Catamount Trailhead — Attraction in Green Mountain Falls

The day before we did this trail, we hiked at Garden of the Gods. It was so crowded. We went here the next day, a hot summer day in July. What a treasure this hike was! Upon researching prior to the hike, we learned it is best to start the hike at the Thomas trailhead rather than the Catamount trailhead. This is because the Catamount trailhead is not near any parking. The Thomas trailhead is a few blocks from the town of Green Mountain falls, where we parked in a parking lot near the Pantry restaurant (went there for lunch after hiking...yum!). You go up residential streets and about a quarter mile you end up on the Thomas trailhead. The trail has some incline, so don't go if you prefer easier hiking, but we loved it! We ran into very few people and appreciated the shade the trail offered! There are colored dots to help you navigate the trails, which were helpful, and easily led us all the way to the Catamount trailhead. We passed several beautiful waterfalls on the way, which were well worth the hike to see. We could have turned around but decided to keep going. Once you reach the Catamount trailhead, you do need to walk a dirt road and then a paved road for 20 minutes or so to get back to town, but we didn't mind. If you are looking for a well marked, decently challenging, shaded, secluded hiking trail with low traffic, this one's for you....

A superb 4-season, dog friendly trail with two main options. Park downtown near the park and police substation (near the Pantry--stop for breakfast!). Walk north on Ute Pass Ave (the main street) a few hundred feet and then follow Hondo Ave northwest up to the top. There is no parking at the top of the road, but you can drop off or pick up hikers there. Head West on the service road. At the top of the hill the trail heads up the hill to the west just after the bridge. This road and bridge can be very icey in the winter. Crampons recommended! About a hundred yards up, the trail splits. The yellow trail heads South back to Green Mountain Falls. It connects with the west ends of Foster, Bounder, or Mountain Aves. The Blue trail heads north and climbs up to the reservoirs. Total elevation gain from downtown to the reservoirs approx 1,700 ft. About a 6 mile round trip. Very well maintained trail with rock steps at steep sections. At the flume the trail encounters a forest service and touring road. Stay right and follow the road to the top of the dams. At that point you can take the roads for more mileage, connect with other...

My husband, daughter, our friend, and I took this hike for the first time Saturday, August 15. Had to park in town. Took the steep dirt road hike up. Along with several others.Got about a quarter mile up when people coming down said the trail head was closed. Hiked down. Went opposite direction to other end of town. Saw a small falls. Then up a steep scraggly rock trail a bit we could take the yellow Thomas trail, or the blue Catamount trail. Plan was the blue trail. But decided to cross the river and falls towards the Thomas trail first. Told there was a good view . Crossed over. And as climbing watched to make sure a young mom and her 2 young boys made it across the river going other direction. 10 min to top. Just reaching for phone to take a picture. When looking up the trail we spotted a bear. A big Cinnamon bear. Coming our way. Were not at top but 3 min. No where to go but down. Bear followed us for a bit. Very scary. So be aware.And my husband left our bear spray at home. Needless to say, our hike was cut short. Thankful we are safe. Thankful the bear did not get to the mom and 2 boys who just came...