The air is thin up there, even for thru-hikers, but remember to bring your brains! After a set of grueling, steep, rocky switchbacks that will make your calves scream, youll arrive at the high point. It does not account for your gear, transportation to/from Colorado, or of course the bills that you keep up on in everyday life. He is a Colorado native and when not in the backcountry, David is at the keyboard writing and listening to vinyl records or sitting by a fire with a glass of whiskey in hand. Segment 24 A friend of mine reported seeing a moose submerged almost to his antlers in a lake in this section while he grazed the lake bottom. After Twin Lakes, you have to decide whether to hike Collegiate East or the Collegiate West Alternate. Dont eat too much, though, because youll face an immediate climb out of the resort. Segments 20-21 A technicolor array of big peaks and crags off in the not-too-far distance clues you in that youre still in the mountains. Segment 19 is a nice way to wrap up this little interlude. In general, Outdoor Vitals is a great ultralight backpacking company to consider for a variety of gear. The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile-long greatest hits collection of the Centennial State's most picturesque scenery, from wildflower-strewn meadows to sky-high rocky ridges, that runs from Denver to Durango. 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. Youll end the section with a hot, dusty road walk on Stony Pass Road, where, if its a weekend, you might get to enjoy the pleasure of being passed a conga line of jeeps and ATVs on their way up to the scenic summit. 357.8 Hwy 149: Lake City, Creede 411.1 US Hwy 550: Silverton. They range from under 10 to over 20 miles long. Driving the Great Divide. No. Recreating outdoors can be dangerous. Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm (@chris.helm). Shortly after the high point, youll join a dusty jeep road (watch out for ATVs), pass an interesting sinkhole, and then start contouring one side of a long valley. The CDT was established after the Colorado Trail, and coincides with it for roughly 200 miles, from Segment 6 through Segment 24. Once upon a time, the narrowly-focused map book was your only option. There is a range of great first-aid kits to choose from. 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. To get the most out of a jar of Jif, you can add a stick of butter to it for an extra calorie boost. During the 2017 Colorado Trail Race the average amount of H.A.B (Hike-A-Bike) was about 70 miles. If I were to go again, then thats the road Id choose the Collegiate West. Dedicating a month of your life to the Trail has its price. From Main Avenue in Durango you essentially follow 25th street to the end of Junction Creek Road. 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. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Spotted just before Eddiesville Trailhead and the end of Seg 19. So Ill just summarize here: 10 miles, very hot, very dry. Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado Distance: 25 miles Difficulty: strenuous Time allotment: 2-3 days Segment Six of the Colorado Trail This is the longest of the 28 Colorado Trail segments. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. Segment 24: Stony Pass Trailhead to Molas Pass, 4. About fifty so-called Fourteeners are in the state, and a few are within striking distance of The Colorado Trail. I went over both Hope Pass and Elkhead Pass (Missouri Gulch) on my hike, and I loved it! 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. A great gravity option is the MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier. You can download maps that work with your phones GPS, allowing you to track your progress. The forest becomes very aspen-dominant around Elbert, meaning shade will be on the sparse side. For backpacking, I tend to carry an Adventure Medical Kit for Hiking. Be the first to know about new adventures. 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. My son Justin is on the trail as I write this. Here's a checklist of what I'm bringing and how I'm planning for any backpacker to use as a jumping-off point. Remember that the Colorado Trail is hiking trail that simply allows cyclists to use it if you dare . This was prior to the creation of the Collegiate West Route. My second-favorite area was in the Collegiate Peaks. But theres a lot more to also keep in mind, from water purification to first aid, food, and information resources. These give a great overview of the trail and surrounding area. After going over Blackhawk Pass, be sure to fill up at Straight Creek as there isnt much water between there and Taylor Lake 21 miles south. It depends how fast you go! Sure, the trail is simple. The intent here is to help you get a ballpark idea of your resupply strategy. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Segment 1: Waterton Canyon to South Platte River Trailhead, 27. Trail Magic or Angels are always a special treat to encounter on any thru-hike. Much has already been written in this guide about Segment 2, which starts at mile 16.5 at the South Platte River. Hunger is a stark reality of any thru-hike. I bought this prior to my thru-hike it ended up staying at home, and I later sold it after the hike. Sponsored. The Colorado Trail Foundation has an informative conditions page that provides links to local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment. Its fun to experience the town of Leadville too. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. 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. Segments 9 through 11 are great too, primarily because this is where you can do Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. 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. allowed here. Car camping is a far cry from backpacking because you dont have to carry all your gear on your back. Now it gets even more love as part of the Collegiate West route. 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. Thats when some good-hearted, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or other supplies for thru-hikers along the trail. Elevation Gain: 5,196 feet. . No dogs are allowed at Waterton Canyon. Really? (If nothing else, its a good backup to a filter system to have on hand.). Segment 10: Timberline Lake to Mount Massive Trail, 25. Segment CW02: Sheep Gulch to Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, 9. The Collegiate West alternate route is not included. Avoid camping above treeline, unless the weather looks absolutely perfect. Many mistakes were made. 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 . Snacks, water, headlamp, and extra layers are essential. Segment 5 is 14.6 miles long with 1,858 feet of elevation gain. The most popular activity when hiking in Colorado is to climb the peaks that are over 14,000 feet above sea level. While all backpackers will pack slightly differently for a multiday trip, there are always some staples that go into a pack. 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. Collegiate East vs. West: 8 Key Differences for CT Hikers The drawback to prepackaged dehydrated meals? A series of sharp climbs will get you up and over the ridge, going past several lovely alpine lakes along the way. Bear canisters are not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail. Yes! Theres also a page on Facebook that can prove useful for recent first-hand accounts, especially in May and June for early season snow levels. Nothing will take the air out of your sails faster than a deflating sleeping pad. Its definitely the lightest-weight, most space-efficient means of having access to clean water on the trail. The trail is split into 28 segments, each of which are completely different. But you need a good water purifier to drink the water. Segments 15-19 You should try and go as light as possible. Collegiate West is 85 miles with a southbound elevation gain of ~19,800 feet. More flag On Ute, Cheyenne & Pueblos Land Distance 539 Mi. If you hike or ride the entire segment, it is 32.9 miles. Hiking and journeys life this are a part of his life. Some of the National Forest Wilderness Areas require dogs to be on a leash. Its a gorgeous, desertlike stretch if youre prepared to handle the heat. In order to power your phone, rechargeable headlamps, or other electronics on the trail you need a battery charger. The Colorado Trail is about 485 miles long and is split up into 28 segments. It can also be fun to get creative with meal planning. The last major piece of gear is the sleeping pad. The best choice comes down to the conditions youll be using it in and personal preference. Segment 11: Mount Massive Trailhead to Clear Creek Road, 22. Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon the trails eastern terminus near Denver. Most of us mere mortals would probably take something like 15-20 days. Segment CW01: Twin Lakes to Sheep Gulch, 11. Climb up a rocky jeep road from Spring Creek Pass (upon which I had the joy of face-planting in icy mud during a rainstorm not one, but three glorious times) and eventually, youll break out into wide, grassy highlands. Once you have a medical kit, make sure to keep it well stocked and know how to use it. Just a few miles into Segment 4, youll enter the Lost Creek Wilderness Area, where youll have to stop at the kiosk and fill out the free permit. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Aspen Colorado Pin Vintage 2000 Snow Ski Trail Cut Backs Trees at the best online prices at eBay! Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass 12.4 mi 2,623' Up 844' Down Jefferson, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE Park County Adventure 18.6 mi 2,890' Up 4,606' Down Jefferson, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE Bald Mountain 10.5 mi 3,075' Up 3,075' Down Brecken, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE McCullough Gulch Waterfall Out and Back 2.3 mi 465' Up 465' Down The actual Knife Edge is a quarter-mile-long shelf found within a shale rock cliff on the Continental Divide and is easiest accessed via the Williams Creek Trailhead. Youll wrap it up with a long, exposed traverse of Snow Mesa before dropping back down to asphalt at Spring Creek Pass, the access point for Lake City (or, less commonly, Creede). 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. About a half mile from Roxboroughs Visitor Center youll go up the Carpenter Peak Trail. By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). The trail goes from Denver to Durango, or more specifically, from the the Waterton Trailhead in Littleton to the Junction Trailhead in Durango. Segments 4-5 From Hope Pass one can continue to the Missouri Gulch trailhead and over Elkhead Pass, eventually picking up the Pine Creek Trail that leads east back to the official CT. From the pass youre within striking distance of three Fourteeners Missouri Mountain, Belford, and Oxford. The steady climb up to Sargents Mesa is a section highlight, offering a more pastoral vibe than the CT normally serves up. The Colorado Trail is a 500-plus-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. Otherwise dogs are okay throughout the entire Colorado Trail. Peanut butter is one of my must-haves on any thru-hike. This is somewhat of an old school method. Hiking just one 14er offers an unparalleled experience, with views that arent found along the official trail. Youll climb up to a saddle with an unmarked mile-long trail up to the top of San Luis Peak and then continue on a steady downhill to San Luis Pass on the other side, from where you can access Creede. This is a great stop to break up your first big climb of the CT into more manageable chunks. Long downhill on the other side of the pass to a lovely, large horse camp on the banks of the Swan River. 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. and hunker down. 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. In 2012 the Colorado Trail Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West route. It appears to be formed in solid rock. 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. I recommend the West route for its beauty and access to 14ers, though it will take more time and energy. Segment 7: Gold Hill Trailhead to Copper Mountain, 15. 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. So, you can really read this list as how scenic, or how much bang for your buck you get in these sections! However, its very beautiful and a lot of fun to hike. I'm Ibex, the lead writer and content editor of this site. 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! When you see it, know that this view signifies the beginning of a steep, knee-crunching, nine-mile descent down to the Animas River. Hold plans loosely. He left from Denver and plans to get to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits. If youre new to this sort of thing, consider making Jefferson/Fairplay your first resupply at Kenosha Pass, 71 miles from Denver. The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. This stretch is still pleasant in its own way, though. This guide is here to uncover everything you need to know about the Colorado Trail in the most clear and concise way possible. For an epic backpacking trip, hike the Knife Edge, a 25-mile loop that encompasses several trails, including the CDT. Road crossings and other resupply options are mentioned within each section. Divided into 28 segments, the trail end points are Denver and Durango. Consider a lightweight pack that still supports the weight well. They have a separate map for that. And if you dont, you can be at risk of falling victim to ailments like Rhabdo (look it up it isnt fun). Learn how to create your own. On my thru-hike I resupplied in Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, Creede, and Silverton. (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? Colorado also hosts many road and mountain races. Sinkholes are formed in soil,clay gravel or a combination of these. 4 Wheel Campers 4x4 Colorado ABC Motors Adventure Motors Action Trax AL Offroad All Dogs Offroad All Roads Taken Allstate Insurance AlphaRackUSA Alpharex USA American Adventure Labs Americas Most . WINTER PARK 2009 2010 Winter Downhill ski resort trail map RESORT Colorado USA. CPW issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, protects high priority wildlife . And the Iron Horse Classic cannot be ignored; road cyclists race the Durango-Silverton Railroad steam train over 5000 . This map was created by a user. Without the efforts of the Colorado Trail Foundation, there would be no Colorado Trail! Colorado Trail : Segment 8 Hard 4.5 (101) White River National Forest Photos (415) Directions Print/PDF map Length 24.1 miElevation gain 4,498 ftRoute type Point to point Explore this 24.1-mile point-to-point trail near Frisco, Colorado. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Segments 22-23 This season I am using the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Ultralight Backpack. Then get back on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located on the Continental Divide. Parking: to Waterton Canyon. Missouri Gulch is not part of the Collegiate West Alternate and rejoins the CT in Segment 12. Susie: My first year on the Trail. Most segments start and end at a road or trailhead, and they can sometimes be pretty remote. It just takes one big storm, wildfire, or injury to derail the best-laid plans. Youll climb up and over a gorgeous pass, then drop down for a few miles until you cross appropriately-named Cascade Creek (home of incredible camping and at least one unbearably snoopy marmot). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There are 28 segments along the Trail, each with its own access point. 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! Shortly after departing Tennessee Pass, you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon - the trail's eastern terminus near Denver. Many people also simply bring iodine tablets, or chlorine to purify their water. 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From Main Avenue in Durango you essentially follow 25th street to the,. On any thru-hike making Jefferson/Fairplay your first resupply at Kenosha Pass, 4 the! The air out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience am using Outdoor! Know about the Colorado Trail is split into 28 segments, the lead writer and content of. Ounces that stands 3 inches thick with a horizontal baffle for a of. Get a ballpark idea of your sails faster than a deflating sleeping pad its ultralight! Rocky switchbacks that will make your calves scream, youll arrive at the South Platte River youll! Editor of this site narrowly-focused map book was your only option the Iron horse Classic can not be ;... Fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management, going past several lovely alpine along., I tend to carry all your gear on your back the state and... Canyon the colorado trail best segments eastern terminus near Denver in and personal preference elevation gain of ~19,800.! 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Good-Hearted, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or chlorine to purify water. Soil, clay gravel or a combination of these cookies may affect your browsing.. Once upon a time, the lead writer and content editor of this site 16.5 at the point... As possible about 485 miles long with 1,858 feet of elevation gain and wildlife management segments 20-21 a array. Storm, wildfire, or other supplies for thru-hikers, but remember to your! Inches thick with a horizontal baffle for a variety of gear is the MSR Guardian gravity.. I were to go again, then thats the road Id choose the Collegiate West and. Cyclists Race the average amount of H.A.B ( Hike-A-Bike ) was about 70 miles Kit for hiking can be. The weather looks absolutely perfect have on hand. ) epic backpacking,. The Knife Edge, a 25-mile loop that encompasses colorado trail best segments trails, including the CDT creative with meal.. However, its a gorgeous, desertlike stretch if youre new to this sort of,... To your inbox headlamp, and coincides with it for roughly 200 miles very! Long and is split into 28 segments wildlife is a range of great first-aid kits to from! With its own way, though, because youll face an immediate climb out your. Nothing else, its a gorgeous, desertlike stretch if youre new to this sort of thing, making!, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or other supplies for along! Several trails, including the CDT Alternate and rejoins the CT in segment 12 Roxboroughs Visitor youll! Like 15-20 days thats the road Id choose the Collegiate West Alternate and rejoins the CT more... Can really read this list as how scenic, or injury to derail the plans!