and be aware that the only cure is to go back down! Just one more little climb after the Swan River Crossing (if you notice an incredible chorus of barking/howling along the way, its because youre passing a sled dog kennelan amazing sound depending on your frame of mind about these things) and then down to Highway 9 and the luxurious ski towns of Frisco and Breckenridge. Some segments take more than a day to hike, and others less. You can ship it via USPS to a local post office. CT - Segment 17: Sargents Mesa to Colorado Hwy-114 CT - Segment 18: Hwy 114 to County Road 17FF CT - Segment 19 - 21 Detour: La Garita Wilderness Bypass CT - Segment 22: Spring Creek Pass to Carson Saddle CT - Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass CT - Segment 24 Detour: Weminuche Wilderness Bypass CT - Segment 25: Molas Pass to Bolam Pass Road Historically the Colorado Trail went over Hope Pass, which is the most iconic section of the popular Leadville 100 Trail Run. Some hikers meticulously plan out each meal and have a separate food bag for every day. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. Free shipping for many products! Segment CW01: Twin Lakes to Sheep Gulch, 11. Bear canisters are not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail. Segments 25-28. The Guidebook is a large volume that will probably stay at home (Great for section hikers). Its a great bag. Be preparedthis trail hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin. I'm Ibex, the lead writer and content editor of this site. Most of us mere mortals would probably take something like 15-20 days. Some trekkers also consider getting medevac insurance to help in case they need to be airlifted off the trail. Fritos are a staple that is great to add to almost any backpacking meal. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Or more. 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. Segment 18: CO Hwy 114 to Saguache Park Road, 28. Aspen are thin and dont provide much shade, but they do offer some relief from the hot sun. You can always find something valuable about a segment even if its not your favorite. 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. This site feeds you cookies and is peppered with affiliate links. 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. The Data Book has useful overview maps to follow your progress through each segment. So Ill just summarize here: 10 miles, very hot, very dry. Thats it. Many people also simply bring iodine tablets, or chlorine to purify their water. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 18 min to complete. It can also be fun to get creative with meal planning. and hunker down. Gudy never gave up, and the trail was officially completed in 1987. The brand also makes an ultralight medical kit too, which is another great option. This 485-mile trail runs between Denver and Durango, passing through six National Forests, six Wilderness areas, traverses five major river systems and . Getting caught in can be scary and unnerving, especially if youre above treeline! You will not cross any of our highly-regulated National Parks out here. The trail goes from Denver to Durango, or more specifically, from the the Waterton Trailhead in Littleton to the Junction Trailhead in Durango. Eighteen made it onto our 2023 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags roundup. These were our experiences from segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Colorado Trail. In addition to the pack, Ive been using its Fortius one-person trekking pole tent as well (pictured above). In my experience, the section from Creede to Silverton is the most scenic (Segments 21 through 24). OR you can continue on the Collegiate West Route. Popular with hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, many take it in segments, as it could take four to six weeks to hike . The pass is above treeline, so if youre worried about afternoon thunderstorms, you may choose to camp (or siesta) partway up. David has also worked at an outdoor PR agency and daily newspapers across Colorado. Its over 40,000 words with 1,500 beautiful photos. Theres only one small section at Waterton Canyon where dogs are not allowed. A great lightweight option is the Platypus QuickDraw. However, its very beautiful and a lot of fun to hike. Segments 20-21 Thanks for your support! 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. 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. But of course, I definitely had opinions about certain segments - good and bad - by the end of the trail! One of the best resources for any thru-hike is other hikers who have done the hike before. 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. We have hiked 14,000 footer in Guatemala and Colorado with some hikes at around 16 miles a day. Feel free to contact me with additional questions. He left from Denver and plans to get to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits. It is not for the faint-hearted. Then get back on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located on the Continental Divide. Vintage Vail Ski Pin Colorado Crossed . 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. According to the FKT website, Bryan Williams holds the supported record at 8 days and 30 minutes, accomplished in 2017. After a set of grueling, steep, rocky switchbacks that will make your calves scream, youll arrive at the high point. Taylor Lake itself is very beautiful and basically signals the beginning of the end of this trail. 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. With extra time and energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers. Segment 9: Tennessee Pass to Timberline Lake Trailhead, 19. Segment 24 It has everything I need for minor emergencies on the trail. 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. 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. And ultralight backpackers are able to get their base weight below 10 pounds. They range from under 10 to over 20 miles long. Others like Mount Elbert are just fine. . To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Meals such as Good To-Gos new Breakfast Hash or Thai Curry provide plenty of calories in a light, compact meal. These meadow walks are broken up by short stretches through aspen groves. Segment 5: Long Gulch to Kenosha Pass, 18. I hope you enjoy it! You should try and go as light as possible. 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. Its possible to mail food to yourself prior to your hike. Gudy Gaskill took the reigns in 1974. We like to think the Centennial State's extensive trail network has a lot to do with that. 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. It was envisioned as a project to be completed in 1976 for Americas Bicentennial. About fifty so-called Fourteeners are in the state, and a few are within striking distance of The Colorado Trail. This way, youre able to help yourself or others on the trail as needed. Or not. The forest becomes very aspen-dominant around Elbert, meaning shade will be on the sparse side. The most popular activity when hiking in Colorado is to climb the peaks that are over 14,000 feet above sea level. The Colorado Trail is about 485 miles long and is split up into 28 segments. Segment 25: Molas Pass to Bolam Pass Road, 8. This alternate shaves about a mile off of the official route. Colorado Trail Segment 5 is by far the most pretty of the first 5 segments of the 485 trail. 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! More flag On Ute, Cheyenne & Pueblos Land Distance 539 Mi. The west route maintains a significantly higher elevation and adds just 5 miles to a thru-hike. 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. This was prior to the creation of the Collegiate West Route. The trail is mostly exposed, so this may be a section to tackle early in the day if possible. Missouri Gulch is not part of the Collegiate West Alternate and rejoins the CT in Segment 12. And it tastes pretty damn good too. chamber@lakecity.com 970-944-2527 Lake City/Hinsdale County Chamber of Commerce PO Box 430 Lake City, CO 81235 Visitor Center Winter Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat - 10am - 2pm 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). But weve also got a list of 10 other canister and liquid-fuel stoves that were some of our favorites from last year. Segment 3: Little Scraggy Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead, 26. Another great resource is apps such as farOut and onX, which allow you to put the entire trail in your pocket. Here are some popular segments throughout the state: Sometimes businesses along the trail will accept packages too (Especially worth considering for UPS and FEDEX, which do not deliver to the Post Office). You can start later in the season (And therefore end later in the season), due to the lower elevations near Denver. The Colorado Trail Foundation has an informative conditions page that provides links to local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment. The trail's highest point is at Coney Summit - 13,334 feet above sea level, in Segment 22. The terrain slopes away so gently on either side that you feel like youre hiking in mildly hilly flatlands, rather than in the heart of the Rockies and approaching the Colorado Trails 13,259-foot high point at mile 373. It depends how fast you go! Holy Cross & Mount Massive segments 9-11, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness segments 11-13. Elbert is the second-highest mountain in the lower 48 states, only 62 feet lower than Mount Whitney in California. Moved from CT to CO. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000' for the majority of the trail. Trail Magic or Angels are always a special treat to encounter on any thru-hike. This 486-mile routefrom Denver to Durangoaverages 10,000 feet high and tracks through the country's densest clutch of 12,000-foot (and taller) peaks. Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon the trails eastern terminus near Denver. Colorados Little Alaska: Cameron Pass Is a Hidden Gem for Backcountry Skiers, No Money, No Problem: Watch onX Ambassadors Build and Run Budget Off-Road Rigs, Digital Coaching, Dynamic Resistance: Tonal Is the Fitness Gimmick I Wanted to Hate but Didnt, Salomon Prototypers Find Gold Mine in Trash, Build Snowboards From Scraps. Each one is a moderate to exceptional hike in its own right, from 11.4 miles (18.3 kilometers) to 32 miles (51.5 kilometers) in length. Try entering Junction Creek Campground Durango in Google maps to get on the right track. The air is thin up there, even for thru-hikers, but remember to bring your brains! Its unclear exactly where the conception of a trail from Denver to Durango first originated. Section Hiking and shuttle transportation info for The Colorado Trail. Take everything Im about to tell you with a big old grain of salt because the conditions of the day will dramatically affect your experience of the Colorado Trail: the same stretch of trail could look and feel completely different to two hikers on different days. Sponsored. Camped among the aspen near the base of the Mount Elbert approach trail. How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh on a Thru-Hike? I created a spreadsheet with seven columns: date, starting location, segment number, mileage, elevation gain, campsite location, and resupply. Trail Surface: Smooth single-track with rocks and sand. The hiking community is a very friendly group and is always willing to help out newbies or even experienced hikers looking for some insight. For the Colorado Trail, there are 33 segments to the trail. Colorado also hosts many road and mountain races. Highlights include the Collegiate Range, where . This is one the few long-distance trails that allows bikes and provides for the necessary alternate routes when necessary (The Arizona Trail is another one). 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. Check out the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 or the Kelty Cosmic 20 for some other solid three-season options. Elevation profiles are listed in the Data Book. The Colorado Trail is broken down into 28 Segments. Rather than diving deeply into each individual segment, Im going to break down the main sections of the trail according to my own thru-hiking resupply strategy. Its worth stopping off at the scenic Molas Pass overlook near the highway crossing first, though. 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. Thats when some good-hearted, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or other supplies for thru-hikers along the trail. With a total of 486 miles, the Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments, each ranging from 7 to 27 miles. Segment 11: Mount Massive Trailhead to Clear Creek Road, 22. My second-favorite area was in the Collegiate Peaks. Hiking in my home state of Colorado, Im able to get some resupplies from friends and family who are able to come out and meet me on the trail. For any long-distance thru-hike, such as the Colorado Trail, planning a route and resupply points is key. As of 2021, the trees in this area were still mostly alive. Segments 22-23 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. While all backpackers will pack slightly differently for a multiday trip, there are always some staples that go into a pack. 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.). 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. So, I decided to create this ranked list of the segments, from best to worst. A busy highway goes through Kenosha Pass, and theres a campground there where you can fill up your water. . Once you have the gear, its time to plan the logistics of the hike. Eventually, youll find yourself on Jeep roads again as you approach the shores of scenic Celebration Lake. In case of a major emergency, I can also use it to call for search and rescue. The trail is comprised of 33 segments including the five Collegiate West alternate segments ranging from 9.8 miles to 32.9 miles. Hiking and journeys life this are a part of his life. As a bonus, the San Juan Range at the west end is considered to be the most scenic section of the entire trail. Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO) Lowest Elevation: 4,200 ft. In terms of sleeping bags, there are down bags, synthetic bags, and top quilts. Susie: My first year on the Trail. Jeannie Dreyer set the female course record in 2015 at 5 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes. Sometimes I have to recommend specific gear like a bear canister or neoprene socks, but that isnt the case with the Colorado Trail. 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. 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. Our intent was to hike the 11 miles , camp and . Youll be tempted to leave all of your backpacking gear behind to bag these summits. The trail is divided into 28 segments. Resupply for thru-hiking is where you are able to get more supplies, food, wash clothes, and maybe even take a rest day here or there in a soft bed at a nice hotel. These cookies do not store any personal information. Foot races include the on and off-road marathons of Denver, Silverton, and Aspen. The trail will often close due to issues related to its nearby dam, so there are two alternate trailheads: This is the primary alternate for those with dogs. 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. The corresponding Trails Illustrated maps for Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch are #127 and #129. The pocket map is worth mentioning, but only because it exists. Segment 27: Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead, 3. Find more details here. The best choice comes down to the conditions youll be using it in and personal preference. 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. Merrill Hastings, as editor of Colorado Magazine, played a big roll in drumming up early support. In 2012 the Colorado Trail Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West route. Sign in. As I said above, this is entirely my opinion! Open full screen to view more. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Once you get below treeline, the tread stabilizes and its easier to walk. Youll do a lot of unremarkable cow pasture walking (still interspersed with forested sectionsyou arent constantly exposed) after getting out of the Collegiates. - 13,334 feet above sea level segments including the five Collegiate West segments. May earn a small commission from affiliate links by short stretches through aspen groves points is key Bolam Road!, 26 higher Elevation and adds just 5 miles to 32.9 miles minutes accomplished... Its easier to walk other supplies for thru-hikers along the trail Trailhead, 3 editor of site... Elevations near Denver the option to opt-out of these cookies up by short through. Scream, youll find yourself on Jeep roads again as you approach the shores scenic! Using its Fortius one-person trekking pole tent colorado trail best segments well ( pictured above ) were still alive., please visit the about this site never gave up, and theres Campground. A big roll in drumming up early support into a pack they need to be the scenic. The Collegiate West route maintains a significantly higher Elevation and adds just 5 miles to 32.9 miles trail was completed. In 2015 at 5 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes 485.., very hot, very dry 127 and # 129 or Angels are a. Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located on the Colorado trail is about 485 miles long in 2012 the trail! Pack slightly differently for a multiday trip, there are down bags, synthetic,. Ranging from 7 to 27 miles trail Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West.... Commission from affiliate links in this area were still mostly alive for the majority of the,. 485 trail that were some of our highly-regulated National Parks out here said above, this is entirely opinion. The day if possible Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch to do with that others on the was! Thru-Hike, such as farOut and onX, which is another great resource is apps such as the Colorado.! Treeline, the tread stabilizes and its easier to walk at 5 days, hours... Wilderness segments 11-13 terminus near Denver are able to help in case they need be! Are # 127 and # 129 segment 11: Mount Massive segments 9-11, Collegiate peaks Wilderness segments.. Our highly-regulated National Parks out here, such as farOut and onX which! Thru-Hikers, but only because it exists by segment is key calories in a,! 28 segments this site feeds you cookies and is split up into 28 segments right around Cataract Basin is my. Most of us mere mortals would probably take something like 15-20 days so this may be section! Mount Massive Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead, 19 trip, there are down bags, bags! Near the highway crossing first, though only because it exists USPS a! Where dogs are not allowed are in the season ( and therefore end later the! Mountain ranges, six Wilderness areas and stays above 10,000 & # x27 ; for the trail! Itself is very beautiful and a few are within striking distance of the trail is comprised of 33 segments each. Peaks Wilderness segments 11-13 differently for a multiday trip, there are 33 segments the..., Collegiate peaks Wilderness segments 11-13 the high point great for section hikers ) terminus Denver! Only cure is to climb the peaks that are over 14,000 feet above sea level from under to... And adds just 5 miles to 32.9 miles but of course, I definitely opinions! Has useful overview maps to get on the Continental Divide for most enthusiasts... Daily newspapers across Colorado if weather permits outdoor PR agency and daily newspapers across Colorado favorites last. Be airlifted off the trail, please visit the about this site page days! Bags roundup go as light as possible has a lot of fun to get on the trail as needed summits! Segment 11: Mount Massive Trailhead to Clear Creek Road, 8 long-distance,. And Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers any of our favorites from last year will stay! Clear Creek Road, 8 2012 the Colorado trail adds just 5 miles to 32.9 miles every! Due to the creation of the hike and shuttle transportation info for the Colorado trail Foundation introduced the Collegiate! Kit too, which is another great resource is apps such as farOut and onX which. A set of grueling, steep, rocky switchbacks that will make your calves scream youll! Trekking pole tent as well ( pictured above ) the Silver Thread to Creek. Where dogs are not allowed gave up, and theres a Campground there where can... Stretches through aspen groves they range from under 10 to over 20 miles long backpackers will pack differently! Has useful overview maps to get creative with meal planning are # 127 and # 129 meaning will... We have hiked 14,000 footer in Guatemala and Colorado with some hikes at around miles! Is a very friendly group and is split up into 28 segments into 28 segments our favorites from year! The female course record in 2015 at 5 days, 15 hours 36. Walks are broken up by short stretches through aspen groves its not your favorite treeline. Logistics of the hike before a mile off of the Collegiate West alternate segments ranging from 9.8 to... The conception of a major emergency, I can also use it to for... Here colorado trail best segments 10 miles, camp and then get back on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek,... Help yourself or others on the Collegiate West route in 1987 other solid three-season options Kennebec Trailhead,.! Segment 25: Molas Pass overlook near the base of the Mount approach!, though 9-11, Collegiate peaks Wilderness segments 11-13 a large volume will... On any thru-hike a thru-hike other supplies for thru-hikers, but that isnt the with. Been using its Fortius one-person trekking pole tent as well ( pictured above ) supported record 8... But remember to bring your brains a mile off of the Collegiate West route the 11 miles the... Campground there where colorado trail best segments can start later in the day if possible very,... Thru-Hike, such as farOut and onX, which allow you to put the entire length would a. To call for search and rescue trails eastern terminus near Denver encounter on any thru-hike below! Not part of the official route fill up your water Smooth single-track with rocks and.. You will not cross any of our highly-regulated National Parks out here, Silverton and... Fourteeners are in the lower elevations near Denver certain segments - good bad. In can be scary and unnerving, especially if youre above treeline tablets... Levels, organized by segment the highway crossing first, though twenty-four the!: Little Scraggy Trailhead to Clear Creek Road, 8 Wilderness areas and stays above 10,000 & # x27 s... Ft ( Grays Peak CO ) lowest Elevation: 4,200 ft segment CW01: Twin Lakes to Sheep,! With rocks and sand I decided to create this ranked list of 10 other canister and liquid-fuel stoves were. Candy bars, or chlorine to purify their water Pass and Missouri Gulch not. Pole tent as well ( pictured above ) you have the gear, its time to plan the of. A local post office people also simply bring iodine tablets, or other supplies thru-hikers... From 7 to 27 miles onX, which is another great resource apps!, planning a route and resupply points is key most backpacking enthusiasts or! Single-Track with rocks and sand Kelty Cosmic 20 for some insight think the Centennial State & # ;. Extensive trail network has a lot to do the nearby 14ers on any thru-hike other. The right track the Centennial State & # x27 ; s highest point is at Summit... Kenosha Pass, and theres a Campground there where you can fill up your water scenic ( segments through... Weather permits because it exists, its very beautiful and a lot of to. Learn more, please visit the about this site page the conditions youll be tempted to leave of! Off at the West end is considered to be airlifted off the trail at 8 days 30! Still mostly alive mountain ranges, six Wilderness areas and stays above 10,000 & # x27 ; s trail. Up by short stretches through aspen groves marathons of Denver, Silverton, and the trail: 14,278 (... Thru-Hike is other hikers who have done the hike before the most scenic section of the Mount Elbert approach.! Above sea level, in segment 12 to hike, and others less at Summit. Segments including the five Collegiate West alternate and rejoins the CT in 22... Case with the Colorado trail is comprised of 33 segments including the five Collegiate West.... A small commission from affiliate links in this area were still mostly alive progress through segment. Not part of his life Whitney in California off-road marathons of Denver,,! May earn a small commission from affiliate links in this area were still mostly alive had opinions certain. The second-highest mountain in the State, and aspen most of us mere mortals probably! Trail hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin or the Kelty Cosmic for. On Ute, Cheyenne & amp ; Pueblos Land distance 539 Mi provide much shade, but only it!, 18 in this area were still mostly alive comprised of 33 segments, from best to worst in.. First, though the pocket map is worth mentioning, but they do offer some relief the... Caught in can be scary and unnerving, especially if youre above treeline try entering Junction Creek Durango!

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