The Colorado Trail, Durango: Address, Phone Number, The Colorado Trail Reviews: 5/5 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. 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. Dogs are not allowed in Waterton Canyon from the terminus to about trail mile 6. Just personal preference. Both come in at around 80 miles. I started on August 1st in Denver and finished in Durango on September 6th. Pack some sturdy rain gear and a map so you can find an exit route if you need to get below treeline quickly. However, ending in Denver makes it easier to travel home, and later in the season, hikers can extend the good weather longer by traveling northeast. Colorado Trail Segment 5 is by far the most pretty of the first 5 segments while working through 14.6 miles of hiking and 1,858 feet of elevation gain. The Colorado Trail is a traditional American cowboy song, collected and published in 1927 by Carl Sandburg in his American Songbag. You'll also want to pack a hydration system that can hold ample water as sun exposure can make you dehydrated very quickly. How Long Is the Colorado Trail? 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. Circle the Rockies on this high-alpine route. You will need sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays. Accommodations on the trail are few and far between and should not be relied on. The entire trail, from Denver to Durango, covers 486 miles over the breathtaking Colorado Rocky Mountains. This first section of the trail extends from Denver to Kenosha Pass through the South Platte rivershed and Long Gulch, a six-mile meadow filled with wildflowers, abundant water and animal life. As you leave Marshall Pass, you will enter the cattle country of Cochetopa Valley. This can require a fair amount of planning for longer stretches of more remote trail. Other than in Waterton Canyon, there are no restrictions on camping (of course, Leave No Trace principles apply). You will only see the support vehicles while in camp. 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. It is a more challenging route with steeper climbs and fewer supply points than the eastern route, but significantly more scenic and remote. In general, your typical lightweight backpacking setup will get the job done on the Colorado Trail. This is a great way to hike the whole trail, one day at a time. 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. Cell phone reception will be limited and unreliable. It traverses six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges with an average elevation of 10,347 feet. All you will be thinking about are the breathtaking views of the expansive surroundings. San Luis Peak is only 1.5 miles from the top of San Luis Pass, making it another easy offshoot. This trail journal documents my solo thru-hike of The Colorado Trail in August of 2010. However, finishing in Denver does make it easier to travel home when you are done. Colorado has 58 of these “Fourteeners,” many of which sit in the mountain ranges that the trail winds through. Because of the scarcity of bears, many people don't bear bag on the CT. However, only about 150 people of these completely thru hike it every year. Slightly lower elevation and slightly shorter in length. Hike into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness and you'll enjoy Colorado's best summer school. Traveling through 6 wilderness areas and 8 mountain ranges, the trail offers the full spectrum of Colorado lakes, peaks, creeks, and ecosystem diversity. a) Snow: As mentioned, large amounts of snowfall can be extremely dangerous on the CT. It’s a must-stop for a zero day. A lightweight puffy for cold alpine nights, A wind shirt or breathable, light shell to protect you from the breeze when it’s warm out, Jefferson/Fairplay (72 trail miles from Denver), Silverton (410 miles, and 75 from Durango). The trail passes Jarosa Mesa, the highest point on the Colorado Trail (13,271) near Coney Summit and then enters the remote Weminuche Wilderness. The Colorado Trail Foundation also provides GPS waypoints. The trail starts in a dry and dusty section where there is little water and ends with abundant water in the Cochetopa River watershed. Most of the Colorado Trail is a single route. The newer Collegiates West option follows sections of the Continental Divide Trail, diving deep into the mountains for a more scenic, rugged, and remote hike. Soak it all in as some of the most scenic sections of the trail are in this part of the San Juans. The Colorado Trail is not nearly as crowded as it's popular East Coast counterpart. Colorado Trail: Segment 1 is a 18 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Littleton, Colorado that features a river and is rated as difficult. Summer thunderstorms are frequent; if you see lightning, descend and seek shelter. 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. According to the Colorado Trail Foundation, there are thousands of people who hike, bike or horseback parts of the path every year. 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. 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. Cows, cowboy ranches and wide open views. 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. c) Sun and UV Rays: Remember you will be hiking at altitude, so UV radiation and sun exposure can be intensified. The Colorado Trail ("CT") was first conceived by Forest Service ranger Bill Lucas in 1973, organized by Gudy Gaskill, and officially completed in 1987. The high elevation combined with colder months can lead to extremely dangerous hiking conditions. If you go east, expect a nice forest walk through groves of pine and aspen and the occasional road walk. Users traveling end to end encounter the high mountain lakes and towering peaks of six wilderness areas and eight … It is a long-distance trail stretching for 782 km (486 miles) from Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango. It is a through route, or point-to-point, stretching almost 500 miles from the dusty southern Colorado town of … This might be the more favorable option as well if you need to start your hike later in the season - you end in the lower and warmer elevations surrounding Denver. In between those two points are sweeping views, gorgeous wildflowers and an experience in the mountains you will not forget. Known for higher elevation and significantly more epic and above-treeline scenic views. The Denver side is logistically easier to get to than Durango. What’s the Fastest Thru-Hike of the Colorado Trail? The San Juans are also a more scenic way to finish than by coming through Waterton Canyon outside Denver. The Colorado Trail is nearly 500 miles of awe-inspiring terrain through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The route links eight groups of mountains, six National Forests, and six Wilderness Areas in one of the most coveted high-alpine routes in the country. She can be found on New Hampshire and Maine trails, leading group backpacking trips, trail running or alpine skiing.About Greenbelly: After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Chris Cage created Greenbelly to provide fast, filling and balanced meals to backpackers. New waterproof 7th edition coming out in 2018) The Colorado Trail Map Book by Jerry Brown; The Colorado Trail app by Guthook Guides. Hikers have the option of traveling the Colorado Trail starting in either either Denver or Durango. Dogs are allowed along most of the Colorado Trail, with some exceptions. Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks from end to end. Some hikers will hang their bag, but only at lower elevations where there are ample trees. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a … Hiking the Colorado Trail allows a person to get away from the rat race and get into the backcountry Hikers can enter or leave the trail allowing them to do section hikes if a full-length hike isn't possible. Once you reach Durango, you are at the southwestern terminus. The Colorado Trail is a long-distance trail extending for 486 miles from the mouth of Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango in Colorado. Most towns along the trail have everything a hiker could need, but for anyone in a rush (or anyone negotiating specific dietary needs), shipping packages to various post office along the way is another viable option. 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. Princeton to symbolize the completion of the trail in September of 1987. MAP: Trails Illustrated PERMITS: none (easy self-registration for wilderness areas) DESIGNATION: primarily 7 different National Forests BEST SEASONS: July, August, September DISTANCE: 485 miles from Denver to Durango WATER: I thru-hiked with 4 liters capacity. Marmots and other rodents are often more troublesome than bears. 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. 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. Thankfully, locals all along the route are familiar and used to lending a hand to thru-hikers. The Colorado Trail Foundation states that the average thru hike typically takes 4-6 weeks so 33 days falls almost squarely in the middle of that range. 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. Pedal enthusiasts can hop off the official route for a serious of detours that make the Denver to Durango ride possible. How Long Does it Take to Thru-Hike the Colorado Trail from Start to Finish? If any long trail is likely to induce a headache, it's the Colorado Trail. Because of this, most hikers use bear canisters and/ or scent-proof bags to store their food. 4.0 Ultrarunner Bryan Williams set the current Fastest Known Time for the Colorado Trail in 2017, finishing the route in eight days and 30 minutes with the help of a support crew. Starting in Segment 6, the Continental Divide Trail joins the Colorado Trail for the next 253 miles. This post may contain affiliate links. The CT comprises 567 miles of trail between Denver and Durango and passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Colorado Rockies. 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 LakeTrailhead to Ridge Above South Fooses Creek (rejoins near the middle of Section 15). The trail is maintained by the Colorado Trail Foundation which organizes groups of volunteers to work on the trail. If you’re a reasonably experienced hiker, expect to spend between four and six weeks traveling between Denver and Durango. Highest Elevation: 13,271 feet; Jarosa Mesa just below Coney Summit, Lowest Elevation: 5,520 feet; Waterton Canyon terminus in Denver. 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. They’re also convenient bail-out points should something go wrong (i.e., injury or bad weather), and determine where hikers can resupply. Hikers looking for a social experience, like the Appalachian Trail provides, might be disappointed. Colorado is a hiker's paradise, and the Colorado Trail will let you enjoy all its beauty to the fullest. This might be good or bad depending on your preference. 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. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. The Centennial State's namesake route offers a tour of some of the country's best high alpine scenery in one monthlong hike. The Colorado Trail is packed with gorgeous vistas. our list of the best gear for hiking the Continental Divide Trail. The Holy Cross Wilderness is a wild and scenic part of the trail that climbs steeply over high ridges and jagged peaks before descending into densely forested valleys. This comes at no extra cost to you. These smaller mammals are likely to get into your food or chew through your pack. 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. The 14,000 foot peaks that surround the Colorado Trail are irresistable objectives for many hikers, and once you’ve seen them, it’s easy to understand why. Collegiate East Route Option: The original 78 mile route. The Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments which includes a choice of two routes in the middle, Collegiate East and Collegiate West. Overall the average trip length reported in the survey was 33 days. In certain wilderness areas you’ll be required to fill out a free self-issue permit before entry, but you don’t have to worry about fighting a quota to secure any sought-after permits for the trail before you hit it. From an aerial point of view, visualize these two routes forming a vertical eye shape - separating at the bottom point and rejoining at the top point. There are a few campgrounds - some free and some for charge. After stopping at Creede, hikers begin a roller coaster ride of ups and downs through the San Juan Mountains. The Colorado Trail Foundation breaks the trail up into 28 different sections. For those reasons, most hike the trail over the summer, taking advantage of longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and readily-available water. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. Here is an example of a complete thru-hiking gear list for the Colorado Trail. We do not do sponsored or paid posts. Overall, hiking the Colorado Trail is a means of solitude, peace and beauty. Snow fed lakes and streams provide ample water. Since 2013, the trail has forked into two possible routes through the Collegiate Mountains between Twin Lakes, CO and Monarch Pass. Basically a level shaded trail for all ages,following the creek most of the way. Sandburg says that he learned the song from Dr. T. L. Chapman, of Duluth, Minnesota, who heard it from a badly injured cowboy being treated in his hospital. There are only a few places where the Colorado Trail comes near a road whereby a support vehicle can get in. Before you begin your descent down into Durango, you must first cross Indian Trail ridge, an open and exposed ridge that, much like most of Colorado,  is known for its afternoon thunderstorms. Nothing more. 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. In general, a permit is not necessary to hike the Colorado Trail and there are no quotas. Hitchhiking can be difficult because of the long distances between the towns and trail. 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. The Colorado Trail is nearly 500 miles long and climbs 75,000 feet through eight mountain ranges and six wilderness areas. Some wilderness areas on the path require permits, but they are free. If you are stuck on ridge, then get into the lightning position by crouching down on the balls of your feet, putting your head down towards your legs and covering your ears with your hands. See the map on our maps page for a quick look at the segments. Alternative Northeastern terminus points include Indian Creek Trailhead or Roxborough State Park. Wahoo! If a few days of wandering through nature doesn’t quite cut it for you head for the Colorado Trail. Women of the Colorado Trail Facebook Group. Black bears are known to roam the backcountry, but they are not commonly seen on the trail. It can be sparse for thru-hikers to find fellow thru-hikers to socialize and form a trail family ("tramily"?). The Colorado Trail, one of the nation's premier long-distance hiking trails, spans 500 miles from Denver to Durango, and it's arguably one of Colorado's greatest outdoor recreation and education achievements. The Colorado Trail is a 486 mile backpacking route starting in Denver, Colorado and ending in Durango, Colorado. Get ready for some thigh-busting ascents and high altitude exposure as the trail climbs through two passes. The Colorado Trail Guide Book, 9th ed. Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. Most hikers don’t stop in between each section, so for those buying as they go, there are a handful of typical resupply locations from Denver to Durango: In many cases, hitchhiking is the best and quickest way to get to many of these towns to resupply. (As always, be safe and use your judgement.). 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. The original eastern option skirts the edge of the range, staying lower and closer to civilization. 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