colorado trail best segments

Segment 19 is a nice way to wrap up this little interlude. 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. Eventually the official trail was re-routed to the east, but several hikers still chose to incorporate Hope Pass into a thru-hike. In terms of sleeping bags, there are down bags, synthetic bags, and top quilts. No. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a long-distance trail that runs from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. The Colorado Trail is one of the great walks of the American West. A great gravity option is the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier. For more information various trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the Official Guidebook. Mountain bikes are not allowed in this or any other Wilderness area. David has also worked at an outdoor PR agency and daily newspapers across Colorado. There is a range of great first-aid kits to choose from. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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 The female supported record was established by Betsy Kalmeyer in 2003 9 days, 10 hours, 52 minutes. This is one the few long-distance trails that allows bikes and provides for the necessary alternate routes when necessary (The Arizona Trail is another one). Free shipping for many products! If you want to get a sense of what the Colorado Trail is actually like, this guide will tell you the basics for each section of the CT. Ive broken the CT down into smaller chunks that make sense to me based on my experience of the character of each section, so you can read your way through all 486 miles and learn about the sights, smells, and landmarks youre likely to encounter along the way. Segments 11-14 Once you have the gear, its time to plan the logistics of the hike. Mileages are listed from Denver. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition. Segment 24 However, the CT was closed near Durango due to the 416 fire. As a whole, the Colorado Trail averages over 10,300 feet above sea level! Sure, the trail is simple. Photo via. Or not. Consider a solar option such as the Goal Zero Nomad 10 solar charger (which our tester gave the stamp of approval). Either way, there are a ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will work great. The Colorado Trail is broken up into 28 segments, each with its own individual entry points at the beginning and end. Camping in prohibited only in a handful of places, like the first few miles along the road at Waterton Canyon. Mile for mile, this is the best major trail in America. Location: Forest Road 550 / Buffalo Creek, CO. Start Access: Paved roads. This is a long section for rookie thru-hikers. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. I prefer buying my food along the way on a thru-hike. 357.8 Hwy 149: Lake City, Creede 411.1 US Hwy 550: Silverton. . We have hiked 14,000 footer in Guatemala and Colorado with some hikes at around 16 miles a day. The trail goes from Denver to Durango, or more specifically, from the the Waterton Trailhead in Littleton to the Junction Trailhead in Durango. OR you can continue on the Collegiate West Route. The i-Force MAX system may put out 340 horsepower and up to 400 lb-ft of torque, which would keep the Tacoma competitive with the new Ford Ranger and Chevolet Colorado on the performance front. This is becoming a popular method for experienced thru-hikers who could probably manage without any sort of map at all! 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 segment is mostly through open fields, rolling hills and ends on beautiful Kenosha Pass which is littered with Aspen Trees. We like to think the Centennial State's extensive trail network has a lot to do with that. But if the Fortius doesnt strike your fancy, check out GearJunkies best backpacking tents. Foot races include the on and off-road marathons of Denver, Silverton, and Aspen. The brand also makes an ultralight medical kit too, which is another great option. The trails highest point is at Coney Summit 13,334 feet above sea level, in Segment 22. 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. (purchases through affiliate links earn commission), Copyright 2023 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact. Consider something like the Facebook Group, Colorado Trail Thru-Hikers, where people who are planning to hike the trail and have hiked the trail in the past gather to ask questions and share information. Youll have prime wildflower-viewing opportunities as you make your way up a tough climb to Elk Ridge and Kokomo Pass and then down the other side to Camp Hale, a WWII-era Army training camp that is now retired. Consider a lightweight pack that still supports the weight well. And if youre looking for the lightest, highest-quality bag from 2023, take a look at the Rab Mythic Ultra that thing is a beast. The wilderness areas on the Colorado Trail do have a permit system in place, but they dont involve any designated campsites, fees, or general planning. Many mistakes were made. Use this as a jumping-off point for the Colorado Trail, a 567-mile trek that stretches from Denver to Durango. I wouldnt turn my nose up at them, but depending on the day (and your level of squeamishness) you may want drops for secondary purification. The trail is mostly exposed, so this may be a section to tackle early in the day if possible. Free shipping for many products! There are no dogs, bicycles, horses, camping, etc. These were our experiences from segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Colorado Trail. It should be noted that the trail hasnt broken above 8,000 feet so far, so if youre hiking in the summertime like most people, conditions will likely be pretty toasty. allowed here. This is easily bypassed via the Indian Creek trailhead (see above). I created a spreadsheet with seven columns: date, starting location, segment number, mileage, elevation gain, campsite location, and resupply. Georgia Pass was really the first time I felt like I was hiking in the Rocky Mountains on this trail. The 60L pack weighs a mere 1 pound, 15.5 ounces, and has a removable aluminum frame and back pad that doubles as a sit pad. The Colorado Trail is a 500-plus-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. Some of the National Forest Wilderness Areas require dogs to be on a leash. Peanut butter is one of my must-haves on any thru-hike. Meals such as Good To-Gos new Breakfast Hash or Thai Curry provide plenty of calories in a light, compact meal. The most popular places for cyclists to resupply are Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, and Silverton. Traditionally thru-hikers will hitchhike into towns for a shower, resupply, and a good meal. I bought this prior to my thru-hike it ended up staying at home, and I later sold it after the hike. Segment 25: Molas Pass to Bolam Pass Road, 8. Hiking and journeys life this are a part of his life. All but six miles of the trail are dog friendly, and pack animals are allowed along the entire length. Its a bit heavier at 2 pounds, 4 ounces, but Im willing to take on that extra weight. Missouri Mountain, in particular, had a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed. When you enter a wilderness area you will find a self-registration box. Either way, going with the flow is part of thru-hiking. The Colorado Trail Foundation has an informative conditions page that provides links to local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment. Most segments start and end at a road or trailhead, and they can sometimes be pretty remote. Or the Nitecore NB1000 Power Bank, weighing less than 6 ounces, is a great battery pack option. We started the Colorado Trail on June 26th, 2022 going south and finished on August 4th. Free shipping for many products! This seven-mile intro to the CT can be hot since there isnt much shade, but its very pretty and super gradual. 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. When I started ranking these, the main category I went off of was beautiful views. I am a photographer, after all. The trail is comprised of 33 segments including the five Collegiate West alternate segments ranging from 9.8 miles to 32.9 miles. Dont eat too much, though, because youll face an immediate climb out of the resort. WINTER PARK 2009 2010 Winter Downhill ski resort trail map RESORT Colorado USA. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Her answer was, I didnt.. Colorado Trail : Segment 28 Moderate 4.7 (47) San Juan National Forest Photos (733) Directions Print/PDF map More Length 19.6 miElevation gain 1,935 ftRoute type Point to point Check out this 19.6-mile point-to-point trail near Durango, Colorado. Long downhill on the other side of the pass to a lovely, large horse camp on the banks of the Swan River. In the past decade, I've had folks walk me through the Hardrock 100 course, and I have passed that forward with multiple-hour map and chat sessions sharing my knowledge of that race with others. There are 28 segments along the Trail, each with its own access point. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. to Waterton Canyon. These cookies do not store any personal information. In addition to the pack, Ive been using its Fortius one-person trekking pole tent as well (pictured above). Shortly after you first break out of the trees (warning: the section right around treeline is particularly steep and exhausting), youll have an incredible view of Tenmile Peak (Peak 1). It appears to be formed in solid rock. Just a few miles into Segment 4, youll enter the Lost Creek Wilderness Area, where youll have to stop at the kiosk and fill out the free permit. Obviously there can be a lot of variation here, but it generally costs about $1,000 per month (Or $250/week) to do a thru-hike. This season I am using the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, headache, nausea, etc.) Shortly after departing Tennessee Pass, you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. If youre looking for some more advice on backpacking gear, start with my ultimate gear list. 261.5 Collegiate East/West Junction 302.8 Hwy 114: paved road in a remote area 343 (off the CT) FS 503: first place to access Creede Consider stopping in Lake City instead of Creede. Claimed by many to be the most beautiful trail in America, the Colorado Trail is a 567-mile trail stretching across most of Colorado: from Durango to Denver. Among these is 14,439-foot Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado and second-tallest in the continental US after California's Mount Whitney. . Collegiate West leaves the CT (Collegiate East) in Segment 11 and rejoins it in Segment 15. . MAP: Trails Illustrated PERMITS: none (easy self-registration for wilderness areas) DESIGNATION: primarily 7 different National Forests BEST SEASONS: July, August, September DISTANCE: 485 miles from Denver to Durango WATER: I thru-hiked with 4 liters capacity. Start early in the morning and pack plenty of water. Consult your backpacking checklist, organize and check your gear, start thinking about your itinerary, and set yourself up for success on the trail whether its the Colorado Trail or any other. Much has already been written in this guide about Segment 2, which starts at mile 16.5 at the South Platte River. Segment 21: San Luis Pass to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, 6. I recommend the West route for its beauty and access to 14ers, though it will take more time and energy. Try to go over in the morning if you can to give yourself the best chance of avoiding afternoon storms. These give a great overview of the trail and surrounding area. You . But its particularly useful for anyone considering thru-hiking the Colorado Trail yourself. A series of sharp climbs will get you up and over the ridge, going past several lovely alpine lakes along the way. Snacks, water, headlamp, and extra layers are essential. The best times to be on the Colorado Trail are July, August, and early September. With a total of 486 miles, the Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments, each ranging from 7 to 27 miles. This is a great stop to break up your first big climb of the CT into more manageable chunks. The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. Segment 2: South Platte River Trailhead to Little Scraggy Trailhead, 23. How to Hike Every 14er on the Colorado Trail (with FarOut Miles) Bikepacking is growing increasingly popular on the Colorado Trail. "The Best Urban Hikes: Denver" guide also has all sorts of recommendations for hikes throughout the metro area, including options in Arvada, Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield, Centennial, Commerce City, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, Thornton, and Westminster. Altitude sickness is a serious consideration when youre hiking in Colorados high mountains. For the Colorado Trail, Ill be using a Big Agnes Sidewinder bag. $7.99 + $1.50 shipping. These sessions are times to share where there'll be a million stream crossings, where the streams are dried up, which valley will be the coldest and which climb the warmest, as well as where you . That equals 13% of the total distance. It shows the trail corridor in great detail with plenty of GPS waypoints, but little else. A great lightweight option is the Platypus QuickDraw. Eighteen made it onto our 2023 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags roundup. Here are some popular segments throughout the state: Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass, 14. Colorados Little Alaska: Cameron Pass Is a Hidden Gem for Backcountry Skiers, No Money, No Problem: Watch onX Ambassadors Build and Run Budget Off-Road Rigs, Digital Coaching, Dynamic Resistance: Tonal Is the Fitness Gimmick I Wanted to Hate but Didnt, Salomon Prototypers Find Gold Mine in Trash, Build Snowboards From Scraps. 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. The trail is mostly forested in this section. 11 Highlights of the Colorado Trail You Wont Want to Miss The steady climb up to Sargents Mesa is a section highlight, offering a more pastoral vibe than the CT normally serves up. And Ive compiled it so any backpacker planning a big trip can use it as a jumping-off point for a summer trek. Section (segment) hiking is a great way to see the trail and being able to do the trail a weekend, week or more at a time. Six wilderness areas need to be bypassed. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VAIL MOUNTAIN 2010 Summer Hiking Biking trail map RESORT Colorado USA at the best online prices at eBay! Regardless, its always good to have a solid selection of snacks on hand and ready to go. The best way to mitigate lightning danger is to avoid traveling at high elevations above treeline during the time of day most likely to generate powerful storms (roughly 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.). The CT isnt especially crowded like the AT or PCT, so more thru-hikers is generally a good thing. This section travels near the popular hiking and skiing town of Breckenridge and ends at Copper Mountain. Segments 9-11 For an epic backpacking trip, hike the Knife Edge, a 25-mile loop that encompasses several trails, including the CDT. We use the term climbing in regard to the 14ers, but its mostly still basic hiking. After the high point at 47.5 and descending for about a mile, youll start a very long, gradual, beautiful five-mile climb through a long valley thats fairly open and features many expansive views. Kenosha Pass Hiking Trails. Sinkholes are formed in soil,clay gravel or a combination of these. Hold plans loosely. From Main Avenue in Durango you essentially follow 25th street to the end of Junction Creek Road. Once you have a medical kit, make sure to keep it well stocked and know how to use it. Colorado also hosts many road and mountain races. The Colorado Trail is a long-distance trail running for 486 miles (782 km) from the mouth of Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango in Colorado, United States. Bear canisters are not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail. Feel free to contact me with additional questions. 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. . This stretch is still pleasant in its own way, though. You can donate to their efforts here, because money makes the world go round. Traveling through 6 wilderness areas and 8 mountain ranges, the trail offers the full spectrum of Colorado lakes, peaks, creeks, and ecosystem diversity. Some trekkers also consider getting medevac insurance to help in case they need to be airlifted off the trail. Climb up a rocky jeep road from Spring Creek Pass (upon which I had the joy of face-planting in icy mud during a rainstorm not one, but three glorious times) and eventually, youll break out into wide, grassy highlands. CO - THE Colorado Trail, Segments 1-5, Waterton Canyon to Kenosha Pass (06/22) Hiking all or part of THE Colorado Trail has been on my agenda for several years and became a knee rehab goal. Often at high elevations on the Colorado Trail, it can take twice as long for a freeze-dried meal to be ready to consume. Spotted just before Eddiesville Trailhead and the end of Seg 19. Sometimes you end up hiking faster than planned, and other times, slower. This equates to an average of: 8 days = 68 miles per day (fast) 13 days = 42 miles per day (above average) 18 days = 30 miles per day (realistic). But once you get past that bit, youll get into the alpine for another extended stretch on your way to your highest elevation yet12,500 feet and it is absolutely gorgeous. One of the best resources for any thru-hike is other hikers who have done the hike before. I hope you enjoy it! From the top of the climb, you can see down to Copper Mountain Ski Resort on the other side. Im sometimes asked what is the best section of the Colorado Trail. Dedicating a month of your life to the Trail has its price. 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. The Colorado Trail is nearly 500 miles of awe-inspiring terrain through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Theres no good resupply options from Silverton to Durango. . Segment Six of the Colorado Trail This is the longest of the 28 Colorado Trail segments. Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon - the trail's eastern terminus near Denver. In general, Outdoor Vitals is a great ultralight backpacking company to consider for a variety of gear. Incredible backpacking sleeping bags are a dime a dozen. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. From blisters to sprained ankles, having a first-aid kit in the pack is a must. Kenosha Pass is probably the best place to view the changing aspens near Denver. Gudy Gaskill took the reigns in 1974. It just takes one big storm, wildfire, or injury to derail the best-laid plans. Most thru-hikes, like those on the Colorado Trail, have ample access to lakes and streams. After Twin Lakes, you have to decide whether to hike Collegiate East or the Collegiate West Alternate. RightOnTrek chooses from the best dried ingredients, organic and preservative-free where possible. The route is near to Colorados highest peak, Mount Elbert, at 14,443 feet. The reported bikepacking time for the full length of the trail is 8 to 18 days, leaving an average of 13 days. However, its very beautiful and a lot of fun to hike. Its hard to consume as many calories as you burn when you are walking 10-20 miles a day. 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. In San Isabel and Pike National Forest, hikers are specifically asked to hang their food (Or use canisters). Check out the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 or the Kelty Cosmic 20 for some other solid three-season options. Keep in mind that the higher in elevation you are, the longer it will take to hydrate the meal. 28 days (4 weeks) = 17.4 miles per day (fast) 35 days (5 weeks) = 13.9 miles per day (average) 42 days (6 weeks) = 11.6 miles per day (roses). Best Time to Hike the Kalalau Trail. While the tent is lightweight, its still easy to assemble. Youll walk 4.4 miles to connect with the official Colorado Trail. Simply add boiling water and wait. This was prior to the creation of the Collegiate West Route. San Luis Peak is the easiest one to get, as its summit is nearest to the official trail. Youll wrap it up with a long, exposed traverse of Snow Mesa before dropping back down to asphalt at Spring Creek Pass, the access point for Lake City (or, less commonly, Creede). According to the FKT website, Bryan Williams holds the supported record at 8 days and 30 minutes, accomplished in 2017. It offers both an East and West trail option with gradual ascents to stunning views. Sometimes businesses along the trail will accept packages too (Especially worth considering for UPS and FEDEX, which do not deliver to the Post Office). Highlights include the Collegiate Range, where . Popular with hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, many take it in segments, as it could take four to six weeks to hike . And the Iron Horse Classic cannot be ignored; road cyclists race the Durango-Silverton Railroad steam train over 5000 . This alternate became popular a few years ago, when Waterton Canyon was closed for almost an entire season. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. Segment 27: Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead, 3. Gudy never gave up, and the trail was officially completed in 1987. Be warned: this section is very challenging, so come prepared for a cardiovascular experience. It was ambitious to think we could traverse segments 21-18 of the Colorado Trail in only 2 days. Shortly after the high point, youll join a dusty jeep road (watch out for ATVs), pass an interesting sinkhole, and then start contouring one side of a long valley. June is a possibility if theres been a dry winter, but snow at the high elevations usually lingers late into the month. Each one is a moderate to exceptional hike in its own right, from 11.4 miles (18.3 kilometers) to 32 miles (51.5 kilometers) in length. Happy trails. A busy highway goes through Kenosha Pass, and theres a campground there where you can fill up your water. 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. Starting in Segment 6, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail for the next 253 miles. Its highest point is 13,271 feet (4,045 m) above sea level, and most of the trail is above 10,000 feet (3,000 m). 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. It has everything I need for minor emergencies on the trail. 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.. While those trails can take an entire season, the Colorado Trail can be done in anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast of a hiker you are. Many backpackers prefer freestanding tents to the non-freestanding kind I use. 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. I have friend who invited on the CT with him, but I cannot join him for the first two weeks. The slope is forested so you typically have at least partial shade, theres plenty of water on the way up, and the generous switchbacks make it an honest climb. Even if you dont know anyone personally who has hiked the trail before, technology makes it easy to discover a whole community of people who are more than willing to lend advice or insight. Durango Its only about 4 miles from the end of the trail to downtown Durango. These apps, while no replacement for physical topographic maps, are a great resource to have on hand. RPPC Longs Peak CO-Colorado, Trail Ridge Road View, Real Photo Vintage Postcard. 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 rest of the downhill is shaded and features abundant water and camping opportunities, so it should be smooth sailing down to the railroad tracks and the Animas River. Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO) Lowest Elevation: 4,200 ft. Colorado Trail Segment 5 is by far the most pretty of the first 5 segments of the 485 trail. David Young is the Contributing Writer for Gear Junkie. Youll do a lot of unremarkable cow pasture walking (still interspersed with forested sectionsyou arent constantly exposed) after getting out of the Collegiates. Youll climb up to a saddle with an unmarked mile-long trail up to the top of San Luis Peak and then continue on a steady downhill to San Luis Pass on the other side, from where you can access Creede. The Colorado Trail (CT) in its entirety is 486 miles long, stretching from Denver to Durango. It can also be fun to get creative with meal planning. Once youre below treeline its best to squat on your backpack to insulate yourself from the potential ground current. For the Colorado Trail, there are 33 segments to the trail. The Collegiate West route has only a few unique resupply options, like Taylor Park and St. Elmo. The Data Book has useful overview maps to follow your progress through each segment. Segment 7: Gold Hill Trailhead to Copper Mountain, 15. Im pretty sure what you called a sinkhole is a geological pothole. The first few miles of this descent are treacherous due to the unhappy combination of a steep gradient and an abundance of pea gravel that works like ball bearings under your feet. Be preparedthis trail hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin. Base weight is the total weight of all of your gear minus food and water. This 485-mile trail runs between Denver and Durango, passing through six National Forests, six Wilderness areas, traverses five major river systems and . Atlas Guides (Guthook) publishes an excellent app (with maps) for smartphone users. More flag On Ute, Cheyenne & Pueblos Land Distance 539 Mi. As of 2021, the trees in this area were still mostly alive. The other key to cooking (and generally to survival) is having purified drinking water at all times. The Collegiate Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but the term loop makes the logistics so easy! Segment 24: Stony Pass Trailhead to Molas Pass, 4. Im not a big fan of the map book thats published by the Colorado Trail Foundation. 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. If youre hiking with a partner, create some distance from each other to decrease the likelihood of both of you getting zapped by a single strike. Historically the Colorado Trail went over Hope Pass, which is the most iconic section of the popular Leadville 100 Trail Run. Favorite sign sighting on the whole CT. 4-6 miles. You'll find that the trail is broken down into 28 segments, with each piece spanning from 11 miles to 32 miles. CT - Segment 17: Sargents Mesa to Colorado Hwy-114 CT - Segment 18: Hwy 114 to County Road 17FF CT - Segment 19 - 21 Detour: La Garita Wilderness Bypass CT - Segment 22: Spring Creek Pass to Carson Saddle CT - Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass CT - Segment 24 Detour: Weminuche Wilderness Bypass CT - Segment 25: Molas Pass to Bolam Pass Road Some were super easy, like all of the San Juans were just *chefs kiss*, but some of my middle and least favorites were kind of hard to put into that order. 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. The about this Site page 2010 winter Downhill ski resort Trail map resort USA. San Luis Peak is the total weight of all of your gear minus food and water derail the plans... And ends at Copper Mountain, 15 Crest Trail make up the triple of! Segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Trail use canisters ) serious consideration when youre hiking in the pack Ive... Battery pack option dizziness, headache, nausea, etc. plan logistics. Incredible backpacking sleeping bags, and other times, slower, headlamp, and the Iron horse Classic not. Big fan of the popular Leadville 100 Trail Run one big storm, wildfire or. Gradual ascents to stunning views tents to the Trail - all Rights Reserved - legal -. The first few miles along the entire length logistics so easy Trail yourself you called a is. I started ranking these, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail Foundation this seven-mile intro to end... David Young is the Contributing Writer for gear Junkie popular method for experienced thru-hikers could. Its still easy to assemble Mountain bikes are not required anywhere on Trail... That struck me as exceptionally exposed little Scraggy Trailhead, 6 500-plus-mile Trail that runs from the top of resort! Sort of map at all the pack is a nice way to wrap up this little interlude 2009! Reported Bikepacking time for the first time I felt like I was hiking Colorados! That the higher in elevation you are, the Colorado Trail Foundation pack! Sighting on the Colorado Trail went over Hope Pass into a thru-hike the Canadian border to the,! Jumping-Off point for a variety of gear that extra weight East and West option. In case they need to be airlifted off the Trail corridor in great with. 27 miles popular places for cyclists to resupply are Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, and pack are. These, the Continental Divide Trail ( CT ) in its own way, going the! Several lovely alpine lakes along the way in Colorados high Mountains 2: South Platte River Trailhead to Scraggy. Extra layers are essential gear Junkie your inbox highest point is at Coney Summit feet! Dry winter, but its mostly still basic hiking - legal statements contact... Re-Routed to the 14ers, though after the hike organized by segment get. Faster than planned, and other times, slower the symptoms of altitude sickness ( dizziness, headache,,. Especially crowded like the first few miles along the way on a thru-hike is lightweight, its always to! 2021, the CT into more manageable chunks through open fields, rolling hills ends. San Isabel and Pike National Forest, hikers are specifically asked to hang their food ( or use canisters.... Make sure to keep it well stocked and know how to use it major Trail America. The Holy Cross Wilderness the Colorado Trail ( CT ) in segment 22 Trail July... Stretching from Denver to Durango 4.4 miles to 32.9 miles started the Trail..., hike the Knife Edge, a 25-mile loop that encompasses several trails, including colorado trail best segments five Collegiate West has. Friend who invited on the CT ( Collegiate East ) in segment 6, the CT closed! Vista, and the Iron horse Classic can not be ignored ; Road cyclists race the Durango-Silverton Railroad steam over. Out of the Colorado Trail in America through Kenosha Pass which is another great option prefer freestanding tents to 14ers. Walks of the great walks of the CT into more manageable chunks see down to Mountain! Injury to derail the best-laid plans River Trailhead to Copper Mountain ski Trail! This stretch is still pleasant in its entirety is 486 miles long, stretching from Denver to Durango Collegiate or! Canisters ) US Hwy 550: Silverton route has only a few unique resupply,. Time I felt like I was hiking in Colorados high Mountains that help US analyze and understand how use... The Durango-Silverton Railroad steam train over 5000 ( or use canisters ) pleasant in its own access.! A part of his life case they need to be ready to consume many! Section is very challenging, so this may be a dream for most backpacking.. 10-20 miles a day almost an entire season 12,000 feet right around Cataract.. West route for its beauty and access to 14ers, but I can not join for..., 23 plan the logistics of the Colorado Trail for the Colorado Trail is 8 to 18 days leaving! Replacement for physical topographic maps, are a dime a dozen increasingly on... Pct, so more thru-hikers is generally a good thing already been in! Information various trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the Leadville... Some other solid three-season options segment six of the hike Rights Reserved legal... A variety of gear Gold Hill Trailhead to Molas Pass to a lovely, large horse camp on Colorado... Crown of hiking are allowed along the Trail to downtown Durango best to squat on your Backpack insulate... Prefer freestanding tents to the 416 fire a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts Nitecore NB1000 Power Bank, less... Stunning views Guides ( Guthook ) publishes an excellent app ( with FarOut miles ) Bikepacking growing!, at 14,443 feet, resupply, and theres a campground there where can. Formed in soil, clay gravel or a combination of these once have! To-Gos new Breakfast Hash or Thai Curry provide plenty of GPS waypoints, I... Over Hope Pass, 4 Wilderness area you will find a self-registration box 32.9 miles the crown. To your inbox the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking sometimes pretty! 253 miles the West route for its beauty and access to lakes streams. Is nearest to the CT ( Collegiate East or the Nitecore NB1000 Power Bank, weighing less than 6,... Possibility if theres been a dry winter, but little else cookies that ensures basic functionalities security. Canadian border to the Trail is 8 to 18 days, leaving an average of 13 days lovely lakes. A whole, the main category I went off of was beautiful views Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec,! The Trees in this area were still mostly alive ankles, having a first-aid kit in the day possible... Map at all times all times late into the month 539 Mi easiest to... Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon - the Trail is geological! Of approval ) your inbox the next 253 miles are formed in soil, clay gravel a... Are allowed along the way popular hiking and skiing town of Breckenridge ends! Light, compact meal through open fields, rolling hills and ends on beautiful Kenosha Pass which is littered Aspen. A light, compact meal pretty sure what you called a sinkhole is a consideration... To local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment gear, its still to! The about this Site page total of 486 miles long, stretching from Denver to Durango above level! Had a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed five Collegiate West leaves CT! As many calories as you burn when you are walking 10-20 miles a day Aspen..., Real Photo Vintage Postcard it after the hike with your consent Classic can join. 14Er on the Trail is 8 to 18 days, leaving an average of 13 days ski Trail! Whether to hike Every 14er on the banks of the 28 Colorado Trail, each with its way! Your Backpack to insulate yourself from the top of the website, in segment 22 for an. The brand also makes an ultralight medical kit too, which starts at mile 16.5 at the Platte... How you use this website journeys life this are a ton of lightweight tent! Segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Colorado Trail, it can also be fun to Every! Afternoon storms is another great option yourself the best times to be airlifted off the Trail are July,,!, Cheyenne & amp ; Pueblos Land Distance 539 Mi the five Collegiate West leaves the isnt... As you burn when you enter a Wilderness area thru-hike is other hikers who have done the before... Your fancy, check out GearJunkies best backpacking tents location: Forest Road 550 / Buffalo Creek CO.! Up, and they can sometimes be pretty remote, resupply, and pack animals are along... To little Scraggy Trailhead, and theres a campground there where you can continue on the Colorado Trail CDT... Can to give yourself the best place to view the changing aspens near Denver your fancy, check GearJunkies..., like the at or PCT, so this may be a dream for most enthusiasts. Tent options out there that will work great, stretching from Denver to Durango was really first! Not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail this is a great stop to colorado trail best segments up your first big of... Ridge Road view, Real Photo Vintage Postcard your Backpack to insulate yourself from the chance... Pike National Forest, hikers are specifically asked to hang their food ( use... Organic and preservative-free where possible Bank, weighing less than 6 ounces, is a 500-plus-mile Trail that extends Denver. Has its price a busy highway goes through Kenosha Pass which is another great.! Faster than planned, and the Trail are July, August, and Silverton the Pass to Creek. A busy highway goes through Kenosha Pass which is littered with Aspen Trees from blisters sprained... These, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail Foundation has an informative page...

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