Segment 17

Oil Well Flats & Phantom Canyon

  • Distance: 47.9 miles

  • Vertical: +8551', -4165'

  • Highlights:

    • Skyline Drive

    • Red Canyon

    • Phantom Canyon

  • Main Challenges:

    • Desert heat

    • Long water carries

    • Staying on trail along Cooper Mountain

  • Scrambling Grade: Light Class 2 if lose trail

  • Exposure: Minimal

Seep Springs Recreation Area

Segment 17 takes the scenic path from Cañon City to Victor. After Skyline Drive and its fossilized dinosaur footprints, the GCR visits Seep Springs Recreation Area, Red Canyon, and Oil Well Flats before going over Cooper Mountain to Phantom Canyon.

There are very limited water sources along this segment, and thru hikers will likely hit it during peak summer heat, so plan ahead!

Folks desiring a less grueling option can alternatively consider following the American Discovery Trail’s route from Cañon City to Cripple Creek via Shelf Road, but it is a road walk the entire way.

In the future, we hope to establish a cross-country route through Beaver Creek Wilderness Study area, but be warned it appears to have lots of cliffs, mountain lions, and narrow corridors of public lands.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

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Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but peak summer heat can make this section dangerous.

Skyline Drive

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees along this segment.

Red Canyon

Water

There are very few reliable water sources along this segment:

  • Fly shop & rafting outfitter ~3.5 miles from Cañon City.

    • Only available if open.

  • Fourmile Creek ~21 miles from Cañon City.

  • Eightmile Creek ~16 miles from Fourmile Creek.

Oil Well Flats

Mines near Victor, Colorado

Camping

Camping is generally nonproblematic along the public lands portions of this segment, though most of it is car accessible. Also be mindful of when leaving public lands along the roadwalks.

Other Considerations

Extreme Heat: This segment can get extremely hot in the summer, creating extra difficulties for the long water carries.

Flash Flooding: Some portions of this segment could flash flood. Plan ahead and pay attention to both flooding and heavy precipitation forecasts.