Mansfield Ditch
Begins at the forest's mile 0, 39.6658, -107.6200 - no trailhead mapped Drive to where the trail begins
Main Elk #2157 the Forest Service's write-up
No fee
The Main Elk trail is 2.5 miles long and connects the Clinetop Trailhead to the Mansfield Ditch Trail (#2291) . From the Clinetop side, the first 0.5 miles of trail are relatively flat. This initial section crosses through private land, so please stay in the designated trail corridor. The trail then begins steadily climbing up a ridge, offering visitors outstanding views of Hadley Gulch, the Main Elk Creek valley, and Deep Creek Point. The trail continues to follow the top of the ridge, gradually gaining elevation and winding its way through thick oak brush. At 2.5 miles, visitors will reach the Mansfield Ditch Trail. From here, a left turn will take visitors south to the Forest Boundary, and a right turn leads north toward the Cherry Creek Connector and Clark’s Point.
Main Elk Trail is open to foot, horse, and bicycle use.
Restrictions <strong>Pack it in; Pack it out</strong>
Mansfield Ditch #2291 the Forest Service's write-up
No fee
The Mansfield Ditch trail is 9.5 miles long and is accessible from Forest Road 820 (elevation 8,800 feet) and Forest Road 245 (elevation 6,700 feet). The trail is characterized by gentle grades, smooth and wide tread, and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Beginning at Forest Road 820, the trail makes a short initial descent to an intersection with the Last Chance Trail . From there, the Mansfield Ditch trail turns south and follows the contour of the ridge for the next 4.5 miles. Along the way, the trail winds through stands of evergreen trees and offers outstanding views of Deep Creek Canyon.
At 4.9 miles from the top, visitors will arrive at an intersection with a 0.5 mile connector trail to Cherry Creek . From this intersection, the Mansfield Ditch trail makes a steep descent into Calhoun Basin before leveling off for another 3 miles. This section of the trail passes through pinyon-juniper and scrub oak vegetation, with additional outstanding views of Deep Creek Point, Hadley Gulch, and the Clinetop Mesa. At 8 miles from the top, the trail reaches a bench and an intersection with the Main Elk Trail . The trail gradually descends to Forest Road 245 over the final 1.5 miles.
The Mansfield Ditch trail’s gentle grades and good views make it an excellent destination for mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers alike!
View the Recreation Opportunity Guide for the Mansfield Ditch Trail (.pdf file).