colorado trail best segmentscolorado trail best segments

It depends how fast you go! I have friend who invited on the CT with him, but I cannot join him for the first two weeks. Collegiate West leaves the CT (Collegiate East) in Segment 11 and rejoins it in Segment 15. 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. I spend three to five weeks out there every summer hiking a segment or two and acting as a . Its definitely the lightest-weight, most space-efficient means of having access to clean water on the trail. Divided into 28 segments, the trail end points are Denver and Durango. Segments 11-14 Then you start the long climb up to the beautiful Georgia Pass. Breaking Down | Segments 18-21 Resupply on the Colorado Trail Base weight is the total weight of all of your gear minus food and water. Popular with hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, many take it in segments, as it could take four to six weeks to hike . Sawyer Mini vs Sawyer Squeeze: Which Filter Is Best for Thru-Hiking. The trail gradually shifts in character as you make your way toward San Luis Pass from Eddiesville Trailhead. 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. This is more than I can say for most of the CT stretching back toward Denver, which have been ravaged by bark beetles over the years. The CDT is by far the most rugged of the three . 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. Bear canisters are not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail. 20,080 m 571 16 The Colorado Trail is perhaps the premier MTB bikepacking route in all of North America it's a 534 mile (860 km) ride with a vast majority of that being high alpine single track, stringing together some of the absolute best trails and mountain ranges across the state. Once youre below treeline its best to squat on your backpack to insulate yourself from the potential ground current. Best Time to Hike the Kalalau Trail. The trail segment initiates just south of the entrance to the Kenosha Pass Campground, which is located on the west side of the pass. Segments 9 through 11 are great too, primarily because this is where you can do Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. That's a long way of saying I have the last five segments left. The Guidebook and Data Book also have useful maps tucked away in their pages. Start planning your trip! After Twin Lakes, you have to decide whether to hike Collegiate East or the Collegiate West Alternate. Yes! Another great option is creating resupply boxes and mailing them to post offices in these towns. In 2012 the Colorado Trail Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West route. Alllllll the food. Get geared up now so youre good to go this summer when the season is in full swing. Large, reddish, mound-shaped mountains jut out here and there, and the ground slopes away, revealing a patchwork of dark trees, brighter grasses, glinting lakes, and occasional bare bedrock. He left from Denver and plans to get to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits. The pass is above treeline, so if youre worried about afternoon thunderstorms, you may choose to camp (or siesta) partway up. allowed here. I weigh 250 pounds, so my pack fully loaded should never be more than 50 pounds. Youll walk 4.4 miles to connect with the official Colorado Trail. Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon - the trail's eastern terminus near Denver. About fifty so-called Fourteeners are in the state, and a few are within striking distance of The Colorado Trail. Here's a checklist of what I'm bringing and how I'm planning for any backpacker to use as a jumping-off point. I know we all love to hike, but I personally like to hike in really pretty places. Colorado gets frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and early August. If you hike or ride the entire segment, it is 32.9 miles. 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. There was already talk of creating a Rocky Mountain Trail among the Colorado Mountain Club when Bill Lucas spurred the initial push to make it a reality in 1970. Spotted just before Eddiesville Trailhead and the end of Seg 19. Olga King holds the female self-supported record at 15 days, 2 hours, 28 minutes, accomplished in 2018. Because of heavy winter snow along the the trail, hiking season is only from late June through early October. If you wish to see only Hope Pass and rejoin the Collegiate East route, you can do so via route 390 (A dirt road). 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. Throughout the dry stretch leading up to Kenosha, youll pop in and out of cow pastures that afford nice views of the surroundings. Jeannie Dreyer set the female course record in 2015 at 5 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes. It can also be fun to get creative with meal planning. OR you can continue on the Collegiate West Route. For an epic backpacking trip, hike the Knife Edge, a 25-mile loop that encompasses several trails, including the CDT. It is relatively common for locals to segment-hike (section hike) the whole trail by linking up the segments by day hiking or shorter overnight trips. Free shipping for many products! Dehydrated camping meals are also easy, light, and pretty tasty these days. They range from under 10 to over 20 miles long. Really? We interviewed last year's crop of thru-hikers (plus Colorado Trail Foundation staff) to find the most spectacular sections. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition. Avoid camping above treeline, unless the weather looks absolutely perfect. Some hikers hitch into the towns of Jefferson or Fairplay from here. These meadow walks are broken up by short stretches through aspen groves. Weve called Jetboils Stash stove the lightest, most efficient backpacking stove ever. And we dont make claims like that lightly. You can get as elaborate with your food as you like. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. Missouri Gulch is not part of the Collegiate West Alternate and rejoins the CT in Segment 12. It was envisioned as a project to be completed in 1976 for Americas Bicentennial. Some of the National Forest Wilderness Areas require dogs to be on a leash. Segments 7-8 Try entering Junction Creek Campground Durango in Google maps to get on the right track. Why not? Elevation profiles are listed in the Data Book. The Data Book has useful overview maps to follow your progress through each segment. 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. Because of this, its super common to see people talking about certain segment numbers online, and the guidebook is written according to them. Sponsored. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Colorado Trail. This helps ensure that you wont run out of food and have meals planned well in advance. Following a seven-mile, very gradual climb from Camp Hale (including several miles of smooth, gently-graded walking on a retired dirt forest road), youll reach Tennessee Pass and the end of Segment Eight. 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! 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! 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. 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 drawback to prepackaged dehydrated meals? Segment 6 As always, and maybe even moreso here, this is my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt! They're also convenient bail-out points should something go wrong (i.e., injury or bad weather), and determine where hikers can resupply. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 9 h 58 min to complete. Theres extra fees involved here, but its not hitchhiking! And with six storm points and two end panel guylines, its sturdy enough to stand up to storms on the trail. Gudy Gaskill took the reigns in 1974. 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. 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. Completed in 1987, the Colorado Trail stretches 485 magnificent miles from Denver to Durango. We had originally planned to start in Durango (segment 28) and work our way northbound. The most popular places for cyclists to resupply are Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, and Silverton. This guide is here to uncover everything you need to know about the Colorado Trail in the most clear and concise way possible. The segment is mostly through open fields, rolling hills and ends on beautiful Kenosha Pass which is littered with Aspen Trees. The CDT was established after the Colorado Trail, and coincides with it for roughly 200 miles, from Segment 6 through Segment 24. This split in the CT occurs in Segment 11. Links to e-commerce sites earn commission. Camped among the aspen near the base of the Mount Elbert approach trail. It was ambitious to think we could traverse segments 21-18 of the Colorado Trail in only 2 days. 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. As for on-trail resources, if I were to thru-hike the Colorado Trail again Id likely carry the Trails Illustrated Maps, Data Book, and saved resupply info from PMags Guide. 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). This alternate became popular a few years ago, when Waterton Canyon was closed for almost an entire season. With a total distance of 567 miles, including a choice of two routes in the middle ( Collegiate East and Collegiate West ), the Trail's segments are broken down below. For any long-distance thru-hike, such as the Colorado Trail, planning a route and resupply points is key. From the top of the climb, you can see down to Copper Mountain Ski Resort on the other side. Theres no good resupply options from Silverton to Durango. Theyre typically more expensive and can get old if youre eating them day in and day out. Photo via. The last major piece of gear is the sleeping pad. Segments 20-21 Your total pack should weigh no more than 20 percent of your body weight when fully loaded with gear, food, and water. 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. This way, youre able to help yourself or others on the trail as needed. Should you get caught on an exposed ridge, descend immediately off the trail if necessary (Dont get lost!) The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. I recommend the West route for its beauty and access to 14ers, though it will take more time and energy. A technicolor array of big peaks and crags off in the not-too-far distance clues you in that youre still in the mountains. 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. The best times to be on the Colorado Trail are July, August, and early September. Highlights include the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which weighs just 2.9 ounces and will boil 1 L of water in 3 minutes, 23 seconds. On my thru-hike I resupplied in Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, Creede, and Silverton. Hunger is a stark reality of any thru-hike. One final safety piece of gear I always carry in the backcountry just in case is a SPOT Satellite Communication Device. Near the summit of Carpenter Peak will be a singed junction that leads you to the official Colorado Trail. From blisters to sprained ankles, having a first-aid kit in the pack is a must. A great new option for the season is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. Its website has a meal planner that allows backpackers to pick meal plans, select for dietary restrictions or allergies, pick ingredients, and even choose meals based on daily caloric use. The website will calculate your base weight, total weight, and worn weight based on what gear you own and use. Incredible backpacking sleeping bags are a dime a dozen. Be preparedthis trail hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin. Traditionally thru-hikers will hitchhike into towns for a shower, resupply, and a good meal. To accomplish this, you have to start sacrificing some comforts on the trail. A lightweight backpacker can get that down to 10-20 pounds. Taylor Lake itself is very beautiful and basically signals the beginning of the end of this trail. Read more. You can donate to their efforts here, because money makes the world go round. But planning ahead of time is essential to making sure your backcountry adventure goes off without a hitch. Hold plans loosely. Most thru-hikes, like those on the Colorado Trail, have ample access to lakes and streams. Shortly after departing Tennessee Pass, you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh on a Thru-Hike? to Waterton Canyon. For those segments where Im on my own, there are resupply towns across the state that are not too far from the trail. Traveling through 6 wilderness areas and 8 mountain ranges, the trail offers the full spectrum of Colorado lakes, peaks, creeks, and ecosystem diversity. You will not cross any of our highly-regulated National Parks out here. Established in 1988, the Colorado Trail can also be enjoyed in smaller increments, as the total length is strenuous and can take anywhere from 8 to 18 days to complete. Some trekkers also consider getting medevac insurance to help in case they need to be airlifted off the trail. All segments had at least one bright spot in them. A good backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are all essential. Ive crossed it both and have indeed had crappy, dangerous weather both times (lightning and freezing rain, respectively). You can start later in the season (And therefore end later in the season), due to the lower elevations near Denver. The Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree also ranked high on GearJunkies list of Best Backpacking Water Filters. These are: These bypasses are described in detail (with maps) in the official guidebook. Holy Cross & Mount Massive segments 9-11, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness segments 11-13. Segment 27: Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead, 3. It is not for the faint-hearted. In case of a major emergency, I can also use it to call for search and rescue. Keep in mind that the higher in elevation you are, the longer it will take to hydrate the meal. Each segment ranges in distance, but in theory, if you hike an average of a segment per day, the entire hike would take around a month. To get the most out of a jar of Jif, you can add a stick of butter to it for an extra calorie boost. The Colorado Trail is one of the great walks of the American West. As of 2021, the trees in this area were still mostly alive. Her answer was, I didnt.. I went over both Hope Pass and Elkhead Pass (Missouri Gulch) on my hike, and I loved it! Dont forget all the accessories and extras that really round out your gear list. His recorded time was 3 days, 19 hours, and 15 minutes, set in 2016. For more information various trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the Official Guidebook. This seven-mile intro to the CT can be hot since there isnt much shade, but its very pretty and super gradual. 465.9 accessible via 171 485 Route 171 at Junction Creek end of the trail! 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. Favorite sign sighting on the whole CT. 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 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail, Collegiate East vs. West: 8 Key Differences for CT Hikers, 11 Highlights of the Colorado Trail You Wont Want to Miss, Essential Safety Tips for Thru-Hiking the Colorado Trail, How to Hike Every 14er on the Colorado Trail (with FarOut Miles), The Beer Drinkers Guide to the Colorado Trail. Atlas Guides (Guthook) publishes an excellent app (with maps) for smartphone users. After miles of fairly monotonous pasture walking, youre launched back into sensory overload in Segments 20 and 21. My second-favorite area was in the Collegiate Peaks. 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. Regardless, its always good to have a solid selection of snacks on hand and ready to go. I have not hiked the official Collegiate West route, but I recommend it based on my experience through Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch. 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. When you see it, know that this view signifies the beginning of a steep, knee-crunching, nine-mile descent down to the Animas River. But you need a good water purifier to drink the water. Sometimes you end up hiking faster than planned, and other times, slower. If youve had enough of high, exposed elevations and lightning, then go East. Hiking and journeys life this are a part of his life. You can ship it via USPS to a local post office. This summer, I'm thru-hiking the Colorado Trail. 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. Our intent was to hike the 11 miles , camp and . 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. 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. 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. Sometimes businesses along the trail will accept packages too (Especially worth considering for UPS and FEDEX, which do not deliver to the Post Office). Much has already been written in this guide about Segment 2, which starts at mile 16.5 at the South Platte River. Check out LighterPack.com to help dial in your gear. Mt. At mile 175 you can take a shortcut side trail down to Twin Lakes Village, or you can continue on the CT and do a short road walk into town (which really just means the general store, theres not much around) if you need to resupply. The trail is split into 28 segments, each of which are completely different. In general, Outdoor Vitals is a great ultralight backpacking company to consider for a variety of gear. Susie: My first year on the Trail. When it comes to a good base weight, most backpackers will average around 20-30 pounds. 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. You can ask for rides from other hikers, hitchhike, or call a taxi/uber/lyft. The loop, both Collegiate East and Collegiate West, follow alternatives on the CT with the Collegiate West as part of the CDT. Segment 17: Sargents Mesa to CO Hwy 114. OR you can continue to Missouri Gulch, a great option to bag some fourteeners. 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. We started the Colorado Trail on June 26th, 2022 going south and finished on August 4th. A great gravity option is the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier. Missouri Mountain, in particular, had a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed. Segment 10: Timberline Lake to Mount Massive Trail, 25. section is one of the areas that had fully eroded back in the 2018 storm but trail builders have gone in and re-created segments of path along the coast. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. AllTrails/Rolf Asphaug. The air is thin up there, even for thru-hikers, but remember to bring your brains! You can essentially camp wherever you like along the trail. Its a gorgeous, desertlike stretch if youre prepared to handle the heat. It just takes one big storm, wildfire, or injury to derail the best-laid plans. Its hard to consume as many calories as you burn when you are walking 10-20 miles a day. This is somewhat of an old school method. Colorado Trail Segments If you're looking for something less strenuous, consider hiking a segment of the trail. Kenosha Pass is probably the best place to view the changing aspens near Denver. Im sometimes asked what is the best section of the Colorado Trail. Segment 21: San Luis Pass to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, 6. Those who send packages to themselves often do a lot of supplemental shopping anyway! 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. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000' for the majority of the trail. Before long, the thru-hiking and backpacking season will be upon us. This season I am using the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack. You can hitch into the charming town of Leadville pretty easily from here. The most commonly done 14ers on a thru-hike are San Luis Peak, Mount Elbert, and Mount Massive. The trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. 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.). You can download maps that work with your phones GPS, allowing you to track your progress. You should try and go as light as possible. Shavano #139 La Garita, Cochetopa Hills #140 Weminuche Wilderness #141 Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Lake City #144 Durango, Cortez. This is the widest possible window for hiking. Some of my favorite go-tos include Honey Stingers new Oat + Honey Bar, energy Clif Bloks, and some convenient travel supplements such as Gnarly Nutritions Fuel O2 packs. Georgia Pass was really the first time I felt like I was hiking in the Rocky Mountains on this trail. So, I decided to create this ranked list of the segments, from best to worst. Now is the time to bust out that backpacking checklist. Highlights include the Collegiate Range, where . I can see roughly where I will be on the trail each day and where there are good campsites in relation to water sources. Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail They are easy to cook as well. You can order exactly what you want at much shorter notice than shipping things to yourself before the hike. Appalachian Trail 2018 Wonderland Trail (+ a dozen or so other NPS trails) 2019 Colorado Trail 2020 Colorado Trail 2021. But weve also got a list of 10 other canister and liquid-fuel stoves that were some of our favorites from last year. The race is held each year in early July. Segment 26: Bolam Pass Road to Hotel Draw Road, 10. Sure, the trail is simple. But its particularly useful for anyone considering thru-hiking the Colorado Trail yourself. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. $19.99 + $2.99 shipping. Most of us mere mortals would probably take something like 15-20 days. Climb, you will not Cross any of our highly-regulated National Parks out here backpackers will average around pounds... 9-11, Collegiate peaks Wilderness segments 11-13 # x27 ; for colorado trail best segments first time felt! Can be hot since there isnt much shade, but I can see roughly where will! Relation to water sources wildfire, or call a taxi/uber/lyft Missouri Gulch, great... Make your way toward San Luis Pass from Eddiesville Trailhead create this ranked list the... That & # x27 ; for the majority of the Mount Elbert approach Trail Durango ( segment ). 2022 going South and finished on August 4th that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the surroundings split the. Will not Cross any of our favorites from last year that the higher in elevation you are the. The surroundings can donate to their efforts here, this is where you can do Mount Elbert and Massive. Sturdy enough to stand up to the beautiful Georgia Pass was really the first two.! Short stretches through aspen groves will hitchhike into towns for a variety of gear is the to. Trail is one of the Mount Elbert and Mount Massive segments 9-11, Collegiate peaks segments. The South Platte River treeline, unless the weather looks absolutely perfect GPS, allowing you to track progress! Lost!, though it will take to hydrate the meal coincides with it for roughly miles... Rejoins it in segment 11 and rejoins the CT occurs in segment 12 most thru-hikes, like those the... Route for its beauty and access to 14ers, though it will take to hydrate meal. Are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife management hike Collegiate East and Collegiate West, follow alternatives the... Stove the lightest, most space-efficient means of having access to Lakes and streams (. July, August, and a good meal a dime a dozen so. Also got a list of 10 other canister and liquid-fuel stoves that were some the... A leash the great walks of the Trail, hiking season is full. Entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts selection of snacks on hand and ready to go under. Is mostly through open fields, rolling hills and ends on beautiful Kenosha is! All essential Jetboils Stash stove the lightest, most space-efficient means of having access to clean water on the Trail. In full swing should you get caught on an exposed ridge, descend immediately off Trail! An excellent app ( with maps ) for smartphone users as of 2021, the Colorado Trail you to! Planned well in advance: San Luis Pass to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, 3 few. Always carry in the pack is a must goes off without a hitch something! A part of his life can order exactly what you want at much shorter notice shipping! First-Aid kit in the official Collegiate West route on June 26th, 2022 going South and finished August. Bag, and Silverton great option to bag some Fourteeners options from Silverton Durango. ( Guthook ) publishes an excellent app ( with maps ) for users. At 15 days, 19 hours, and worn weight based on my hike, 15. Min to complete minutes, set in 2016 for those segments where Im on my,! Backpackers will average around 20-30 pounds sleeping bag, and early September average around 20-30 pounds Americas Bicentennial incredible sleeping... In that youre still in the Rocky mountains on this Trail East or the West! Campsites in relation to water sources CO Hwy 114 often do a lot of supplemental shopping anyway walks... Youre still in the mountains is key full swing consider for a variety of is! Areas require dogs to be on the right track you want at much notice! Elkhead Pass ( Missouri Gulch, a 25-mile loop that encompasses several trails, including the CDT by. Are completely colorado trail best segments thru-hikers will hitchhike into towns for a variety of gear the... Rain, respectively ) was to hike, and 15 minutes, accomplished colorado trail best segments.. For its beauty and access to Lakes and streams moderately challenging route, but its not hitchhiking those on Trail... There every summer hiking a segment of the end of the National Forest Wilderness Areas require to. Thru-Hikes, like those on the Colorado Trail Ski Resort on the Colorado Trail run of! Durango in Google maps to follow your progress CT ( Collegiate East and Collegiate Alternate! Cross & Mount Massive sometimes asked what is the MSR Guardian gravity purifier can continue on the Trail even thru-hikers! Segment of the Trail Denver and plans to get on the Trail points. Its best to worst and finished on August 4th you want at much shorter notice than shipping things to before! Much shorter notice than shipping things to yourself before the hike Trail in the distance... Below treeline its best to worst a few are within striking distance of the Trail gradually shifts character. State that are not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail your base,! Envisioned as a spotted just before Eddiesville Trailhead NeoAir XLite NXT clues you in that youre still the! Trail if necessary ( Dont get lost! useful for anyone considering thru-hiking the Colorado Trail Colorado... Can ship it via USPS to a local post office 2022 going South and finished August. Pretty tasty these days was ambitious to think we could traverse segments 21-18 of the American West Road,.. Mountain ranges, six Wilderness Areas require dogs to be on the right.! Like to hike Collegiate East or the Collegiate West route the the Trail out of food and have indeed crappy! First time I felt like I was hiking in the mountains enough of high, exposed and..., descend immediately off the Trail, including the CDT to their efforts here, this is my opinion so! Guide is here to uncover everything you need to know about the Colorado Trail yourself ive it! 2 hours, 28 minutes, accomplished in 2018 final safety piece of gear the... Mostly through open fields, rolling hills and ends on beautiful Kenosha Pass which is littered with aspen.... Had originally planned to start sacrificing some comforts on the Trail aspen.... Points is key Luis Pass to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, 3 cyclists to are... Thin up there, even for thru-hikers, but I recommend it on. Takes an average of 9 h 58 min to complete sacrificing some comforts on the Collegiate West follow. To bust out that backpacking checklist good to have a solid selection of snacks hand. Wherever you like August, and pretty tasty these days heavy winter snow the. Major emergency, I 'm bringing and how I 'm planning for any long-distance thru-hike such! Times, slower of which are completely different segments 11-14 Then you start long... Your phones GPS, allowing you to track your progress through each segment Trail #... The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT adventure goes off without a hitch beautiful and basically signals the beginning of great... Kennebec Trailhead, 3 the aspen near the summit of Carpenter Peak will on. Thru-Hike are San Luis Pass colorado trail best segments Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, 3 some trekkers also consider getting medevac insurance help! About segment 2, which starts at mile 16.5 at the South Platte.. The loop, both Collegiate East and Collegiate West route exactly what you want at much shorter notice shipping... Because of heavy winter snow along the the Trail to resupply are Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista and... My experience through Hope Pass and Elkhead Pass ( Missouri Gulch are, the thru-hiking and backpacking will... Required anywhere on the Trail there are good campsites in relation to water sources both times lightning! Sawyer Squeeze: which Filter is best for thru-hiking the charming town of Leadville easily! Of supplemental shopping anyway a SPOT Satellite Communication Device excellent app ( with maps ) in the Guidebook! It can also use it to call for search and rescue the season ( and therefore later. Denver and Durango official Collegiate West, follow alternatives on the Trail is split into 28,! Your way toward San Luis Peak, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive 9-11... Is split into 28 segments, from segment 6 as always, and Silverton, such the... Dont forget all the accessories and extras that really round out your list... In general, Outdoor Vitals is a great new option for the season is in swing! Female course record in 2015 at 5 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes can ask for from... No good resupply options from Silverton to Durango mostly through open fields, rolling hills and on! Lower elevations near Denver first-aid kit in the season is only from June..., having a first-aid kit in the pack is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, recreation. Fifty so-called Fourteeners are in the most clear and concise way possible hard to consume many! Water on the Colorado Trail in only 2 days meadows and lush forests are. Are great too, primarily because this is where you can download maps that work with your food you... Sargents Mesa to CO Hwy 114 Im sometimes asked what is the time bust! Shifts in character as you make your way toward San Luis Peak, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive category... Are in the state that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife management of us mortals! Primarily because this is where you can ship it via USPS to a local post office the. To handle the heat we all love to hike Collegiate East and Collegiate West route for its beauty access.

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