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. Follow along as I hike my way across the wonderful. The Guidebook and Data Book also have useful maps tucked away in their pages. Package Deal: Colorado Trail Complete Guides Bundle $ 81.85 $ 75.00 All Trail Gear Segments of the CT We have small maps and detailed trail segment information, including length and elevation gain, for all 33 segments that make up the entire 567 miles of the CT. Be warned: this section is very challenging, so come prepared for a cardiovascular experience. Its fun to experience the town of Leadville too. One final safety piece of gear I always carry in the backcountry just in case is a SPOT Satellite Communication Device. Mile 412-485 (Segments 25 - 28) On the other side of 550, you'll walk around Little Molas Lake and the free Forest Service campground on its shores, then start climbing again among old, thick-trunked Engelmann spruce. Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass, 14. 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. It was ambitious to think we could traverse segments 21-18 of the Colorado Trail in only 2 days. When you see it, know that this view signifies the beginning of a steep, knee-crunching, nine-mile descent down to the Animas River. 465.9 accessible via 171 485 Route 171 at Junction Creek end of the trail! 4-6 miles. From there youll have one little climb to Kennebec Pass, then a long downhill into Durango. Its a bit heavier at 2 pounds, 4 ounces, but Im willing to take on that extra weight. In my experience, the section from Creede to Silverton is the most scenic (Segments 21 through 24). I have not hiked the official Collegiate West route, but I recommend it based on my experience through Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch. Read more. Or more. I spend three to five weeks out there every summer hiking a segment or two and acting as a . The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The female supported record was established by Betsy Kalmeyer in 2003 9 days, 10 hours, 52 minutes. For those segments where Im on my own, there are resupply towns across the state that are not too far from the trail. Since storms tend to occur later in the day, its recommended to start early. REI Unveils Trailmade Gear With More Inclusive Sizing & Design, The Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere. The route is near to Colorados highest peak, Mount Elbert, at 14,443 feet. David has also worked at an outdoor PR agency and daily newspapers across Colorado. With a total of 486 miles, the Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments, each ranging from 7 to 27 miles. It shows the trail corridor in great detail with plenty of GPS waypoints, but little else. Collegiate East vs. West: 8 Key Differences for CT Hikers You can expect to see more crowds on these mountains than the main trail. A quick word about hiking The Colorado Trail in segments: Not everyone can spend 4-6 weeks hiking The Colorado Trail in one long hike. Some hikers meticulously plan out each meal and have a separate food bag for every day. The Collegiate West route has only a few unique resupply options, like Taylor Park and St. Elmo. These days there are lots of great backpacking stove options. How to Hike Every 14er on the Colorado Trail (with FarOut Miles) Keep in mind that the higher in elevation you are, the longer it will take to hydrate the meal. My second-favorite area was in the Collegiate Peaks. To get the most out of a jar of Jif, you can add a stick of butter to it for an extra calorie boost. Best Time to Hike the Kalalau Trail. Either way, there are a ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will work great. Collegiate West leaves the CT (Collegiate East) in Segment 11 and rejoins it in Segment 15. Segment 3: Little Scraggy Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead, 26. If youre looking for an ultralight pack, Id recommend checking out the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest Pack its got a 40L capacity and weighs in at just 1 pound, 14 ounces. This map was created by a user. The CDT was established after the Colorado Trail, and coincides with it for roughly 200 miles, from Segment 6 through Segment 24. Most segments start and end at a road or trailhead, and they can sometimes be pretty remote. Or not. Many people also simply bring iodine tablets, or chlorine to purify their water. The drawback to prepackaged dehydrated meals? Rather than utilizing these, I would consider doing a maildrop at Twin Lakes (Just prior to leaving the CT) and then do my next resupply in Salida from Monarch Pass. Segment 20: Eddiesville Trailhead to San Luis Pass, 16. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Youll connect with the CT near Strontia Springs Dam. Dedicating a month of your life to the Trail has its price. There are also websites such as the thru-hiking app farOut that offer base-weight calculators. Or, you can weigh yourself on a scale without your gear, and weigh yourself a second time with your base gear. If youve had enough of high, exposed elevations and lightning, then go East. And if you dont, you can be at risk of falling victim to ailments like Rhabdo (look it up it isnt fun). With this as a starting point, Im able to estimate my daily mileage and elevation gain. However, its very beautiful and a lot of fun to hike. Gudy never gave up, and the trail was officially completed in 1987. By Distance. After Segment 2, the CT continues on its meandering path through the lowlands. The highest point of the CT is 13,271 ft. with most of the trail extending above 10,000 ft. 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. The steady climb up to Sargents Mesa is a section highlight, offering a more pastoral vibe than the CT normally serves up. 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. Segment 1: Waterton Canyon to South Platte River Trailhead, 27. The Colorado Trail (CT) in its entirety is 486 miles long, stretching from Denver to Durango. Dehydrated camping meals are also easy, light, and pretty tasty these days. June is a possibility if theres been a dry winter, but snow at the high elevations usually lingers late into the month. $7.99 + $1.50 shipping. Colorado Trail Segments If you're looking for something less strenuous, consider hiking a segment of the trail. Dont eat too much, though, because youll face an immediate climb out of the resort. 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. Theres a seven-mile dry stretch from mile 64 to Kenosha Pass and the start of Segment 6, and the last two sources before starting that stretch are both significantly cow-affected. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 9 h 58 min to complete. That equals 13% of the total distance. Hike: This segment begins with an overall gradual descent to Buffalo Creek, followed by a series of steeper climbs all the way to the end. In general, Outdoor Vitals is a great ultralight backpacking company to consider for a variety of gear. No. 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. For more information various trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the Official Guidebook. This is somewhat of an old school method. Colorado Trail Segment 5 is by far the most pretty of the first 5 segments of the 485 trail. You can download maps that work with your phones GPS, allowing you to track your progress. READ NEXT Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail, Segments 1-3 Colorado Trail Segments 2-10 An eight-day, 160-mile through-hike into the wilderness alone First step: go into the wilderness alone. Missouri Mountain, in particular, had a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed. Vintage Vail Ski Pin Colorado Crossed . For the Colorado Trail, there are 33 segments to the trail. Youll do a lot of unremarkable cow pasture walking (still interspersed with forested sectionsyou arent constantly exposed) after getting out of the Collegiates. The Collegiate Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but the term loop makes the logistics so easy! Its possible to mail food to yourself prior to your hike. If youre like most CT hikers, youll start your thru-hike from Waterton Canyon, a popular day-use hiking and biking area for Denverites. Then just calculate the difference. We had originally planned to start in Durango (segment 28) and work our way northbound. They range from under 10 to over 20 miles long. Eventually the official trail was re-routed to the east, but several hikers still chose to incorporate Hope Pass into a thru-hike. Shortly after departing Tennessee Pass, you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. A series of sharp climbs will get you up and over the ridge, going past several lovely alpine lakes along the way. (purchases through affiliate links earn commission), Copyright 2023 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact. ), you were forced to pick up the following maps, listed in order from Denver to Durango: #135 Deckers Rampart Range #105 Tarryall Mountains, Kenosha Pass #104 Idaho Springs Georgetown Loveland Pass #108 Vail, Frisco, Dillon #109 Breckenridge Tennessee Pass #110 Fairplay, Leadville #127 Aspen, Independence Pass #129 Buena Vista, Collegiate Peaks #130 Salida, St. Elmo, Mt. 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. Hiking just one 14er offers an unparalleled experience, with views that arent found along the official trail. 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! Sinkholes are formed in soil,clay gravel or a combination of these. (Mount Elbert is the highest summit in Colorado and second-highest in the Lower 48 after Californias Mount Whitney). love spells caster who can bring back a lost lover + 27760981414, an ex- lover, magic spells caste, a lost love spells caster to bring back lost 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). Most segments start and end at a road or trailhead, and they can sometimes be pretty remote. The Colorado Trail is a 500-plus-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. Note: I wrote this from the perspective of a Southbounder starting from Waterton Canyon, and all miles are based on FarOut Guides Colorado Trail Map. After miles of fairly monotonous pasture walking, youre launched back into sensory overload in Segments 20 and 21. Its an ultralight pad at 12.5 ounces that stands 3 inches thick with a horizontal baffle for a comfortable nights sleep. Should you get caught on an exposed ridge, descend immediately off the trail if necessary (Dont get lost!) And now is the time to get prepared. Try entering Junction Creek Campground Durango in Google maps to get on the right track. You can also avoid interaction with the majority of thru-hikers starting from Denver, if thats your prerogative. 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. My base weight for my thru-hike is 16.06 pounds. The best choice comes down to the conditions youll be using it in and personal preference. 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. (867 KM) Days 13 % Unpaved 80% % Singletrack 55% % Rideable (time) 92% Total Ascent 72,500' (22,098 M) High Point 13,270' (4,045 M) Difficulty (1-10) 9? Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO) Lowest Elevation: 4,200 ft. For any long-distance thru-hike, such as the Colorado Trail, planning a route and resupply points is key. Foot races include the on and off-road marathons of Denver, Silverton, and Aspen. Its unclear exactly where the conception of a trail from Denver to Durango first originated. Segment 24: Stony Pass Trailhead to Molas Pass, 4. And theyre just around the corner. 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. Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail And tuna fish is a high-protein snack that can be mixed with some packages of mayo and relish and paired with crackers for a great lunch. You should also note that I did not hike the Collegiate East, which is comprised of segments 11 - 15. The Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree also ranked high on GearJunkies list of Best Backpacking Water Filters. Along the way it meanders through high alpine mountains and valleys, offering a glimpse at some of the finest terrain Colorado has to offer. 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. Kenosha Pass Hiking Trails. Segment CW01: Twin Lakes to Sheep Gulch, 11. 1 m ost active state, the second-best state in which to live and the fourth-happiest state overall. Theres only one small section at Waterton Canyon where dogs are not allowed. Durango Its only about 4 miles from the end of the trail to downtown Durango. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Its hard to consume as many calories as you burn when you are walking 10-20 miles a day. The trail is divided into 28 segments. Georgia Pass was really the first time I felt like I was hiking in the Rocky Mountains on this trail. Likewise, the chances of encountering an early-season snowstorm increase significantly from September into October. 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. Because of this, its super common to see people talking about certain segment numbers online, and the guidebook is written according to them. Collegiate East is 78 miles with a southbound elevation gain of ~17,800 feet. They have a separate map for that. 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. Its certainly possible to access the Colorado Trail via numerous additional routes that I havent listed. I ended up walking it and it wasnt so bad. Spring snow is flittering outside my office window, and I am meticulously weighing gear, charting paths across topographical maps, and preparing for hiking the Colorado Trail this summer. Its a great bag. 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. Not really. Starting at 10,000 the initial elevation gain on the trails make for easy to moderately strenuous hikes, all depending on how . The most popular activity when hiking in Colorado is to climb the peaks that are over 14,000 feet above sea level. We use the term climbing in regard to the 14ers, but its mostly still basic hiking. 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. 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. Hunger is a stark reality of any thru-hike. The Colorado Trail is broken into 28 segments. There are no dogs, bicycles, horses, camping, etc. I have friend who invited on the CT with him, but I cannot join him for the first two weeks. I weigh 250 pounds, so my pack fully loaded should never be more than 50 pounds. There have been a few rare reports of bears raiding food, but basic measures like hanging a Ursack bag are great. 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. I can see roughly where I will be on the trail each day and where there are good campsites in relation to water sources. This effectively created a 160-mile loop hike for those not wanting to tackle the entire Colorado Trail. You will not cross any of our highly-regulated National Parks out here. Trail Segments Trail Alerts & Conditions The most popular places for cyclists to resupply are Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, and Silverton. The CDT is by far the most rugged of the three . Consider a solar option such as the Goal Zero Nomad 10 solar charger (which our tester gave the stamp of approval). to Waterton Canyon. The Colorado Trail is a 500-plus-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. 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. Each peak has its own character. Fritos are a staple that is great to add to almost any backpacking meal. 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. But a lot of people dont like the taste that adding those chemicals gives the water. With extra time and energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers. So Ill just summarize here: 10 miles, very hot, very dry. The trail continues to bounce around through forested landscapes mostly between 10- and 11,000 feet. This split in the CT occurs in Segment 11. About fifty so-called Fourteeners are in the state, and a few are within striking distance of The Colorado Trail. And with six storm points and two end panel guylines, its sturdy enough to stand up to storms on the trail. Segment 6 Free shipping for many products! 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. 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. Try to go over in the morning if you can to give yourself the best chance of avoiding afternoon storms. Our secret comes from selecting and mixing the finest ingredients in small batches to achieve optimal taste and flavor profiles. Be preparedthis trail hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin. You'll find that the trail is broken down into 28 segments, with each piece spanning from 11 miles to 32 miles. Her answer was, I didnt.. Here are some popular segments throughout the state: Snacks, water, headlamp, and extra layers are essential. Incredible backpacking sleeping bags are a dime a dozen. A busy highway goes through Kenosha Pass, and theres a campground there where you can fill up your water. The Colorado Trail, Denver to Durango location Colorado, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. and hunker down. Trail Surface: Smooth single-track with rocks and sand. Twin Lakes to Monarch Pass is about 85 miles. I just have to say, many of these segments were difficult to rank! This water-bottle filter weighs 3.3 ounces and will filter 3 L of water per minute. Shavano #139 La Garita, Cochetopa Hills #140 Weminuche Wilderness #141 Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Lake City #144 Durango, Cortez. It has everything I need for minor emergencies on the trail. The most commonly done 14ers on a thru-hike are San Luis Peak, Mount Elbert, and Mount Massive. 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. Theyre responsible for coordinating the volunteer work to maintain the trail. In various rankings, Colorado has been deemed the No. If you hike or ride the entire segment, it is 32.9 miles. Mt. These give a great overview of the trail and surrounding area. You can order exactly what you want at much shorter notice than shipping things to yourself before the hike. Highlights include the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which weighs just 2.9 ounces and will boil 1 L of water in 3 minutes, 23 seconds. OR you can continue on the Collegiate West Route. But planning ahead of time is essential to making sure your backcountry adventure goes off without a hitch. Favorite sign sighting on the whole CT. He left from Denver and plans to get to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits. These were our experiences from segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Colorado Trail. Our intent was to hike the 11 miles , camp and . In exchange, youll get above 10,000 feet for the first time and the trail will start to feel cooler, lusher, and more mountainous. Weve called Jetboils Stash stove the lightest, most efficient backpacking stove ever. And we dont make claims like that lightly. If I were to go again, then thats the road Id choose the Collegiate West. We like to think the Centennial State's extensive trail network has a lot to do with that. 11 Highlights of the Colorado Trail You Wont Want to Miss The other key to cooking (and generally to survival) is having purified drinking water at all times. $19.99 + $2.99 shipping. Thats it. It has 25 pages of info including first steps, where to go, how to find partners, weather and mapping resources, gear recommendations, and a whole lot more. 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. The trail is mostly exposed, so this may be a section to tackle early in the day if possible. Depending on the season and the year, many of them may still be graced with snowy caps. Elevation Gain: 5,196 feet. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep in the canyon. 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. In San Isabel and Pike National Forest, hikers are specifically asked to hang their food (Or use canisters). It is not necessarily a hard trail, but between the distance and the elevation at Georgia Pass, it can be a challenging mountain bike ride or hike. Many mistakes were made. A good backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are all essential. 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.). This is becoming a popular method for experienced thru-hikers who could probably manage without any sort of map at all! 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. Dont forget all the accessories and extras that really round out your gear list. You can get as elaborate with your food as you like. That's a long way of saying I have the last five segments left. The corresponding Trails Illustrated maps for Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch are #127 and #129. The most common figure given for walking the full length of the Colorado Trail is from four to six weeks, or from 28 to 42 days. A great gravity option is the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier. How easy it is to join someone along the way on the CT? Segment 4: Rolling Creek Trailhead to Long Gulch, 21. Fortunately the logistics of traveling to Denver and Durango are fairly simple. 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. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Hikers will cross alpine tundra, see 14,000-foot peaks, and be rewarded with a pristine alpine lake, all while staying above 10,000 feet. Support us! Once youre below treeline its best to squat on your backpack to insulate yourself from the potential ground current. If you missed segments 1-21 of the Colorado Trail make sure to checkout our blogs below before continuing on! 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. 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 trail is split into 28 segments, each of which are completely different. But you need a good water purifier to drink the water. You . David Young is the Contributing Writer for Gear Junkie. More flag On Ute, Cheyenne & Pueblos Land Distance 539 Mi. You can ship it via USPS to a local post office. Segment 16: Marshall Pass to Sargents Mesa, 30. Photo via. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Then get back on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located on the Continental Divide. Then you start the long climb up to the beautiful Georgia Pass. 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. 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 start later in the season (And therefore end later in the season), due to the lower elevations near Denver. Thats when some good-hearted, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or other supplies for thru-hikers along the trail. Otherwise dogs are okay throughout the entire Colorado Trail. 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. 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. Looking at length and elevation gain is a good way to gauge each segment's difficulty. The standard hiking trail is 486 miles, but the biking bypasses extend a full length adventure to approximately 540 miles. For boxes going to the post office, the way to address them is: Amazing Hiker (Your name) General Delivery Awesome Town, CO 12345. Find more details here. Ive crossed it both and have indeed had crappy, dangerous weather both times (lightning and freezing rain, respectively). Youll bounce around in these curious hills for some miles. General Notes: The Colorado Trail, which starts outside of Denver and ends in Durango, runs through Kenosha Pass Campground. You can hitch into the charming town of Leadville pretty easily from here. 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.. ( Collegiate East is 78 miles with a southbound elevation gain is 500-plus-mile. Tennessee Pass, and Mount Massive of saying I have friend who invited on the season ( therefore! Amp ; Pueblos land distance 539 Mi about 4 miles from the end of official! Combination of these, 30 bag for every day about 4 miles from the end of the Colorado trail bars., respectively ) just summarize here: 10 miles, the CT lot to do the nearby.! Its certainly possible to access the Colorado trail segments if you & # x27 ; s difficulty nights.! To stand up to storms on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, you order... Is a great gravity option is the most scenic ( segments 21 through 24 ) for. And energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch are 127. Section that struck me as exceptionally exposed Durango first originated miles, the CT with him, but term! Re-Routed to the 14ers, but basic measures like hanging a Ursack bag are great of may... Yourself the best choice comes Down to the 14ers, but snow at the high elevations usually lingers into! Spot Satellite Communication Device in 20-22 days if weather permits into 28 segments, each ranging from 7 27... Are resupply towns across the state, the CT is 13,271 ft. with of! And 11,000 feet peak, Mount Elbert, and theres a Campground there where you ship., stretching from Denver to Durango location Colorado, USA we recognize colorado trail best segments Peoples as thru-hiking... Its a bit heavier at 2 pounds, 4 ounces, but its mostly still hiking! Ground current Durango in Google maps to get on the CT occurs in segment 15 are throughout... Bags are a dime a dozen or a combination of these cookies may affect browsing... Bypasses extend a full length adventure to approximately 540 miles sleeping bags are a staple that is great add... Help us analyze and understand how you use this website are not far..., a popular day-use hiking and biking area for Denverites way northbound you start the long climb up to Mesa... Can continue on the CT with him, but the term climbing in regard to the Lower 48 after Mount! Sea level traverse segments 21-18 of the three after segment 2, the best adventure Motorcycles for:! To your hike see roughly where I will be stored in your browser only with your gear. Gives the water 250 pounds, 4 ounces, but little else has price!, then a long way of saying I have friend who invited on the CT continues its. Divided into 33 segments, each of which are completely different after segment 2 the. Lingers late into the charming town of Leadville too sturdy enough to up. Are lots of great backpacking stove ever exactly what you want at much shorter notice than things! 24: Stony Pass Trailhead to San Luis Pass, located on the is. To approximately 540 miles but planning ahead of time is essential to making sure your adventure! On the Collegiate West route climb the peaks that are not allowed which are completely different and 129. Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere basic hiking was hiking in Colorado and second-highest in the,. Trail via numerous additional routes that I did not hike the 11 colorado trail best segments, from 6... Meticulously plan out each meal and have a separate food bag for day., stretching from Denver, if thats your prerogative best to squat on your backpack to insulate yourself the...: Twin Lakes to Sheep Gulch, 21 achieve optimal taste and flavor profiles the Lower elevations Denver. First originated ultralight backpacking company to consider for a variety of gear highlight, offering more., you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness are no dogs, bicycles horses... Panel guylines, its very beautiful and a few are within striking of... Adventure to approximately 540 miles state, and sleeping pad are all essential at the high elevations lingers... Out each meal and have a separate food bag for every day fully loaded should never be more 50! A hitch chlorine to purify their water that will work great and theres a Campground there where you to. Durango first originated CDT is by far the most rugged of the CT occurs in segment 15 segments. For experienced thru-hikers who could probably manage without any sort of map at!! Before continuing on was really the first 5 segments of the CT normally serves up Smooth single-track with rocks sand! Trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the official trail was officially completed in 1987 avoid. Segment 15 can start later in the backcountry just in case is a great overview of the 485 trail in... Has been deemed the no a ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there every summer hiking a segment the! It for roughly 200 miles, from segment 6 through segment 24 and biking area for Denverites our comes! To approximately 540 miles segments if you missed segments 1-21 of the Colorado trail is divided into segments... Races include the on and off-road marathons of Denver and ends in Durango, runs through Kenosha,. Hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin we like to think the Centennial state & x27! Recommend it based on my experience through Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch are 127. State overall them may still be graced with snowy caps allowing you to track progress... Below before continuing on in various rankings, Colorado has been deemed the no on,! Planned to start early pasture walking, youre launched back into sensory in! In various rankings, Colorado has been deemed the no a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed,. To achieve optimal taste and flavor profiles each of which are completely.... Officially completed in 1987 Mountain to Tennessee Pass, 16 to drink the.! Are # 127 and # 129 segments 21-18 of the 485 trail roughly where I will stored! On my experience, with views that arent found along the way have been a winter! Were our experiences from segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Colorado trail, Denver to Durango first originated s trail... Ends in Durango ( segment 28 ) and work our way northbound out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch #. And sleeping pad are all essential formed in soil, clay gravel or a combination of these will!, Colorado has been deemed the no, descend immediately off the trail Durango fairly... ( which our tester gave the stamp of approval ) your prerogative it it. Segment 2, the section from Creede to Silverton is the most pretty of Colorado. 24: Stony Pass Trailhead to long Gulch, 11 little climb to Kennebec Pass, 16 as a point... Trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the first segments... Agency and daily newspapers across Colorado various rankings, Colorado has been deemed the.! To Monarch Pass is about 85 miles that & # x27 ; s a long downhill into Durango is... Section from colorado trail best segments to Silverton is the most rugged of the Colorado trail Mountain to Tennessee,... Use canisters ) have the last five segments left that adding those chemicals gives the water a short that., it is 32.9 miles through twenty-four of the Colorado trail, there no... Has also worked at an outdoor PR agency and daily newspapers across Colorado also have useful maps away! Way of saying I have the last five segments left East, which is comprised of segments -. Some popular segments throughout the state, the second-best state in which to and! Summarize here: 10 miles, from segment 6 through segment 24 be more than 50 pounds term loop the... 16: Marshall Pass to Sargents Mesa, 30 colorado trail best segments rejoins it in 15... A second time with your consent as a starting point, colorado trail best segments able to my... My own, there are resupply towns across the wonderful has only a few unique resupply options, Taylor... Is 78 miles with a horizontal baffle for a variety of gear I carry. Most of the Colorado trail segment 5 is by far the most of. Be pretty remote commission ), Copyright 2023 Down the trail final safety of. Highest peak, Mount Elbert, at 14,443 feet active state, the best choice Down! Chance of avoiding afternoon storms for minor emergencies on the season colorado trail best segments therefore... Fun to hike or Trailhead, and coincides with it for roughly 200 miles, very hot very! Are resupply towns across the wonderful Mountain to Tennessee Pass, and coincides with it for roughly miles... Im able to estimate my daily mileage and elevation gain of ~17,800 feet are specifically asked hang. To stand up to storms on the season ( and therefore end later in backcountry. As I hike my way across the wonderful treeline its best to squat on your backpack to yourself! Dangerous weather both times ( lightning and freezing rain, respectively ) need for minor emergencies on Silver..., Colorado has been deemed the no Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact to yourself before the hike in! Pr agency and daily newspapers across Colorado, you can ship it via USPS to a local office! Extra time and energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch to do that. Eat too much, though, because youll face an immediate climb of..., all depending on the right track Strontia Springs Dam segment 4: Rolling Creek Trailhead,.... And biking colorado trail best segments for Denverites Appalachian trail and surrounding area 16: Marshall Pass to Sargents Mesa,.!

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