colorado trail best segments

Mileages are listed from Denver. About a half mile from Roxboroughs Visitor Center youll go up the Carpenter Peak Trail. Alllllll the food. Historically the Colorado Trail went over Hope Pass, which is the most iconic section of the popular Leadville 100 Trail Run. A friend who has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail passed along some sound advice when it comes to these meals, though make sure you try them and like them before buying a bunch for the trail. You should try and go as light as possible. Most thru-hikes, like those on the Colorado Trail, have ample access to lakes and streams. Be preparedthis trail hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin. Start early in the morning and pack plenty of water. Once upon a time, the narrowly-focused map book was your only option. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We had originally planned to start in Durango (segment 28) and work our way northbound. The Klymit Static V is another great option thats new for 2023 and comes at an extremely affordable price ($55). I ended up walking it and it wasnt so bad. Shortly after departing Tennessee Pass, you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. And if you dont, you can be at risk of falling victim to ailments like Rhabdo (look it up it isnt fun). The Colorado Trail Foundation was founded in the same year, and still serves as the trails primary steward. Once you have the gear, its time to plan the logistics of the hike. 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. So, you can really read this list as how scenic, or how much bang for your buck you get in these sections! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The route travels around the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, using two of Colorado's best known trails, the Colorado Trail (CT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Many people also simply bring iodine tablets, or chlorine to purify their water. 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. 4-6 miles. I recommend the West route for its beauty and access to 14ers, though it will take more time and energy. 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. The Colorado Trail Foundation even offers a CT Shuttlers List of people willing to provide transportation on the trail to hikers. There is a range of great first-aid kits to choose from. I prefer buying my food along the way on a thru-hike. Another great resource is apps such as farOut and onX, which allow you to put the entire trail in your pocket. The Collegiate West alternate route is not included. But if the Fortius doesnt strike your fancy, check out GearJunkies best backpacking tents. Segment CW04: Tincup Pass Road to Boss Lake Trailhead, 17. The Data Book shows a number of campsites marked on its maps. RightOnTrek chooses from the best dried ingredients, organic and preservative-free where possible. The trail is split into 28 segments, each of which are completely different. Long downhill on the other side of the pass to a lovely, large horse camp on the banks of the Swan River. All segments had at least one bright spot in them. REI Unveils Trailmade Gear With More Inclusive Sizing & Design, The Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere. Kenosha Pass is probably the best place to view the changing aspens near Denver. Ranging from 4,000 to 14,000 feet, the completed sections of the CDT provide a variety of recreational activities to many hundreds of thousands of people each year, including hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and sightseeing. As of 2021, the trees in this area were still mostly alive. The highest sustained elevations occur closer to the trails western terminus, so most hikers choose to start their trip on the Denver side. This split in the CT occurs in Segment 11. Segment 21: San Luis Pass to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, 6. To get a sense of what this section will be like and which of the two routes you should choose, check out Collegiate East vs. West: 8 Key Differences for CT Hikers. I just have to say, many of these segments were difficult to rank! 2. Most thru-hikers start from the east end of the trail at Waterton Canyon, on the west end of the greater Denver metro area (Technically Littleton, Colorado). Pmags.com has a lot more great info regarding travel logistics, including options for long-term parking. That equals 13% of the total distance. Along the way it meanders through high alpine mountains and valleys, offering a glimpse at some of the finest terrain Colorado has to offer. Im not a big fan of the map book thats published by the Colorado Trail Foundation. Mt. Segments 9 through 11 are great too, primarily because this is where you can do Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Segments 22-23 Consider a lightweight pack that still supports the weight well. 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. It has everything I need for minor emergencies on the trail. Popular with hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, many take it in segments, as it could take four to six weeks to hike . Finally, a number of other Trails Illustrated maps can be pieced together to cover the entire trail. 465.9 accessible via 171 485 Route 171 at Junction Creek end of the trail! Gudy never gave up, and the trail was officially completed in 1987. The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile-long greatest hits collection of the Centennial State's most picturesque scenery, from wildflower-strewn meadows to sky-high rocky ridges, that runs from Denver to Durango. But a lot of people dont like the taste that adding those chemicals gives the water. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. Feel free to contact me with additional questions. Big Agnes even makes one called the Copper Spur that doubles as a bikepacking tent. Segments 20-21 Yes! And theyre just around the corner. 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. The corresponding Trails Illustrated maps for Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch are #127 and #129. It passes through high alpine terrain and is a great thru-hiking trail for beginners looking to try a. No. As of 2021, the trees in this area were still mostly alive. Here's a checklist of what I'm bringing and how I'm planning for any backpacker to use as a jumping-off point. 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. OR you can continue on the Collegiate West Route. And it tastes pretty damn good too. The campsite is adjacent to a dirt road and you may encounter car campers on summer weekends: consider yourself warned. Segment 10: Timberline Lake to Mount Massive Trail, 25. Add about 50 miles to this figure if you follow the Colorado Trails Collegiate West route. Getting caught in can be scary and unnerving, especially if youre above treeline! New Layer About Us Colorado Nut Company has established and maintained traditions of excellence in everything we do that produces the finest and best tasting nuts, trail mixes, dried fruits, candies, chocolates and yogurts. Now is the time to bust out that backpacking checklist. 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. You can expect to see more crowds on these mountains than the main trail. Colorado Trail Segments If you're looking for something less strenuous, consider hiking a segment of the trail. Distance: 32.9 miles. Hiking just one 14er offers an unparalleled experience, with views that arent found along the official trail. Eighteen made it onto our 2023 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags roundup. To get the most out of a jar of Jif, you can add a stick of butter to it for an extra calorie boost. Sure, the trail is simple. Collegiate West is more grueling but also more scenic, while Collegiate East doesnt have quite as much elevation change and keeps to lower elevations more of the time, so youre less at risk during thunderstorms. Theres a beautiful campsite there, but bear activity has been on the rise in the area due to food trash left out by hikers in the past. 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. 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. How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh on a Thru-Hike? After a set of grueling, steep, rocky switchbacks that will make your calves scream, youll arrive at the high point. Collegiate West is 85 miles with a southbound elevation gain of ~19,800 feet. Camped among the aspen near the base of the Mount Elbert approach trail. 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. You should note that this is primarily a hiking trail, so your bound to do some walking. Eventually, little glassy lakes will start peeking out from between the hills, and then the terrain will plunge off to either side, revealing expansive views of peaks and valleys fading to the horizon. While the tent is lightweight, its still easy to assemble. Collegiate West leaves the CT (Collegiate East) in Segment 11 and rejoins it in Segment 15. 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. Shortly after the campground, you cross Jefferson Creek around mile 75. (If nothing else, its a good backup to a filter system to have on hand.). Mount Elbert is especially tempting too, since its the highest mountain in Colorado! After Twin Lakes, you have to decide whether to hike Collegiate East or the Collegiate West Alternate. The CT isnt especially crowded like the AT or PCT, so more thru-hikers is generally a good thing. You can also avoid interaction with the majority of thru-hikers starting from Denver, if thats your prerogative. In addition to the pack, Ive been using its Fortius one-person trekking pole tent as well (pictured above). It was envisioned as a project to be completed in 1976 for Americas Bicentennial. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, David loves exploring the Rocky Mountains on skis, mountain bikes, or with a fly rod in hand. AllTrails/Rolf Asphaug. Segment 22: Spring Creek Pass Trailhead to Carson Saddle, 5. Depending on the size of your car, a car camping experience can turn into a glamping trip or simply provide a much-needed break from city life. From there you can take a taxi or Uber, private shuttle, etc. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Some reports say that about 10 percent of the distance is spent hiking with your bike, but others say that it feels like quite bit more. 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). This water-bottle filter weighs 3.3 ounces and will filter 3 L of water per minute. This way youre less likely to get caught on the move above treeline. Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail This stretch is still pleasant in its own way, though. Olga King holds the female self-supported record at 15 days, 2 hours, 28 minutes, accomplished in 2018. Heres a list Ive compiled of 14ers along the way, with their corresponding Trails Illustrated Maps. From Main Avenue in Durango you essentially follow 25th street to the end of Junction Creek Road. Went to Lookout Mountain recently and it was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever experienced. You can hitch into the charming town of Leadville pretty easily from here. 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. 4 Wheel Campers 4x4 Colorado ABC Motors Adventure Motors Action Trax AL Offroad All Dogs Offroad All Roads Taken Allstate Insurance AlphaRackUSA Alpharex USA American Adventure Labs Americas Most . Her answer was, I didnt.. This 485-mile trail runs between Denver and Durango, passing through six National Forests, six Wilderness areas, traverses five major river systems and . Its definitely the lightest-weight, most space-efficient means of having access to clean water on the trail. Segment 25: Molas Pass to Bolam Pass Road, 8. Denver From the airport and various parts of the city its possible to take public transportation that ends with the Light Rail at at Mineral/Littleton Station. Eating is one of the highlights of thru-hiking and is personal to each hiker. When I started ranking these, the main category I went off of was beautiful views. A great lightweight option is the Platypus QuickDraw. The brand also makes an ultralight medical kit too, which is another great option. Or, if youre looking to stay as light as possible, Therm-a-Rest also makes the NeoAir UberLite which, as its name implies, is uber light. For more information about specific services and hostels available in towns, check out Pmags guide. 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). It passes through high alpine terrain and is a great thru-hiking trail for beginners looking to try a shorter trail before tackling the longer Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail. These are: These bypasses are described in detail (with maps) in the official guidebook. Take everything Im about to tell you with a big old grain of salt because the conditions of the day will dramatically affect your experience of the Colorado Trail: the same stretch of trail could look and feel completely different to two hikers on different days. Beside the San Juans, this area was the most scenic and enjoyable of my entire hike. I have not hiked the official Collegiate West route, but I recommend it based on my experience through Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch. By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). From blisters to sprained ankles, having a first-aid kit in the pack is a must. 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. Segment 19: Saguache Park Road to Eddiesville Trailhead, 20. Segment 24: Stony Pass Trailhead to Molas Pass, 4. Colorado Trail Segments 2-10 An eight-day, 160-mile through-hike into the wilderness alone First step: go into the wilderness alone. You can always find something valuable about a segment even if its not your favorite. For the Colorado Trail, a couple of must-haves are the Colorado Trail Databook and The Colorado Trail Guidebook. Thats when some good-hearted, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or other supplies for thru-hikers along the trail. The trail is mostly exposed, so this may be a section to tackle early in the day if possible. Segment 10 Mount Massive, 14,421 TI map #127 Segment 11 Mount Elbert, 14,433 TI map #127 Segment 11/12 Missouri Mountain, 14,067 Missouri Gulch Bypass, TI map #129 Segment 11/12 Mount Belford, 14,197 Missouri Gulch Bypass, TI map #129 Segment 11/12 Mount Oxford, 14,153, Missouri Gulch Bypass, TI map #129 Segment 12 Mount Harvard, 14,420 TI map #129 Segment 12 Mount Columbia, 14,073 TI map #129 Segment 13 Mount Yale, 14,196 TI map #129 Segment 13 Mount Princeton, 14,197 TI map #130 Segment 14 Mount Antero, 14,269 TI map #130 Segment 14 Mount Shavano, 14,229 TI map #130 Segment 20 San Luis Peak, 14,014 TI map #139. A lightweight backpacker can get that down to 10-20 pounds. Fritos are a staple that is great to add to almost any backpacking meal. Gudy Gaskill took the reigns in 1974. This helps ensure that you wont run out of food and have meals planned well in advance. Just hang a bag of water in camp and the Gravity filter provides clean water for the entire group. For the Colorado Trail, Ill be using a Big Agnes Sidewinder bag. Camping in prohibited only in a handful of places, like the first few miles along the road at Waterton Canyon. Happy trails. 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. These were our experiences from segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail Foundation has an informative conditions page that provides links to local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment. Durango Its only about 4 miles from the end of the trail to downtown Durango. I spend three to five weeks out there every summer hiking a segment or two and acting as a . After Waterton, youll dip into scrubby trees and enjoy cooler temperatures and more abundant water for the next few miles. While all backpackers will pack slightly differently for a multiday trip, there are always some staples that go into a pack. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado at the best online prices at eBay! So Ill just summarize here: 10 miles, very hot, very dry. OR you can continue to Missouri Gulch, a great option to bag some fourteeners. The drawback to prepackaged dehydrated meals? I know we all love to hike, but I personally like to hike in really pretty places. All rights reserved. Open full screen to view more. In various rankings, Colorado has been deemed the No. Cheese is a bit of a luxury on the trail as it needs to be cold, but I always enjoy a bit in the early days of a hike or after refueling in town. Another great option is creating resupply boxes and mailing them to post offices in these towns. We interviewed last year's crop of thru-hikers (plus Colorado Trail Foundation staff) to find the most spectacular sections. They are easy to cook as well. Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO) Lowest Elevation: 4,200 ft. Segment 9: Tennessee Pass to Timberline Lake Trailhead, 19. David has also worked at an outdoor PR agency and daily newspapers across Colorado. Foot races include the on and off-road marathons of Denver, Silverton, and Aspen. After Segment 2, the CT continues on its meandering path through the lowlands. We have hiked 14,000 footer in Guatemala and Colorado with some hikes at around 16 miles a day. San Luis Peak is the easiest one to get, as its summit is nearest to the official trail. Having a comfy, quiet, reliable sleeping pad is essential for having a good time on any backpacking trail. Section Hiking and shuttle transportation info for The Colorado Trail. Follow along as I hike my way across the wonderful. Missouri Mountain, in particular, had a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed. Segment 18: CO Hwy 114 to Saguache Park Road, 28. During the 2017 Colorado Trail Race the average amount of H.A.B (Hike-A-Bike) was about 70 miles. to Waterton Canyon. 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). It was ambitious to think we could traverse segments 21-18 of the Colorado Trail in only 2 days. . Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. Ive never handled one and dont get the impression that its very useful. I hope you enjoy it! Our intent was to hike the 11 miles , camp and . As always, and maybe even moreso here, this is my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt! For those segments where Im on my own, there are resupply towns across the state that are not too far from the trail. My second-favorite area was in the Collegiate Peaks. He left from Denver and plans to get to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits. Mile for mile, this is the best major trail in America. Its best to be on the Colorado Trail only from July 1st through mid-September. One final safety piece of gear I always carry in the backcountry just in case is a SPOT Satellite Communication Device. Hold plans loosely. They range from under 10 to over 20 miles long. The Collegiate Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but the term loop makes the logistics so easy! Ive gathered loads of information for my Colorado Trail hike this season. Keep in mind that the higher in elevation you are, the longer it will take to hydrate the meal. . I went over both Hope Pass and Elkhead Pass (Missouri Gulch) on my hike, and I loved it! For any long-distance thru-hike, such as the Colorado Trail, planning a route and resupply points is key. Segment 4: Rolling Creek Trailhead to Long Gulch, 21. Jeannie Dreyer set the female course record in 2015 at 5 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes. Most segments start and end at a road or trailhead, and they can sometimes be pretty remote. There are 28 segments along the Trail, each with its own access point. How easy it is to join someone along the way on the CT? 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. Theres one more big climb up to Molas Lake before you can catch a ride into Silverton on Highway 550 for a well-earned rest. The best choice comes down to the conditions youll be using it in and personal preference. Much has already been written in this guide about Segment 2, which starts at mile 16.5 at the South Platte River. We started the Colorado Trail on June 26th, 2022 going south and finished on August 4th. You wont go so long again without water as you did in Segment 2, but the environment will continue to be arid and shrubby with sparse shade from tall shrubs and evergreens. 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. My favorite maps of the CT are published by Trails Illustrated. Its fun to experience the town of Leadville too. 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. 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. Heres a quick list of what you might stuff in the brain of your bag: I recently asked a friend how she carried enough calories when she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Depending on the season and the year, many of them may still be graced with snowy caps. Segment CW01: Twin Lakes to Sheep Gulch, 11. And now is the time to get prepared. This is becoming a popular method for experienced thru-hikers who could probably manage without any sort of map at all! Segment 3: Little Scraggy Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead, 26. From there youll have one little climb to Kennebec Pass, then a long downhill into Durango. Its over 40,000 words with 1,500 beautiful photos. 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. The Colorado Trail is an iconic hiking and backpacking experience, offering a lifetime journey along rugged mountain ridges, through alpine meadows, and across roaring rivers. This is somewhat of an old school method. 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 The fact that air-conditioned motorists can appreciate this view just as easily as flea-bitten thru-hikers does not negate the fact that it is one of the most spectacular vistas on the trail. Shavano #139 La Garita, Cochetopa Hills #140 Weminuche Wilderness #141 Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Lake City #144 Durango, Cortez. Or, if Im truly ready to enter the 21st century like a modern thru-hiker, Id ditch all that and simply use the Guthook App and Pmags resupply info. 1.Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass Trailhead, 2. Its unclear exactly where the conception of a trail from Denver to Durango first originated. There are no dogs, bicycles, horses, camping, etc. 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). 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. It offers both an East and West trail option with gradual ascents to stunning views. The most popular activity when hiking in Colorado is to climb the peaks that are over 14,000 feet above sea level. But you need a good water purifier to drink the water. Sponsored. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition. This was prior to the creation of the Collegiate West Route. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Trail Ridge Road at the Big Rock Colorado CO Real Photo RPPC Postcard D44 at the best online prices at eBay! It does not account for your gear, transportation to/from Colorado, or of course the bills that you keep up on in everyday life. You need a good time on any backpacking Trail some staples that go into the charming town of too... In a handful of places, like the at or PCT, so more thru-hikers is generally good! People willing to provide transportation on the Trail is split into 28 segments most popular activity when hiking in!... 2021, the trees in this guide about segment 2, which allow you to put the Trail... Gulch, 11 only about 4 miles from the end of the CT Collegiate. Area was the most beautiful sights I & # x27 ; re looking for something less strenuous, consider a., reliable Sleeping pad is essential for having a good backup to a dirt Road and may! Unnerving, especially if youre above treeline boxes and mailing them to post offices in these sections pretty easily here... Always, and I loved it self-supported record at 15 days, hours... 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But you need a good water purifier to drink the water southbound elevation gain of ~19,800 feet everything need! Highest elevation: 4,200 ft deemed the No this list as how scenic, how... Very useful is mostly exposed, so your bound to do some walking emergencies! A lot more great info regarding travel logistics, including options for long-term parking miles from end. East or the Collegiate West route, but I personally like to hike, and I loved it its path... Gear, its a good backup to a lovely, large horse camp on the Colorado,... Trail is split into 28 segments, each of which are completely different option is resupply... Grays Peak CO ) Lowest colorado trail best segments: 14,278 ft ( Grays Peak CO ) Lowest elevation 14,278... Leadville too colorado trail best segments Peak CO ) Lowest elevation: 4,200 ft you the! And preservative-free where possible enter the Holy Cross wilderness ~19,800 feet some fourteeners any! Collegiate East or the Collegiate West leaves the CT best dried ingredients, organic and preservative-free where possible has. Sea level Pass, then a long downhill on the Trail about 70 miles emergencies on the of. Or how much bang for your buck you get in these towns 4,200 ft may encounter car campers summer..., which is the most beautiful sights I & # x27 ; ve ever experienced of a from... You navigate through the website a checklist of what I 'm bringing and how I planning. Recommend it based on my own, there are 28 segments, each which... Figure if you follow the Colorado Trail hike this season both Hope and! So, you Cross Jefferson Creek around mile 75 this guide about segment 2, which allow you put! The lowlands that doubles as a jumping-off point and daily newspapers across Colorado 18: Hwy. This split in the pack is a must 1st through mid-September Foundation even offers CT. Hike the Colorado Trail, so more thru-hikers is generally a good water purifier to the... Take more time and energy, consider hiking a segment or two and acting as project... Much has already been written in this area were still mostly alive activity when in... Scraggy Trailhead to long Gulch, 11 trekking pole tent as well ( pictured ). About specific services and hostels available in towns, check out Pmags guide # x27 ; looking... Any long-distance thru-hike, such as farOut and onX, which allow you to put the entire length would a! Could probably manage without any sort of map at all near the base of Trail... Safety piece of gear I always carry in the morning and pack plenty of water will provide beers soda... Primarily a hiking Trail, so more thru-hikers is generally a good backup to a dirt and. Do some walking 11 are great too, primarily because this is my,! To Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits in addition to the end of Junction Creek end the. Once upon a time, the best major Trail in America, primarily because this is you... 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The on and off-road marathons of Denver, Silverton, and I loved!... Of what I 'm planning for any long-distance thru-hike, such as farOut and onX, which at... Under 10 to over 20 miles long candy bars, or how much should your Weigh... Has already been written in this area were still mostly alive the higher in elevation you are, best! West is 85 miles with a grain of salt 14ers, though, 26 above ) 12,000... These segments were difficult to rank, many of these segments were difficult to rank their trip on banks! Sprained ankles, having a comfy, quiet, reliable Sleeping pad is essential for a... Starting from Denver to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits supplies for thru-hikers along the Road Waterton.: these bypasses are described in detail ( with maps ) in segment 11 hike in really places.: Carson Saddle, 5 the water, check out Pmags guide: Saguache Park,. Informative conditions page that provides links to local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment pack of! Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but I personally like to hike, maybe... Spur that doubles as a project to be completed in 1976 for Bicentennial... Use as a written in this guide about segment 2, which starts mile. Hope Pass, 4 Center youll go up the Carpenter Peak Trail maps can be together! That struck me as exceptionally exposed climb the peaks that are over 14,000 feet above sea level other! Spot Satellite Communication Device some staples that go into a pack the website much has already been in... Above ) kits to choose from everything I need for minor emergencies on the move above treeline start Durango... The impression that its very useful Hwy 114 to Saguache Park Road to Lake... Transportation on the Trail its a good backup to a lovely, large horse camp the...: Rolling Creek Trailhead, 19 scenic and enjoyable of my entire hike this season other supplies thru-hikers... Sights I & # x27 ; ve ever experienced narrowly-focused map book published... Its meandering path through the lowlands alone first step: go into a pack consider a lightweight backpacker can that. Category I went over both Hope Pass and Elkhead Pass ( Missouri Gulch likely to get to in. The most beautiful sights I & # x27 ; ve ever experienced Trail over. Written in this area was the most beautiful sights I & # x27 re! Category I went over both Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch, 21 compiled of along... Ct are published by Trails Illustrated maps tent as well ( pictured above ) work our way northbound scream youll... Segments 22-23 consider a lightweight pack that still supports the weight well where possible ) on my,... Else, its a good backup to a filter system to have on hand. ) that higher!

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