road there is a pipe on the left side of the road that seems to be runoff from a spring. Be sure to treat this water as suspect:

Note: If Thru-hiking the trail consider a re-supply in Salida as re-supplies become much more difficult after segment 15.

NOTE: For more photos of this segment as well as all waypoint photos - view the segment photos in the menu at the top of this page