The Strater Hotel (800-247-4431) in Durango was built in 1887 and houses the largest collection of antique walnut furniture in the world. It's a magical trail but there is one long section of bumpy double-track that does become tiresome. Avoid wet, low-lying areas, and use insect repellent. Just get in shape beforehand and drink lots of water (more than a gallon a day if the sun's out). Water is scarce along parts of the trail. New posts and updates sent straight to your inbox. (The CT Bible, don’t leave home without it! There are about a dozen great peaks to climb within a one-day walk from the trail. Sites at 13 campgrounds may be reserved by calling (800) 280-CAMP. You want to go self-contained for three days and two nights, camping wherever the mood strikes you. Each campground has a self-service registration and fee-payment station near the entrance. Route description. You can also learn about the Southern Ute Indian tribe (800-847-5485), enjoy vaudeville at the Diamond Circle Melodrama (970-247-3400), relieve stress at Trimble Hot Springs (970-247-0111), attend a rodeo in the summer, take a ballon ride or glider ride, or experience an evening at Bar-D Chuckwagon (970-247-5753). The drive from Denver is a long one; it's best to fly into Albuquerque and drive to Durango. Elevations are high, very high. In Durango, there are over 10 raft companies to help plan a white water trip. 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. Katy Trail State Park. Ken Ratcliff/Flickr. In the backcountry's less-traveled areas live bighorn sheep, mountain goats, beavers, river otters, and even mountain lions. You want the stars close enough to tickle you. As a mountain biker you’ll pedal and hike a minimum of 540 miles with roughly 82,000 feet of elevation gain to do the full trail. You will enjoy the 19.7 mile long trail even better during summer and fall season. Pace: Biking the trail can take between 4 and 20 days. Each can be ridden in a hard, fast day, with easy access via car or truck. I started on August 1st in Denver and finished in Durango on September 6th. Contact: SJNFA P.O. The 539-mile bike route can take riders anywhere from between 8 and 18 days—far … How to beat the crowds and find solitude in the Rockies. The Colorado Trail is Colorado’s foremost trail that is widely recognized by outdoor enthusiasts due to its high elevations, beautiful sceneries and spectacular recreational offerings. Lowest elevation – 5,522 feet (Segment 1 near Denver), Highest elevation – 13,271 feet (Segment 22 in the San Juan Mountains). 8. Fee campgrounds include tables, fire grates, toilets, and drinking water. Clear Lake and Turquoise Lake are popular spots. Poison ivy grows in the area, usually in the lower elevations ~ in thickets along streams and on rocky hillsides. The Colorado Trail Guide Book, 9th ed. Go prepared for everything from rain and snow to 90?, skin-broiling heat. Thru-bikers should allow 15-20 days for the trip. In Durango, take a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (970-247-2733). My plan is to finish writing it by June 2018. Life Above Treeline. Little Known Fact: The Colorado Trail totals 469 miles ~ for mountain biking or hiking. Within San Juan National Forest, you can drive along the San Juan Skyway, a National Forest Scenic Byway; fish for trout in lakes or go boating; go kayaking on a white water river; ride a mountain bike on miles of single-track trails, including some that are known internationally; hike into the backcountry; explore three wilderness areas and more than 1,000 miles of trails; visit historic mining districts or ancient Pueblo Indian archaeological sites; see sights by foot, car, horse, motorcycle, or other off-road vehicle; hunt plentiful big game; and enjoy downhill and cross-country skiiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or ice fishing in the winter. It is a long-distance trail stretching for 782 km (486 miles) from Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango. With nearly 500 miles of length from Denver Metro to Durango, it may take up to six weeks to complete its entire length. The record is 4 days 4 hours and 17 minutes, during the Colorado Trail Race (during which riders bike through storms and darkness to compete in a race with no prizes). You've got a long weekend coming up, three full days if you leave immediately after work Thursday and return late Sunday night. The CDT and The Colorado Trail share the same treadway for 234 miles; over 300 if you take the Collegiate West option. It can take you roughly 2 to 4 hours to finish the trail. 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. Once again, this will depend on your elevation. This trail makes for a mellow, fun-filled day with plenty of recreation possibilities and stunning views. New waterproof 7th edition coming out in 2018), The Colorado Trail Map Book by Jerry Brown, Women of the Colorado Trail (women-only group). I averaged 15 miles a day for the 33 days I hiked, my longest day was a true marathon at 26.2 miles, and I took two detours along the way to summit Mount Massive (14,421’) and San Luis Peak (14,014’). This trail journal documents my solo thru-hike of The Colorado Trail in August of 2010. It can take four to six weeks to hike the whole thing, but you can hike it in smaller segments. I also earned the trail name “Serendipity,” but that’s a story for another day. It’s the perfect place to try your first week-long bike tour. Check for Rocky Mountain wood ticks that can transmit Colorado tick fever. Being a moderate track, you can even take your dog here. Spring comes earlier to this mountain paradise. I finished the trail in 37 days, taking three “zero days.” Day 1 – Waterton Canyon to the South Platte River – Segment 1 You’ll be amazed to find a 243-foot tall dam hiding in such an isolated canyon. Floods can occur in the floodplains. We estimate that 150 people complete the CT each year, with thousands of people hiking, bicycling or horseback riding portions of it. Hence the season for the Co What you want is the Colorado Trail, specifically the sections immediately north of Durango, Colorado. Be prepared for extreme weather. And you definitely want your mountain bike. Find your hike on the country's highest footpath. Next week I’ll post a photo gallery with daily mileage and experiences from my five weeks on the trail.And if you’re curious how the book is coming along, sign up for my monthly newsletter (under the comments section below). A reservation fee is charged. 8.7mi — 1h 09m Jul 24, 2009 Justin Theilman. Nearly 300 species of birds have been identified in southwestern Colorado. Anyone can hike the Colorado Trail. The San Juan National Forest Association offers Colorado Trail maps for $18 plus $2 shipping (whole set) and $10 plus $1 shipping (half set: 1-16 North, 17-29 South) and Colorado Traveler (a detailed guidebook for day hikes on the Colorado Trail) for $5 plus $1 shipping. THE ROUTEThe CT is a 485-mile trail between Denver and Durango that winds its way through six wilderness areas, eight mountain ranges, six national forests, and five river systems, and climbs nearly 90,000 feet in elevation. Box 2261 Durango, CO 81302. Mountain vistas: the ups and downs of a mountain-biking/hiking paradise. Loop Dry Fork to Colorado Trail to Hofhein's connection. Colorado has climbs that belong on every cyclist's bucket list and Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is my favorite. The Centennial State's namesake route offers a tour of some of the country's best high alpine scenery in one monthlong hike. Reservations must be made at least 10 days prior to arrival for individual sites and three days prior for group sites. The Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide by Paul Magnanti, “Yogi’s Colorado Trail Handbook” by Jackie McDonnell. ” Jeep and mountain bike rentals are also available. For recorded information on Colorado wildlife special events, call (303) 291-7518. All told, I hiked over 500 miles and gained nearly 100,000 vertical feet during my trip. Owls often pierce the still of the night with their hoots. National forest maps are also available from the visitor center for $3. Guide to Bicycle Routes on Public Lands of Southwest Colorado and Durango Area Southwest Colorado Mountain Bike Routes are helpful for mountain bikers and are available from forest offices and local bike shops. I ended up losing 15 pounds, and gained a ton of muscle, by the time I reached Durango. The Colorado Trail in its entirety is ranked as the #1 mountain bike trail in the world by Singletracks members. Contact: The San Juan National Forest Association offers Colorado Trail maps for $18 plus $2 shipping (whole set) and $10 plus $1 shipping (half set: 1-16 North, 17-29 South) and Colorado Traveler (a detailed guidebook for day hikes on the Colorado Trail) for $5 plus $1 shipping. Location: Machens to Clinton, Missouri Length: 237.7 miles. Campgrounds range from $6 to $10; most are $8. The silence of the alpine void of wind, foliage and wildlife, just two weary travelers making passage across the top of the world. After 100’s of hours of research, 1000’s of keystrokes, more emails and phone calls than I can recall the One of Seven Project’s Colorado Trail Race Planning Aids are done. More common are ravens, flickers, gray jays, mountain bluebirds, and hummingbirds. The Official Colorado Trail Guidebook and Colorado Trail Databook include maps and descriptions of those detours. And there is lots of history to enjoy in Durango's Victorian architecture. Beginner Bike TrailsBoreas Pass, Breckenridge, 6 milesBoreas is a great family ride that starts out on a wide road — formerly an abandoned narrow-gauge rail bed — and splits off into forested singletrack that twists past historic mining relics. Bike: Because the Monarch Crest Trail follows this section and part of the next one, and riders usually take a shuttle to the top of the pass, it is possible to encounter large groups during peak times, so plan accordingly. Did you hike it solo? Last year, I decided to hike the Colorado Trail (CT), and now I’m writing a book about my experience. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition You want mountains, crystal waters, and skies so blue they make your eyes ache. August is wetter. It was late in the day and we were still climbing. The Colorado Trail “End to End” Guide by Paul Magnanti. This bike trail is just a beautiful ride. Rattlesnakes are seldom seen but may be found in lower elevations during the summer. Chipmunks and ground squirrels are common campsite visitors, and raccoons and skunks may visit after dark. An occasional porcupine or furry marmot scurries along a back road. The Strontia Springs Dam sure is a sight to see! I look forward to keeping in touch. If any long trail is likely to induce a headache, it's the Colorado Trail. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. Usually the distance is broken into three distinct sections: from Molas Pass to Bolem Pass; Bolem Pass to the head of Hotel Draw; from Hotel Draw to Kennebec Pass and on to Durango. I also hiked the majority of the CT solo. Waterton Canyon Trail might seem long, but it is deemed “easy” due to its low elevation gain and well-groomed trail. Reply | Thank | Edit. So I created this post to share the basics about the route I chose, my hiking stats and the planning resources I found most helpful. The morning quiet was deafening. Snow can fall at high elevations any month of the year. Can I Mountain Bike the Colorado Trail? Understanding the numbered segment system is key to using The Colorado Trail Foundation’s official guidebooks, and helpful when using the awesome CT navigation app for your smart phone. Because thru-hikers are in it for the long haul, we often take a half-day break from hiking (nero day) or a full-day break (zero day) in a nearby mountain town to shower off the grime, do laundry, drink a beer, grab some supplies, eat a hot meal, chat up the locals, devour ice cream and sleep in a mediocre bed that feels like heaven. The most common trees are aspen, pi?ion juniper, spruce fir, and cottonwood. You'll spend most of the time near timberline, which in Colorado hovers around 12,000 feet. The forest has many developed campgrounds and picnic areas, including several designed for large groups. July and early September are probably the best months. Contact: SJNFA. In fact, the route described here has been traversed solo and self-supported in an astonishing 3 days, 23 hours and 38 minutes by Jefe Branham of Gunnison in 2012. I camped in the forest, near lakes and streams, and sometimes above tree line, in a tent I carried along the way. And listen for woodpeckers in search of insects in the bark of trees. According to the latest figures, The Colorado Trail averages 10347′ throughout its length! If you're in no hurry whatsoever and enjoy lingering, take all three days just to ride to Bolem Pass, where you'll take the dirt road to the Purgatory Ski Resort. The Colorado Trail is a 486 mile backpacking route starting in Denver, Colorado and ending in Durango, Colorado. Bikers will traverse many mountain ranges, including the Colorado Rocky Mountains, during their journey. Hiking and running is common too on the Government Trail. The closer to Denver, the more developed campsites become. While mountain bikes aren’t allowed in the Colorado Trail’s wilderness areas, a series of detours from the official route make a Denver to Durango ride possible. But to really savor the trail, to fully appreciate just what a magnificent land it traverses, you've got to take your time, hiking or riding slowly, camping wherever night finds you. There are a lot of resources out there to help you hike all or part of the CT, and my list is not exhaustive. Autumn foliage brings magnificent gold to the area. Also, you can hike or bike portions of the Colorado Trail, providing an incredible Rocky Mountain adventure with less effort and time invested. Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks from end to end. They’re the ultimate planning resources for the Colorado Trail Race. I averaged one shower a week, and I typically ordered two high-calorie meals whenever I hit a restaurant. The record is 4 days 4 hours and 17 minutes, during the Colorado Trail Race (during which riders bike through storms and darkness to compete in a race with no prizes). Best overall bike trail I have ever ridden. Most of the trail lies above 3,000 m or 10,000 feet. Reply | Thank | Edit. 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. Dodge high wattage on the newest stretch of the Colorado Trail. my wife was going crazy because I kept pulling over and taking Pictures. hours west of Durango. Just north of the Molas Pass summit, turn left at the sign for Little Molas Lake. Posted on April 8, 2020 May 13, 2020 by MAD Hippies Life. But don't worry, because altitude affects everybody that way. They contain everything you need to plan and execute your ride/ride of the CTR. Be prepared for high altitudes, and possibly accompanying sickness from ascending too rapidly. And Purgatory Resort offers 38 miles of skiing. If you’re sane, it’ll probably take you between 15 and 20 days, if you’re averaging 25-35 miles per day, though backpackers regularly take upwards of 30 days, so it really depends on how long you want to be out there. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/clear-creek-trail Durango, CO. came around the curves a couple times and almost had to stop because so many people were spread out on trail. I’m often asked What does the actual path look like? It usually takes thru-hikers 4-6 weeks to complete but it can be completed in sections over several years. It is possible to thru-bike the Trail without support by resupplying at nearby towns, including such as Frisco, Breckenridge, Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida and Silverton. A bird list, compiled by the Durango Bird Club, is available from Forest Service offices upon request. The trail fits the bill for an afternoon or early evening ride for those seeking a quick adventure with stunning mountainside views. The Colorado Trail Databook, 7th ed. The CT is divided into 28 segments with access points at the end of each. A thru hike generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete. The best part is the first two sections. The trail is maintained by the Colorado Trail Foundation which organizes groups of volunteers to work on the trail. Although hiking or biking the full route takes a significant commitment to preparation and gear, the route has been broken into 28 “day trips” that offer a taste of the adventure. 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.Its highest point is 13,271 feet (4,045 m) above sea level, and most of the trail is above 10,000 feet (3,000 m). The trailhead is past the lake. 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