Greenhorn Mountain, Colorado September '23

Trail report for Greenhorn Mountain, Colorado. coordinates 37°52'53.0"N 105°00'48.0"W (for google maps) We left on Comanche Trail and headed a short distance where we turned onto the Gardner road heading left. When we came to the 4-way intersection, we turned right onto the forest service road. It isn't a long drive along that road, only a few miles, but it certainly felt like it since the road is a typical Forest Service road which means rocky and curvy. After what seemed like forever, (really only 1 ½ hours,) we arrived at the Greenhorn meadow. We learned from another drive up there, to park at the meadow and not the trailhead. (I had to turn around there once and it wasn't easy or quick.) There is parking on both sides of the road, but it's best left for cars and single vehicles that are much more maneuverable in tight spots. The last two times we drove all the way to the Greenhorn trailhead, the weather was bad. The skies were dark and the wind was really cold. This time however, gave us beautifully perfect weather to ride and summit Greenhorn Mountain. From where we parked, we were briefly on the road, then took the trail to the left that led up and into some trees. It didn't take long past that area, passing the lake that was to our right, to begin climbing immediately. The first part of the trail is not only an immediate uphill, but steep as well. And cold with the wind blowing wind. We stopped so I could put my jacket and The rocky trail felt like it was cut straight out of the mountain; I could look down and see just how steep it was. The rocky trail was good except over one short, but steep, loose, spot. All three of our horses slid enough to cause some erosion and slight rock fall, also on the way back. Someone had told me the trail became pretty steep and open on both sides, which worried me. I was relieved to find that not the case. The ledgy part ended and the trail opened up into a beautiful green meadow with rolling hills. We decided to take the trail to the right, if you could call it a trail; you really just kind of follow the hills up and down. When you think you've topped the next steep hill, there's another one. And another one. Before you know it, you're above timberline and your horses are slowing down due to the elevation, but you're not there yet. There's a rock memorial at one of the top areas where hikers tend to turn around. It has a book to sign your names and where you're from along with your impression. We continued UP. And UP, finally reaching the summit and our destination~~North Peak. We took pictures while admiring the view before heading down. On the way down, we spread out, taking our own way down. My horse decided she wanted to trot in the green grass, and I actually let her! We both had a great time, before settling down and being lost in our own thoughts. The drive back to the cabin was pretty much the same. Slow. Bumpy. And long.

You can use Cotrex (free app) with these coordinates, or google maps, to find the mtn 37°52'53.0"N 105°00'48.0"W

A HUGE thank you to #AndreaGreeneLopez for sharing your detailed trail report with others.