Introduction
Segment 18 has the unique distinction of cutting through the heart of the Cochetopa Hills to the Northeast of the LaGarita Wilderness. The segment is 13.5 miles long and has great trail access. The first half of Segment 18 can be quite secluded while the second half follows forest service roads that can sometimes be busy with ATV's.

Trailhead Access
Beginning - CO HWY 114 Trailhead
From Saguache, CO - Drive west on HWY 114 for 30 miles to North Pass. Continue over the pass for 1.5 miles to a large parking area on the left side of the road. This parking area has a small gate at the west end that marks the start of Segment 18. Here are 2 photos:

Alternate Trail Access
Road NN14 near Cochetopa Pass
6.5 Miles into Segment 18 the Colorado Trail crosses the dirt road NN14. This crossing is very near the 1/2 way point of the segment. This road could be used as an access point. 
From Saguache, CO - Drive west on HWY 114 for 21 miles to a turnoff to NN14 to the South (left). Continue on this dirt road for 10 miles to Cochetopa Pass. Continue over the pass for 1.2 miles where there are 2 large switchbacks. At the top of the switchbacks, on the right side of the road is an old forest service road. There is room here to park about 4-5 cars. Here are photos:

Saguache Park Road
The last 1.6 miles of segment 18 are on the Saguache Park road. Where the trail joins the road there is a large parking area that could be used for access.
From Saguache, CO (see below for slightly different directions coming from Gunnison) - Drive west on HWY 114 for 35 miles until you reach a turnoff to the left for Rd 17GG. Drive on 17GG for 5.25 miles where it ends:

Turn left on NN14 and drive 1.1 miles. Turn right onto FS787 (also called 3088):

Drive for 2 miles on the Saguache Road to a cattle guard and large parking area on the left side of the road. There is a trail here marked as 787.2A. Here is a photo:

From Gunnison, CO - Drive east on HWY 50 for 8.1 miles from Main Street in Gunnison and turn south on HWY 114. Drive 19 miles to a turnoff to the right (south) for NN14. Continue on NN14 for 8.1 miles to the right turn for FS787 (also called 3088): Follow above for the remaining directions...

Trail Details
Segment 18 starts at a large parking area just off of the paved HWY CO 114. As soon as you begin hiking you will cross Lujan Creek at 0.10 miles (WP1). Continue on the obvious trail as you begin hiking along the south side of Lujan Creek. Soon make a turn south (left) as you now begin heading along Pine Creek. You will begin to steadily gain elevation. Waypoint 3 is at 1.76 miles where you will leave the creek (to the right) and begin climbing on a steeper trail. The next 3 waypoints along this route are gates. After leaving the creek continue for just over 2 miles and reach the segment highpoint at Waypoint 4, a forest service gate at 10,251ft. Continue downhill and make an obvious left turn onto an old forest service road. You will follow this old road until reaching road NN14. Just before reaching road NN14 at 6.53 miles you will pass through 2 forest service gates. Both gates are within 0.33 miles of the road. Reach road NN14 and turn right, following 2 large switchbacks as you descend. After the switchbacks there is a forest service road on your left that is labeled 864.2A. This FS road begins at 7.08 miles into the segment and is waypoint 8. From this point it is possible to drive (4x4) all the way to the end of the segment. At the beginning of 864.2A, you are crossing Archuleta Creek and there may be water available here.

NOTE: You will be following forest service roads (and the Saguache Park RD) for the remainder of the segment.

Stay straight at waypoint 9, a small trail junction at 7.41 miles. Continue on the road, gaining some elevation until reaching a gate at 7.85 miles (0.77 miles from the beginning of 864.2A). Pass through the gate and begin losing elevation as you begin to parallel Los Creek. Stay straight at Waypoint 11 and don't take the 4x4 road that heads left. This junction is marked well. Just past this junction at mile 8.6 pass an old cabin on your right. Continue past the cabin to mile 8.8 (WP13). At this point you will encounter a sharp left turn that crosses over Los Creek. This turn is obvious as the turn is marked well. See the photo section for photos of this area. Cross the creek and head uphill for 0.13 miles where you will encounter forest service RD 864. You need to make a right onto this road. There are a few signs here and a few markings but pay attention. Continue on this forest service road, now hiking generally on the south side of Los Creek. At 9.45 miles reach waypoint 15 which is a turn onto FS787.2A. You will follow 787.2A for the next 2.45 miles until reaching Saguache Park Road. As you hike along 787.2A there appear to be small spur trails that parallel the road off to the right. I believe these are cattle and/or game trails and should not be used. Stay on the road. Continue generally downhill and soon you will have some excellent views of the valley ahead as well as high peaks San Luis Peak and Stewart Peak off to your left in the distance. You will begin hiking along a fence as you descend into the valley. Pass an old cabin on your left at mile 10.75. Continue along 787.2A until reaching a fence you pass through and then stay right at a small trail junction (WP19). The Saguache Park road can be seen from here 0.20 miles away. Take a left onto the Saguache Park Rd and it is a 1.6 mile hike to the end of the segment.