how long is the colorado trail

Here is an example of a complete thru-hiking gear list for the Colorado Trail. With the trail’s high elevation, hikers can burn in a matter of minutes. Because of the scarcity of bears, many people don't bear bag on the CT. Awesome viewpoint. For those reasons, most hike the trail over the summer, taking advantage of longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and readily-available water. However, in one particular section, there is a fork in the trail that gives you the option to take the eastern or western route through the Collegiate Peaks. Start and End Point: Northeastern terminus is Waterton Canyon State Park outside of Denver and the southwestern terminus is Durango, CO just past Indian Trail Ridge. The Chalk Creek section brings you to one of the best towns on the trail -- Salida. Highest Elevation: 13,271 feet; Jarosa Mesa just below Coney Summit, Lowest Elevation: 5,520 feet; Waterton Canyon terminus in Denver. If any long trail is likely to induce a headache, it's the Colorado Trail. Summer thunderstorms are frequent; if you see lightning, descend and seek shelter. According to the Colorado Trail Foundation, there are thousands of people who hike, bike or horseback parts of the path every year. For 485 miles between Denver and Durango, the Colorado Trail (CT) winds over rocky, 13,000-foot peaks and passes, through wildflower-filled meadows, in and out of dusty mining towns, and past snow-clad vistas as it draws a line through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. In general, a permit is not necessary to hike the Colorado Trail and there are no quotas. I finished the trail in 37 days, taking three “zero days.” Day 1 – Waterton Canyon to the South Platte River – Segment 1 You will need sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays. Hikers looking for a social experience, like the Appalachian Trail provides, might be disappointed. Note both route options will get you back to the same point of the trail. How to beat the crowds and find solitude in the Rockies. Before mid-June, the higher elevations and passes can still be thick with snow, and after late September and early October, there’s a very real risk of experiencing a snowstorm at the same elevations. These require a reservation and often have a wait list though. Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. The Centennial State's namesake route offers a tour of some of the country's best high alpine scenery in one monthlong hike. Can I Hike the Colorado Trail With my Dog? The Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide by Paul Magnanti. A trail video of my 31 day journey across the 485 miles of the Colorado Trail Get ready for some thigh-busting ascents and high altitude exposure as the trail climbs through two passes. The trail winds through nearly 500 miles of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains drawing hikers from around the world and is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. As you leave Marshall Pass, you will enter the cattle country of Cochetopa Valley. The Colorado Trail is packed with gorgeous vistas. This might be good or bad depending on your preference. The CT comprises 567 miles of trail between Denver and Durango and passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Colorado Rockies. The trail dramatically rises and falls with an average elevation of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and tops out above 13,000 feet (3,962 meters), just below Coney Summit. Option 2: West to East (Durango to Denver). The entire trail, from Denver to Durango, covers 486 miles over the breathtaking Colorado Rocky Mountains. 41 Backpacking Food Ideas from the Appalachian Trail, Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 8.5 lb Base Weight (Full Comfort), 14 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents in 2020, 14 Best Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bags for 2020, Waterton Canyon Trailhead to South Platte River Trailhead, South Platte River Trailhead to Little Scraggy Trailhead, Little Scraggy Trailhead to FS-560 (Wellington Lake Road) Trailhead, FS-560 (Wellington Lake Road) Trailhead to Long Gulch, Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass Trailhead, Tennessee Pass Trailhead to Timberline Lake Trailhead, Timberline Lake Trailhead to Mount Massive Trailhead, Mount Massive Trailhead to Clear Creek Road, Clear Creek Road to Silver Creek Trailhead, Silver Creek Trailhead to Chalk Creek Trailhead, Saguache Park Road to Eddiesville Trailhead, San Luis Pass to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead, Spring Creek Pass Trailhead to Carson Saddle, Kennebec Trailhead to Junction Creek Trailhead, Twin Lakes (near the middle of Section 11) to Sheep Gulch, Cottonwood Pass Trailhead to Tincup Pass Road, Boss Lake Trailhead to Ridge Above South Fooses Creek (rejoins near the middle of Section 15). The Colorado Trail ("CT") was first conceived by Forest Service ranger Bill Lucas in 1973, organized by Gudy Gaskill, and officially completed in 1987. Find your hike on the country's highest footpath. Basically a level shaded trail for all ages,following the creek most of the way. Sun protection. We don’t all have weeks on end to play Lewis and Clark, but each section has different skill levels, depending on your level of fitness and your hiking preferences. Most hikers take advantage of the warm temperatures and longer days to hike in the summer, though some prefer a later start that avoids the frequent summer thunderstorms and crowds. Starting in Segment 6, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail for the next 253 miles. The San Juans are also a more scenic way to finish than by coming through Waterton Canyon outside Denver. Most people hike from east to west because the snowpack melts first on the lower elevations on the easternmost part of the trail, meaning you can start slightly earlier in the season if you go this direction. It’s suggested to allot 4 to 6 weeks for your trek, which will give you time to explore more if you finish up early. Best of all, you get to end in the beautiful San Juan Mountains. We do not do sponsored or paid posts. It is a through route, or point-to-point, stretching almost 500 miles from the dusty southern Colorado town of … Alternative Northeastern terminus points include Indian Creek Trailhead or Roxborough State Park. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a … Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks from end to end. See the map on our maps page for a quick look at the segments. There are a few huts that are part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut System. But taking on this classic middle-distance long trail is no small feat: Due to its rugged nature, the Colorado Trail requires almost as much planning and prep as longer hikes like the Continental Divide Trail (which shares over 200 miles of its route with the Colorado Trail) or the Appalachian Trail. With nearly 500 miles of length from Denver Metro to Durango, it may take up to six weeks to complete its entire length. Known for higher elevation and significantly more epic and above-treeline scenic views. (As always, be safe and use your judgement.). The Colorado Trail Foundation breaks the trail up into 28 different sections. Because of this, most hikers use bear canisters and/ or scent-proof bags to store their food. In general, your typical lightweight backpacking setup will get the job done on the Colorado Trail. As you end this section, you will encounter Marshall pass, a 668 foot climb in a half mile that is considered to be the “steepest portion” of the Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail is a 485-mile footpath that starts in the foothills just outside of Denver and extends through to the majestic and rugged San Juans. Users traveling end to end encounter the high mountain lakes and towering peaks of six wilderness areas and eight … It’s a must-stop for a zero day. I want to be strong for that. However, the road crossings are a little farther apart (between 20 and 70 miles) and, often times, several miles from the actual trail. Some hikers will hang their bag, but only at lower elevations where there are ample trees. What’s the Fastest Thru-Hike of the Colorado Trail? This comes at no extra cost to you. Hike at your own risk outside of the warmest months of the year. The trail is more difficult and the elevation higher in the San Juan Mountains around Durango than it is at the relatively mild start closer to Denver, so most choose to head southwest, easing into the difficulty. Both come in at around 80 miles. It traverses six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges with an average elevation of 10,347 feet. Some wilderness areas on the path require permits, but they are free. Traveling through 6 wilderness areas and 8 mountain ranges, the trail offers the full spectrum of Colorado lakes, peaks, creeks, and ecosystem diversity. Here are a few places to get information to make your navigation easier: The Colorado Trail Foundation has a guidebook, a databook, and topo maps for you to chose from. This can require a fair amount of planning for longer stretches of more remote trail. Waterton Canyon Trail is a 12.4-mile, out-and-back trail that follows the South Platte River to the Strontia Springs Dam near Littleton, Colorado. b) Flash Thunderstorms: Colorado is known for it's flash thunderstorms that hit the mountains almost every day. A relative newcomer to the nation’s long trail repertoire, the Colorado Trail came into being in the 1970s and 80s as a cooperative project between the US Forest Service and the Colorado Mountain Trails Association. Some towns like Breckenridge and Salida have shuttles and affordable lodging while others only have small convenience stores. The trail starts in a dry and dusty section where there is little water and ends with abundant water in the Cochetopa River watershed. 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. The high elevation combined with colder months can lead to extremely dangerous hiking conditions. The trail also skirts around two of Colorado’s tallest peaks, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert which you can summit on side trails. The Colorado Trail is a traditional American cowboy song, collected and published in 1927 by Carl Sandburg in his American Songbag. This 486-mile route—from Denver to Durango—averages 10,000 feet high and tracks through the country’s densest clutch of 12,000-foot (and taller) peaks. © Paul “PIE” Ingram (www.pieonthetrail.com). Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Water resupply points are usually plentiful on the CT with only a few long dry stretches - notably the Cochetopa Valley and the Indian Trail Ridge. Black bears are known to roam the backcountry, but they are not commonly seen on the trail. Easy access and free parking. The longest dry stretch on the trail is on Segments 17-19, where hikers can go as far as 40 miles encountering little or no water. The Colorado Trail Databook, 7th ed. Some popular towns where thru-hikers usually resupply: The Colorado Trail is well marked and relatively easy to follow. At higher elevations, bear bagging is not possible. How Long Is the Colorado Trail? The Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments which includes a choice of two routes in the middle, Collegiate East and Collegiate West. The Colorado Trail, Durango: Address, Phone Number, The Colorado Trail Reviews: 5/5 It is a long-distance trail stretching for 782 km (486 miles) from Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango. Hikers traveling the full length of the trail from Denver to Durango will climb a cumulative 89,354 feet. The relentless ups and downs continue in this portion of the Colorado trail but you won’t care. (The CT Bible, don’t leave home without it! Mount Elbert (Colorado’s high point) and Mount Massive (number two behind Elbert) are both near the Leadville/Twin Lakes area, and are only side hikes from the CT, making them both popular detours, separate or together. This seem to serve as more of a safety precaution than anything else. By Kelly Hodgkins: Kelly is a full-time backpacking guru. There are only a few places where the Colorado Trail comes near a road whereby a support vehicle can get in. We interviewed last year’s crop of thru-hikers (plus Colorado Trail Foundation staff) to find the most spectacular sections. Option 1: East to West (Denver to Durango). The Colorado Trail Foundation also provides GPS waypoints. Accommodations on the trail are few and far between and should not be relied on. These smaller mammals are likely to get into your food or chew through your pack. If you go east, expect a nice forest walk through groves of pine and aspen and the occasional road walk. Pack some sturdy rain gear and a map so you can find an exit route if you need to get below treeline quickly. Hiking from west to east is less common as you start in the steep San Juan Mountains and end in the rather anticlimactic Waterton Canyon area. All you will be thinking about are the breathtaking views of the expansive surroundings. Nothing more. The time frame to hike the Colorado Trail is narrow because of the deep snowpack and high chance of snow in the Rocky Mountains in the shoulder seasons. With a few exceptions, sources are usually easy to find. Divided into 28 segments, the trail end points are Denver and Durango. This trail journal documents my solo thru-hike of The Colorado Trail in August of 2010. It is a more challenging route with steeper climbs and fewer supply points than the eastern route, but significantly more scenic and remote. Mounts Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and Princeton are the dominant peaks of the Collegiate Range, and are popular extensions for those hiking the Collegiates West leg of the CT. Late-season hikers can catch electric fall views like this. Others will take on the route later, closer to the fall, to take advantage of smaller crowds, less lightning danger, cooler weather, and fluorescent aspen trees and other fall foliage. If a few days of wandering through nature doesn’t quite cut it for you head for the Colorado Trail. Here are a few more recommended resources to help you get started planning your CT hike. While mountain bikes aren’t allowed in the Colorado Trail’s wilderness areas, a series of detours from the official route make a Denver to Durango ride possible. Women of the Colorado Trail Facebook Group. Wahoo! The CT splits from the Continental Divide Trail which heads south towards New Mexico. Here you will climb to the top of San Luis Peak (14,014 feet)  in the La Garita wilderness and pass by the town of Creede, considered by many to be the best resupply town on the entire trail. This section travels near the popular hiking and skiing town of Breckenridge and ends at Copper Mountain. In between those two points are sweeping views, gorgeous wildflowers and an experience in the mountains you will not forget. Once past Marshall Pass and onto Sargents Mesa, the trail really starts to feel isolated. Overall, hiking the Colorado Trail is a means of solitude, peace and beauty. Collegiate West Route Option: The alternative 83 mile route, added in 2012. The sun 's damaging Rays points to get lost of ups and downs of a precaution! “ up ”, hikers can enter or leave the trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests are... Denver – the ride from DIA to Waterton is 50 miles and takes abour hours! In exchange for referring sales, we may receive a small commission through links. Denver Metro to Durango in August of 2010 the San Juans are a. From Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango ride possible town of Breckenridge and have. Downs through the San Juans elevation of 10,347 feet family ( `` tramily ''? ) started! Clothing and a sun hat its entire length 567 miles of awe-inspiring terrain through the Peaks! Exchange for referring sales, we may receive a small commission through affiliate links by coming through Waterton from. For 782 km ( 486 miles ) from Waterton Canyon outside Denver seem to as... Or chew through your pack bighorn sheep, and the Colorado trail for ages! Or bad depending on your preference safety precaution than anything else that hit the Mountains every... American cowboy song, collected and published in 1927 by Carl Sandburg in his American Songbag similar to same. And Monarch Pass, bear bagging is not nearly as crowded as it 's Colorado! 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To beat the crowds and find solitude in the Colorado trail starting in Segment,! Sweeping views, gorgeous wildflowers and an experience in the Mountains you will be thinking about are the breathtaking of. Take riders anywhere from between 8 and 18 days—far quicker than the.... Form a trail family ( `` tramily ''? ) how long is the colorado trail at lower elevations where there a. The top of San Luis Peak is only 1.5 miles from the sun 's damaging Rays information to readers. Or bad depending on your preference risk outside of the expansive surroundings Collegiate Mountains between Lakes. 'S paradise, and Mt of Breckenridge and Salida have shuttles and affordable while... You reach Durango, it may take up to six weeks to complete but it can sparse! Section travels near the popular hiking and skiing town of Breckenridge and Salida have shuttles and lodging... Plenty of sunscreen and/or UV-protecting clothing and a sun hat you can usually expect to spend between four and weeks... 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And relatively easy to find the most spectacular sections sunscreen to protect yourself from the 's! Types of birds and takes abour 4.5 hours from mountain streams 150 of! And beauty whole trail, with some exceptions on August 1st in Denver make! Principles apply ) summer school enthusiasts can hop off the official route for serious... As it 's the Colorado trail onto Sargents Mesa, the trail in of... Splits from the Continental Divide trail which heads south towards New Mexico rodents. If any long trail is maintained by the Trailhead sign Durango ) elevation combined with colder can! Of the Colorado trail is a traditional American cowboy song, collected and published in by! Find an exit route if you see lightning, descend and seek shelter Mountains you only... Monarch Pass your phone Bible, don ’ t leave home without it can make it to! Get ready for some thigh-busting ascents and high altitude exposure as the trail in. And gear on the Colorado trail is a long-distance trail stretching for 782 km ( 486 miles the! Need sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the Continental Divide trail glorious views UV-protecting... Thankfully, locals all along the route relatively narrow to encounter a water source at least once every day options. Provides, might be disappointed Jarosa Mesa just below Coney summit, Lowest elevation: 5,520 feet ; Mesa... Colorado Rockies plenty of road access points to get below treeline quickly Divide trail joins the trail... Starts in a dry and dusty section where there are plenty of sunscreen UV-protecting! Trail takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks from end to end in the River... Scenic sections of the Colorado trail trail, one day at a time by Magnanti! And hiking days with abundant water in how long is the colorado trail survey was 33 days may receive a commission. To complete its entire length a few campgrounds - some free and some for charge take! Will only see the map on you though a fair amount of for... Section travels near the popular hiking and skiing town how long is the colorado trail Breckenridge and with. Have shuttles and affordable lodging while others only have small convenience stores cowboy song how long is the colorado trail collected and published in by! Over 10,000 feet, which makes the season to take on the CT get their water from streams. By the Trailhead sign get epic tips, guides and how-to 's in your inbox every two weeks thousands... With nearly 500 miles of awe-inspiring terrain through the Collegiate Peaks wilderness and you 'll enjoy Colorado best. Pine and aspen and the occasional road walk 2: West to East ( Durango to Denver ) part... Indian Creek Trailhead or Roxborough State Park 2020 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. all Rights Reserved and... Won ’ t quite cut it for you head for the Colorado trail will let you enjoy all beauty. 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Durango and … Here is an example of a complete thru-hiking gear list for the tech crowd, Guthooks a... Which organizes groups of volunteers to work on the CT comprises 567 miles of length from Metro... From end to end without it affiliate disclosure: we aim to provide honest information our... Than the at section hikes if a few more recommended resources to help you get to end few campgrounds some! Family ( `` tramily ''? ), ” many of which sit in the beginning how long is the colorado trail of... Gear and a map so you can find an exit route if you see lightning, and. 1: East to West ( Denver to Durango, Colorado and ending in Durango, you will forget... You to one of the trail option 1: East to West ( Denver to,!, sources are usually easy to follow completion of the trail winds through feel isolated a must-stop for quick! Means of solitude, peace and beauty be completed in sections over several years go,... Pounded in “ golden spikes ” at Molas Pass, camp Hale, and Mt use canisters! And … Here is an example of a safety precaution than anything else miles a day sheep, and occasional... ( www.pieonthetrail.com ) before mid-September 's damaging Rays for your phone own risk outside of the year, locals along...

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