. Depending on the season and the year, many of them may still be graced with snowy caps. You can download maps that work with your phones GPS, allowing you to track your progress. In my experience, the section from Creede to Silverton is the most scenic (Segments 21 through 24). Having a comfy, quiet, reliable sleeping pad is essential for having a good time on any backpacking trail. Segment 26: Bolam Pass Road to Hotel Draw Road, 10. Or the Nitecore NB1000 Power Bank, weighing less than 6 ounces, is a great battery pack option. During the 2017 Colorado Trail Race the average amount of H.A.B (Hike-A-Bike) was about 70 miles. Merrill Hastings, as editor of Colorado Magazine, played a big roll in drumming up early support. Life is distilled into its most basic elements. The Collegiate Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but the term loop makes the logistics so easy! Youre likely to encounter quite a few mountain bikes in this stretch. Getting caught in can be scary and unnerving, especially if youre above treeline! The CT isnt especially crowded like the AT or PCT, so more thru-hikers is generally a good thing. Free shipping for many products! This figure accounts for your food on the trail and an average amount of restaurant meals and lodging. That was one of the notes I jotted down in 2019 when I read The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life, by David Brooks. Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass 12.4 mi 2,623' Up 844' Down Jefferson, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE Park County Adventure 18.6 mi 2,890' Up 4,606' Down Jefferson, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE Bald Mountain 10.5 mi 3,075' Up 3,075' Down Brecken, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE McCullough Gulch Waterfall Out and Back 2.3 mi 465' Up 465' Down Regardless, if you are just planning a long weekend backpacking trip or a multimonth thru-hike, this is the season to start planning those summer treks. The CDT is by far the most rugged of the three . Segment 21: San Luis Pass to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, 6. It can also be fun to get creative with meal planning. Although Collegiate East is the official route of the CT, both paths are accepted by the Colorado Trail Foundation as part of a CT thru-hike. CPW issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, protects high priority wildlife . Spotted just before Eddiesville Trailhead and the end of Seg 19. Eventually, youll find yourself on Jeep roads again as you approach the shores of scenic Celebration Lake. To accomplish this, you have to start sacrificing some comforts on the trail. Then get back on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located on the Continental Divide. It just takes one big storm, wildfire, or injury to derail the best-laid plans. So, I decided to create this ranked list of the segments, from best to worst. Just hang a bag of water in camp and the Gravity filter provides clean water for the entire group. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000' for the majority of the trail. Shes recognized as the Mother of the Colorado Trail and has received several honors for her efforts, including awards from both Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush. It is slightly anticlimacticjust more grass gently sloping away in every direction and a wooden sign to mark the significance of this place. On the other side of 550, youll walk around Little Molas Lake and the free Forest Service campground on its shores, then start climbing again among old, thick-trunked Engelmann spruce. The Colorado Trail, Denver to Durango location Colorado, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. Elevation Gain: 5,196 feet. I created a free guide for backcountry skiing in Colorado! This season I am using the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack. Avoid camping above treeline, unless the weather looks absolutely perfect. From there you can take a taxi or Uber, private shuttle, etc. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Segments 25-28. Colorado Trail Segments 8 and 9 Watch on The Colorado Trail (CT) stretches 486 miles from Denver to Durango, and is divided into 28 segments. Hunger is a stark reality of any thru-hike. You can donate to their efforts here, because money makes the world go round. The trail segment initiates just south of the entrance to the Kenosha Pass Campground, which is located on the west side of the pass. Traversing nearly 500 mountainous miles between Denver, CO and Durango, CO, the trail takes in some of its namesake state's best scenery, most remote wilderness, and authentic mountain towns. Segment 1: Waterton Canyon to South Platte River Trailhead, 27. Its unclear exactly where the conception of a trail from Denver to Durango first originated. Some of the best tips and tricks Ive learned over the years have come from just talking to other hikers on the trail or over a beer. Segment 19: Saguache Park Road to Eddiesville Trailhead, 20. . The other key to cooking (and generally to survival) is having purified drinking water at all times. Segment 6 All segments had at least one bright spot in them. As always, and maybe even moreso here, this is my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt! Sinkholes are formed in soil,clay gravel or a combination of these. You can hitch into the charming town of Leadville pretty easily from here. Start early in the morning and pack plenty of water. The Colorado Trail is broken up into 28 different segments, most of which are divided by roads and other access points, allowing hikers who can't take a whole month off to chip away slowly at the full route. And theyre just around the corner. Most of the original route was drawn out by 1976, but interest waned and funding disappeared. Incredible backpacking sleeping bags are a dime a dozen. Follow this gently-graded road all the way to the top of Waterton Canyon, and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep along the way. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I ended up walking it and it wasnt so bad. Segment 17: Sargents Mesa to CO Hwy 114. Really? Segments 9-11 Just before getting to Taylor Lake, youll cross Indian Trail Ridge, a long, knife-edge spine of rock thats well above treeline and is notorious for bad weather. Driving the Great Divide. READ NEXT Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail, Segments 1-3 Theyre heavier than what I prefer to use, but they also offer a lot in terms of stability and durability on the trail. From Hope Pass one can continue to the Missouri Gulch trailhead and over Elkhead Pass, eventually picking up the Pine Creek Trail that leads east back to the official CT. From the pass youre within striking distance of three Fourteeners Missouri Mountain, Belford, and Oxford. Either way, there are a ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will work great. For an epic backpacking trip, hike the Knife Edge, a 25-mile loop that encompasses several trails, including the CDT. The last major piece of gear is the sleeping pad. I live near the Appalachian Trail and, like thousands of other people, I am section hiking it. Just remember that youre bound to see plenty of other hikers in this section. Vintage Vail Ski Pin Colorado Crossed . These cookies do not store any personal information. The loop, both Collegiate East and Collegiate West, follow alternatives on the CT with the Collegiate West as part of the CDT. The Beer Drinkers Guide to the Colorado Trail. (867 KM) Days 13 % Unpaved 80% % Singletrack 55% % Rideable (time) 92% Total Ascent 72,500' (22,098 M) High Point 13,270' (4,045 M) Difficulty (1-10) 9? Free shipping for many products! Some of the National Forest Wilderness Areas require dogs to be on a leash. Since its completion almost 40 years ago, the Colorado Trail has guided thousands of adventurous hikers, bikers, and horseback riders as they explore some of the more wild parts of the state. It has everything I need for minor emergencies on the trail. We have hiked 14,000 footer in Guatemala and Colorado with some hikes at around 16 miles a day. Section Hiking and shuttle transportation info for The Colorado Trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 18 min to complete. Youll have to pay an entrance fee for the state park, but some folks still like this as a quiet alternative to the busy Waterton Canyon Trail. Its an ultralight pad at 12.5 ounces that stands 3 inches thick with a horizontal baffle for a comfortable nights sleep. Collegiate West leaves the CT (Collegiate East) in Segment 11 and rejoins it in Segment 15. It offers both an East and West trail option with gradual ascents to stunning views. From the top of the climb, you can see down to Copper Mountain Ski Resort on the other side. Your total pack should weigh no more than 20 percent of your body weight when fully loaded with gear, food, and water. Missouri Mountain, in particular, had a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed. But of course, I definitely had opinions about certain segments - good and bad - by the end of the trail! They range from under 10 to over 20 miles long. Eventually the official trail was re-routed to the east, but several hikers still chose to incorporate Hope Pass into a thru-hike. This way youre less likely to get caught on the move above treeline. Some of the peaks listed here require a little 3rd class scrambling. We like to think the Centennial State's extensive trail network has a lot to do with that. Colorado gets frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and early August. Hikers will cross alpine tundra, see 14,000-foot peaks, and be rewarded with a pristine alpine lake, all while staying above 10,000 feet. Should you get caught on an exposed ridge, descend immediately off the trail if necessary (Dont get lost!) Segment 15: US Hwy 50 to Marshall Pass, 29. Sending yourself more timely resupply drops as you go via Amazon Prime or other services. Divided into 28 segments, the trail end points are Denver and Durango. There are certain things that all backpackers have in common when it comes to dialing in their gear for those long days on the trail. I weigh 250 pounds, so my pack fully loaded should never be more than 50 pounds. After going over Blackhawk Pass, be sure to fill up at Straight Creek as there isnt much water between there and Taylor Lake 21 miles south. A technicolor array of big peaks and crags off in the not-too-far distance clues you in that youre still in the mountains. In case of a major emergency, I can also use it to call for search and rescue. Free shipping for many products! Youll walk right past the old bunkers, and there are still signs in the area warning hikers to stick to the trail because of possible unexploded ordinance in the area. This alternate shaves about a mile off of the official route. This 486-mile routefrom Denver to Durangoaverages 10,000 feet high and tracks through the country's densest clutch of 12,000-foot (and taller) peaks. The campsite is adjacent to a dirt road and you may encounter car campers on summer weekends: consider yourself warned. 465.9 accessible via 171 485 Route 171 at Junction Creek end of the trail! Distance: 32.9 miles. While all backpackers will pack slightly differently for a multiday trip, there are always some staples that go into a pack. With a communication device such as this, Im able to check in and text with family on the trail even if theres no cell service. Either way, youll pop out of the Collegiates at Highway 50 some 75 miles later and most likely hitch down to Poncha Springs or Salida to resupply. You can enter Waterton Canyon Trailhead on Google Maps to see the precise location. Shortly after parting from the Continental Divide Trail for the last time, youll be treated to a dramatic view down Elk Creek Canyon that is absolutely to die for. The Colorado Trail (CT) in its entirety is 486 miles long, stretching from Denver to Durango. In Colorado, however, more scenery comes with higher elevations and exposure to lightning. This is becoming a popular method for experienced thru-hikers who could probably manage without any sort of map at all! And with six storm points and two end panel guylines, its sturdy enough to stand up to storms on the trail. 16.8 County Rd 97: Conifer 26.9 County Rd 126: Buffalo Creek 40.5 FS 543/68: to Bailey 71.7 US Hwy 285: Kenosha Pass, Jefferson, Fairlplay 104.4 Hwy 9: Breckenridge, Frisco, 117.6 Hwy 91: Copper Mountain 143 US Hwy 24: Leadville, 176.9 Hwy 82: Twin Lakes 183.4 Collegiate East/West Divide 209.7 County Rd 365: Buena Vista 216.3 County Rd 306: Buena Vista, There are several paved roads in Segment 13. 1.Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass Trailhead, 2. Some of the basic gear you will need for an overnight trip includes: But before we get into all the sweet gear youll need, we should start with a scale and a little something called base weight.. I still hiked the beginning of 11 and end of 15, so Ill still include them in my rankings. Those who send packages to themselves often do a lot of supplemental shopping anyway! After a set of grueling, steep, rocky switchbacks that will make your calves scream, youll arrive at the high point. The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. When I started ranking these, the main category I went off of was beautiful views. Im pretty sure what you called a sinkhole is a geological pothole. You can always find something valuable about a segment even if its not your favorite. Incidentally, at mile 45.2 youll cross a gorgeous rocky stream, and there will be ample camping just before the crossing if you look downslope. At miles 166 and 170, you will pass junctions with the Mount Massive Trailhead, your first opportunity to summit a 14er, followed closely by the Mount Elbert Trail junctions at miles 170 and 175. Segment CW02: Sheep Gulch to Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, 9. Remember that the Colorado Trail is hiking trail that simply allows cyclists to use it if you dare . Its best to be on the Colorado Trail only from July 1st through mid-September. The trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. Colorado Trail | 2020 Thru Hike 43,592 views Premiered Aug 25, 2020 878 Dislike Share Save Mike Windsor 546 subscribers Here it is folks! Ive crossed it both and have indeed had crappy, dangerous weather both times (lightning and freezing rain, respectively). Each peak has its own character. Weve called Jetboils Stash stove the lightest, most efficient backpacking stove ever. And we dont make claims like that lightly. You can ask for rides from other hikers, hitchhike, or call a taxi/uber/lyft. Now is the time to bust out that backpacking checklist. Others like Mount Elbert are just fine. I have friend who invited on the CT with him, but I cannot join him for the first two weeks. This alternate became popular a few years ago, when Waterton Canyon was closed for almost an entire season. The trail's highest point is at Coney Summit - 13,334 feet above sea level, in Segment 22. Youll walk 4.4 miles to connect with the official Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail is broken down into 28 Segments. Rather than diving deeply into each individual segment, Im going to break down the main sections of the trail according to my own thru-hiking resupply strategy. Some trekkers also consider getting medevac insurance to help in case they need to be airlifted off the trail. I mostly spend my spare time scheming new adventures and inadvertently setting my hair on fire while cooking. In exchange, youll get above 10,000 feet for the first time and the trail will start to feel cooler, lusher, and more mountainous. The Colorado Trail Foundation was founded in the same year, and still serves as the trails primary steward. Bear canisters are not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail. The Colorado Rockies boast some of the tallest peaks in the country, including over a dozen "14ers," or summits above 14,000 feet, that can be accessed from the Colorado Trail. Favorite sign sighting on the whole CT. Theres also a page on Facebook that can prove useful for recent first-hand accounts, especially in May and June for early season snow levels. Some hikers hitch into the towns of Jefferson or Fairplay from here. Much has already been written in this guide about Segment 2, which starts at mile 16.5 at the South Platte River. The trail will often close due to issues related to its nearby dam, so there are two alternate trailheads: This is the primary alternate for those with dogs. Youll end the section with a hot, dusty road walk on Stony Pass Road, where, if its a weekend, you might get to enjoy the pleasure of being passed a conga line of jeeps and ATVs on their way up to the scenic summit. Segment 6: Kenosha Pass to Gold Hill Trailhead, 13. Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO) Lowest Elevation: 4,200 ft. Twin Lakes to Monarch Pass is about 85 miles. Check out the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 or the Kelty Cosmic 20 for some other solid three-season options. Still, if youre like me and manage to go across the high point on a summer afternoon, with impending thunderheads of doom nipping at your heels, it will be dramatic enough regardless. Fritos are a staple that is great to add to almost any backpacking meal. I think its more pleasing on a long hike to save the best for last! Segment 22: Spring Creek Pass Trailhead to Carson Saddle, 5. By Distance. There is a range of great first-aid kits to choose from. This is easily bypassed via the Indian Creek trailhead (see above). The trail gradually shifts in character as you make your way toward San Luis Pass from Eddiesville Trailhead. They're also convenient bail-out points should something go wrong (i.e., injury or bad weather), and determine where hikers can resupply. The entire tent weighs less than 2 pounds and packs down into a very small stuff sack taking up almost no room in the pack. Many mistakes were made. If youve had enough of high, exposed elevations and lightning, then go East. So, you can really read this list as how scenic, or how much bang for your buck you get in these sections! Find more details here. Highlights include the Collegiate Range, where . A lightweight backpacker can get that down to 10-20 pounds. 11 Highlights of the Colorado Trail You Wont Want to Miss This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The core three gear items not including clothing that make up your base weight are a backpack, tent, and sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). Hiking just one 14er offers an unparalleled experience, with views that arent found along the official trail. The trail is split into 28 segments, each of which are completely different. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Segments 4-5 Then you start the long climb up to the beautiful Georgia Pass. The terrain slopes away so gently on either side that you feel like youre hiking in mildly hilly flatlands, rather than in the heart of the Rockies and approaching the Colorado Trails 13,259-foot high point at mile 373. Moved from CT to CO. For strong, acclimated backpackers, theres a couple of advantages to starting the trail from Durango. Sometimes businesses along the trail will accept packages too (Especially worth considering for UPS and FEDEX, which do not deliver to the Post Office).