Trail listing online - https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7057183/bartlett-trail-1310

Trailhead

Here is a cotrex trail map https://trails.colorado.gov/trails/bartlett-20427  

The trailhead is located here https://www.rockymountainbch.com/trail-reports/bartlette-rye-co

There are 2 trailheads - east and west.  Equine parking is at the East trailhead called Greenhorn Barlett which is outside of Rye Colorado and located off the Bartlett Trail road.   The last few miles of the trail up to the trailhead are dirt and moderately maintained.  As of 8/12/24 it is not too bad actually and has a tiny bit of washboard but not a lot.  It can be narrow in places on some of the curves (no drop offs) for larger rigs but was no problem at any point for our 2 horse.  It is approximately 2 hours away away from Colorado Springs and 1 hour away from Pueblo and 45 minutes away from Westcliffe.  

There are no facilities or water at the trailhead.

Parking

There is a medium sized turnaround parking area for trailers.  Although if there are cars  parked at weird angles it would be more difficult to get larger trailers in there.  We were there on a Saturday in August and there were no cars.  However the west trailhead (which you can also turn around but is mainly a car parking lot and is smaller, had many cars. 

Trail report August 10, 2024

The trail is dirt.  Shoes recommended because there can be rocky parts.  The trail starts immediately from the trailhead itself and is easy to find and follow.  It is part of the Forest Service area. Parking and the trail is completely free.  The Greenhorn Wilderness area part of the trail starts approximately .75 miles up. 

The trail is on a steady incline at approx 700 feet in the first 1.5 miles.  The trail is pretty and wanders through different terrain. It is not overly rocky or hilly.  It has good views as it makes it way up through the forest and overlooks the valley.  Eventually it opens up into more meadow areas with few trees.  There is very little water on the trail and only once you are several miles in.  Overall a really nice, uncrowded, easy to access and easy to ride trail.    

Aug 24 RMBCH received a grant along with a trail coalition of Forest Service and LaVeta trails to clear out the brush on Barlette.  It has not been cleared or 'daylighted' for many years.  This caused the trail to be bridged in places with brush oak and trees encroaching on the trail.  As of Aug 12, approx 2 miles have been completely opened and widened to the 8 foot x 10 foot cooridor for equines an pack animals.   There are still a few miles of brush to clear out.  The trail is passable but will need continued work this year to open it up!   Join us for a work ride on this or any other trail.  We always need the help!