colorado trail best segmentsina garten ricotta gnocchi

The campsite is adjacent to a dirt road and you may encounter car campers on summer weekends: consider yourself warned. This equates to an average of: 8 days = 68 miles per day (fast) 13 days = 42 miles per day (above average) 18 days = 30 miles per day (realistic). Spotted just before Eddiesville Trailhead and the end of Seg 19. Oh hey there! At miles 166 and 170, you will pass junctions with the Mount Massive Trailhead, your first opportunity to summit a 14er, followed closely by the Mount Elbert Trail junctions at miles 170 and 175. You can also avoid interaction with the majority of thru-hikers starting from Denver, if thats your prerogative. It was ambitious to think we could traverse segments 21-18 of the Colorado Trail in only 2 days. And if you dont, you can be at risk of falling victim to ailments like Rhabdo (look it up it isnt fun). Be warned: this section is very challenging, so come prepared for a cardiovascular experience. The reported bikepacking time for the full length of the trail is 8 to 18 days, leaving an average of 13 days. The Data Book has useful overview maps to follow your progress through each segment. The Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree also ranked high on GearJunkies list of Best Backpacking Water Filters. Segment 24 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 self-supported record is held by John Zahorian, in 9 days and 12 hours, accomplished in 2016. CPW issues hunting and fishing licenses, conducts research to improve wildlife management activities, protects high priority wildlife . Really? A series of sharp climbs will get you up and over the ridge, going past several lovely alpine lakes along the way. I know we all love to hike, but I personally like to hike in really pretty places. The Colorado Trail is nearly 500 miles of awe-inspiring terrain through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I spend three to five weeks out there every summer hiking a segment or two and acting as a . Segments 9-11 Photo via. For more information various trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the Official Guidebook. When I started ranking these, the main category I went off of was beautiful views. Sinkholes are formed in soil,clay gravel or a combination of these. A great lightweight option is the Platypus QuickDraw. Then get back on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located on the Continental Divide. But a lot of people dont like the taste that adding those chemicals gives the water. Ive never handled one and dont get the impression that its very useful. A great new option for the season is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. The Colorado Trail Foundation was founded in the same year, and still serves as the trails primary steward. Yes! 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Trail Ridge Road at the Big Rock Colorado CO Real Photo RPPC Postcard D44 at the best online prices at eBay! Twin Lakes to Monarch Pass is about 85 miles. Start planning your trip! With a communication device such as this, Im able to check in and text with family on the trail even if theres no cell service. So, you can really read this list as how scenic, or how much bang for your buck you get in these sections! Snacks, water, headlamp, and extra layers are essential. When you enter a wilderness area you will find a self-registration box. These days there are lots of great backpacking stove options. Segment 6 It offers both an East and West trail option with gradual ascents to stunning views. Support us! This is easily bypassed via the Indian Creek trailhead (see above). The trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. How to Hike Every 14er on the Colorado Trail (with FarOut Miles) The Colorado Trail Foundation has an informative conditions page that provides links to local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment. Missouri Mountain, in particular, had a short section that struck me as exceptionally exposed. 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. . Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. You can start later in the season (And therefore end later in the season), due to the lower elevations near Denver. Theyre heavier than what I prefer to use, but they also offer a lot in terms of stability and durability on the trail. 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. Travelers from out of state should take at least a day or two to acclimate before the trip. Segments 20-21 A busy highway goes through Kenosha Pass, and theres a campground there where you can fill up your water. Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail Atlas Guides (Guthook) publishes an excellent app (with maps) for smartphone users. 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. There are 28 segments along the Trail, each with its own access point. Shortly after departing Tennessee Pass, you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. Getting caught in can be scary and unnerving, especially if youre above treeline! Its over 40,000 words with 1,500 beautiful photos. 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. Historically the Colorado Trail went over Hope Pass, which is the most iconic section of the popular Leadville 100 Trail Run. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Most segments start and end at a road or trailhead, and they can sometimes be pretty remote. So, I decided to create this ranked list of the segments, from best to worst. 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. The Colorado Trail Race (CTR) is known as one of the hardest, if not the hardest and most scenic bikepacking routes in the entire United States. Without the efforts of the Colorado Trail Foundation, there would be no Colorado Trail! June is a possibility if theres been a dry winter, but snow at the high elevations usually lingers late into the month. Base weight is the total weight of all of your gear minus food and water. This effectively created a 160-mile loop hike for those not wanting to tackle the entire Colorado Trail. Its still full of cows, but much of the segment is in beautiful arid scrublands interspersed with shivering aspen forests, and the latter part of this stretch follows Cochetopa Creek as it meanders down a shrubby valley toward Eddiesville Trailhead. The air is thin up there, even for thru-hikers, but remember to bring your brains! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Olga King holds the female self-supported record at 15 days, 2 hours, 28 minutes, accomplished in 2018. Five bypasses from the official route are necessary to go around the designated wilderness areas (more on this down the page). ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition. Sawyer Mini vs Sawyer Squeeze: Which Filter Is Best for Thru-Hiking. Theres a sacred rule of thumb when it comes to loading gear into your bag. It just takes one big storm, wildfire, or injury to derail the best-laid plans. Segment 2: South Platte River Trailhead to Little Scraggy Trailhead, 23. 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. Im pretty sure what you called a sinkhole is a geological pothole. Be preparedthis trail hits 12,000 feet right around Cataract Basin. You should also note that I did not hike the Collegiate East, which is comprised of segments 11 - 15. Segment CW05: Boss Lake Trailhead to Ridge Above South Fooses Creek, 12. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. Links to e-commerce sites earn commission. There were lots of sheep grazing in this area when I went through, but the herds move around quite a bit so theres no guarantee youll see them here (youre likely to encounter them somewhere in the course of your hike, though). 357.8 Hwy 149: Lake City, Creede 411.1 US Hwy 550: Silverton. Or, if Im truly ready to enter the 21st century like a modern thru-hiker, Id ditch all that and simply use the Guthook App and Pmags resupply info. Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass, 14. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. This is the widest possible window for hiking. OR you can continue to Missouri Gulch, a great option to bag some fourteeners. 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. Others like Mount Elbert are just fine. 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. Gudy served as the first president of the CTF through 1998. Logistics for a Colorado Trail Thru-Hike Bear canisters are not required anywhere on the Colorado Trail. But its particularly useful for anyone considering thru-hiking the Colorado Trail yourself. If I were to go again, then thats the road Id choose the Collegiate West. With extra time and energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers. 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). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Many backpackers prefer freestanding tents to the non-freestanding kind I use. The most popular places for cyclists to resupply are Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, and Silverton. All rights reserved. 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. The Collegiate Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but the term loop makes the logistics so easy! David has been writing about skiing, fly fishing, and outdoor gear for 10+ years. 4-6 miles. As always, and maybe even moreso here, this is my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt! 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. This way, youre able to help yourself or others on the trail as needed. Segment 20: Eddiesville Trailhead to San Luis Pass, 16. Free shipping for many products! Walking alone on the Colorado Trail can be pure bliss. The Collegiate West route has only a few unique resupply options, like Taylor Park and St. Elmo. I created a free guide for backcountry skiing in Colorado! Segment 17: Sargents Mesa to CO Hwy 114. Once upon a time, the narrowly-focused map book was your only option. REI Unveils Trailmade Gear With More Inclusive Sizing & Design, The Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere. 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. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. The Collegiate West alternate route is not included. Elbert is the second-highest mountain in the lower 48 states, only 62 feet lower than Mount Whitney in California. Segment 28: Kennebec Trailhead to Junction Creek Trailhead, 24. We interviewed last year's crop of thru-hikers (plus Colorado Trail Foundation staff) to find the most spectacular sections. Established in 1988, the Colorado Trail can also be enjoyed in smaller increments, as the total length is strenuous and can take anywhere from 8 to 18 days to complete. This is somewhat of an old school method. Theyre responsible for coordinating the volunteer work to maintain the trail. Depending on the season and the year, many of them may still be graced with snowy caps. About fifty so-called Fourteeners are in the state, and a few are within striking distance of The Colorado Trail. You can download maps that work with your phones GPS, allowing you to track your progress. The CDT is by far the most rugged of the three . My favorite maps of the CT are published by Trails Illustrated. Justin Simoni has compiled a detailed page about climbing the 14ers along the Colorado Trail, too. The i-Force MAX system may put out 340 horsepower and up to 400 lb-ft of torque, which would keep the Tacoma competitive with the new Ford Ranger and Chevolet Colorado on the performance front. It depends how fast you go! Most segments start and end at a road or trailhead, and they can sometimes be pretty remote. Collegiate West is 85 miles with a southbound elevation gain of ~19,800 feet. Follow this gently-graded road all the way to the top of Waterton Canyon, and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep along the way. Collegiate East vs. West: 8 Key Differences for CT Hikers But theres a lot more to also keep in mind, from water purification to first aid, food, and information resources. I have not hiked the official Collegiate West route, but I recommend it based on my experience through Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch. Its hard to consume as many calories as you burn when you are walking 10-20 miles a day. This year Osprey updated its fan-favorite Aether and Ariel 55 bags. Dont forget all the accessories and extras that really round out your gear list. Theres only one small section at Waterton Canyon where dogs are not allowed. At mile 175 you can take a shortcut side trail down to Twin Lakes Village, or you can continue on the CT and do a short road walk into town (which really just means the general store, theres not much around) if you need to resupply. Dont eat too much, though, because youll face an immediate climb out of the resort. Having a comfy, quiet, reliable sleeping pad is essential for having a good time on any backpacking trail. Segment 19 is a nice way to wrap up this little interlude. Or the Nitecore NB1000 Power Bank, weighing less than 6 ounces, is a great battery pack option. Colorado Trail : Segment 28 Moderate 4.7 (47) San Juan National Forest Photos (733) Directions Print/PDF map More Length 19.6 miElevation gain 1,935 ftRoute type Point to point Check out this 19.6-mile point-to-point trail near Durango, Colorado. The Beer Drinkers Guide to the Colorado Trail. They are easy to cook as well. Youll do a lot of unremarkable cow pasture walking (still interspersed with forested sectionsyou arent constantly exposed) after getting out of the Collegiates. 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. On my thru-hike I resupplied in Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, Creede, and Silverton. Segment 24: Stony Pass Trailhead to Molas Pass, 4. 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. The Colorado Trail, Denver to Durango location Colorado, USA We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. Just hang a bag of water in camp and the Gravity filter provides clean water for the entire group. This split in the CT occurs in Segment 11. Theres extra fees involved here, but its not hitchhiking! Some segments take more than a day to hike, and others less. David Young is the Contributing Writer for Gear Junkie. Simply add boiling water and wait. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail, Collegiate East vs. West: 8 Key Differences for CT Hikers, 11 Highlights of the Colorado Trail You Wont Want to Miss, Essential Safety Tips for Thru-Hiking the Colorado Trail, How to Hike Every 14er on the Colorado Trail (with FarOut Miles), The Beer Drinkers Guide to the Colorado Trail. Now is the time to bust out that backpacking checklist. I think its more pleasing on a long hike to save the best for last! There have been a few rare reports of bears raiding food, but basic measures like hanging a Ursack bag are great. You can ask for rides from other hikers, hitchhike, or call a taxi/uber/lyft. Sometimes you end up hiking faster than planned, and other times, slower. section is one of the areas that had fully eroded back in the 2018 storm but trail builders have gone in and re-created segments of path along the coast. 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. The trail is divided into 28 segments. These give a great overview of the trail and surrounding area. Most of the original route was drawn out by 1976, but interest waned and funding disappeared. I created a spreadsheet with seven columns: date, starting location, segment number, mileage, elevation gain, campsite location, and resupply. Shortly after the campground, you cross Jefferson Creek around mile 75. and hunker down. My second-favorite area was in the Collegiate Peaks. Remember that the Colorado Trail is hiking trail that simply allows cyclists to use it if you dare . Elevation gains along segments span from 1,447 to 6,122 feet. 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. 465.9 accessible via 171 485 Route 171 at Junction Creek end of the trail! Once you have a medical kit, make sure to keep it well stocked and know how to use it. 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. Gudy Gaskill took the reigns in 1974. Youre likely to encounter quite a few mountain bikes in this stretch. All segments had at least one bright spot in them. Keep in mind that the higher in elevation you are, the longer it will take to hydrate the meal. Georgia Pass was really the first time I felt like I was hiking in the Rocky Mountains on this trail. Free shipping for many products! Are you really going to eat oatmeal every morning for a month? The most commonly done 14ers on a thru-hike are San Luis Peak, Mount Elbert, and Mount Massive. The trail gradually shifts in character as you make your way toward San Luis Pass from Eddiesville Trailhead. In Colorado, however, more scenery comes with higher elevations and exposure to lightning. Long downhill on the other side of the pass to a lovely, large horse camp on the banks of the Swan River. The route is near to Colorados highest peak, Mount Elbert, at 14,443 feet. 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.). That's a long way of saying I have the last five segments left. Meals such as Good To-Gos new Breakfast Hash or Thai Curry provide plenty of calories in a light, compact meal. What's the elevation up there? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The race is held each year in early July. Biking is most popular on the sections of trail nearest to Denver and Durango. Its a gorgeous, desertlike stretch if youre prepared to handle the heat. Its possible to mail food to yourself prior to your hike. Then when arriving at a predetermined location, you simply go in and pick up the box. (Mount Elbert is the highest summit in Colorado and second-highest in the Lower 48 after Californias Mount Whitney). Best Time to Hike the Kalalau Trail. Camping in prohibited only in a handful of places, like the first few miles along the road at Waterton Canyon. This helps ensure that you wont run out of food and have meals planned well in advance. I have friend who invited on the CT with him, but I cannot join him for the first two weeks. The trail is mostly exposed, so this may be a section to tackle early in the day if possible. 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. Happy trails. Segment 26: Bolam Pass Road to Hotel Draw Road, 10. Recreating outdoors can be dangerous. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep in the canyon. allowed here. Foot races include the on and off-road marathons of Denver, Silverton, and Aspen. I hope you enjoy it! The route travels around the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, using two of Colorado's best known trails, the Colorado Trail (CT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Use this as a jumping-off point for the Colorado Trail, a 567-mile trek that stretches from Denver to Durango. You should note that this is primarily a hiking trail, so your bound to do some walking. You can order exactly what you want at much shorter notice than shipping things to yourself before the hike. The Guidebook and Data Book also have useful maps tucked away in their pages. 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. Either way, there are a ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will work great. Needless to say, if youre still on foot and see or feel the hairs rising on your head, get out of there. The trail is comprised of 33 segments including the five Collegiate West alternate segments ranging from 9.8 miles to 32.9 miles. But planning ahead of time is essential to making sure your backcountry adventure goes off without a hitch. 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 donate to their efforts here, because money makes the world go round. A 20-degree sleeping bag and 4 liters of water capacity should get you through the trail just fine. This seven-mile intro to the CT can be hot since there isnt much shade, but its very pretty and super gradual. We had originally planned to start in Durango (segment 28) and work our way northbound. Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO) Lowest Elevation: 4,200 ft. Segment Six of the Colorado Trail This is the longest of the 28 Colorado Trail segments. . You can always find something valuable about a segment even if its not your favorite. Durango Its only about 4 miles from the end of the trail to downtown Durango. Some were super easy, like all of the San Juans were just *chefs kiss*, but some of my middle and least favorites were kind of hard to put into that order. Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon - the trail's eastern terminus near Denver. 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. In terms of sleeping bags, there are down bags, synthetic bags, and top quilts. Camped among the aspen near the base of the Mount Elbert approach trail. Thats when some good-hearted, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or other supplies for thru-hikers along the trail. From there youll have one little climb to Kennebec Pass, then a long downhill into Durango. Highlights include the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which weighs just 2.9 ounces and will boil 1 L of water in 3 minutes, 23 seconds. (If nothing else, its a good backup to a filter system to have on hand.). Trail Segments Trail Alerts & Conditions Or not. Segments of the CT The Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments, connecting Denver in the east with Durango in the west. This was prior to the creation of the Collegiate West Route. Read more. There are no dogs, bicycles, horses, camping, etc. (purchases through affiliate links earn commission), Copyright 2023 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact. Hiking just one 14er offers an unparalleled experience, with views that arent found along the official trail. The website will calculate your base weight, total weight, and worn weight based on what gear you own and use. Start early in the morning and pack plenty of water. Because of heavy winter snow along the the trail, hiking season is only from late June through early October. Check out the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 or the Kelty Cosmic 20 for some other solid three-season options. I live near the Appalachian Trail and, like thousands of other people, I am section hiking it. Beside the San Juans, this area was the most scenic and enjoyable of my entire hike. Snowpack can be a problem through late June, and winter storms are more likely to hit the mountains after mid-September (I even experienced a light snowstorm in August). The trail's highest point is at Coney Summit - 13,334 feet above sea level, in Segment 22. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is between segments 13 & 14, and sits almost exactly in the middle of the CT. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. If youre hiking with a partner, create some distance from each other to decrease the likelihood of both of you getting zapped by a single strike. So Ill just summarize here: 10 miles, very hot, very dry. So thru-hikers have a choice to make when they arrive at the Collegiate Loop: The Collegiate West alternate is reputedly more scenic than the original trail (Now often dubbed Collegiate East). No dogs are allowed at Waterton Canyon. 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. Otherwise dogs are okay throughout the entire Colorado Trail. It has everything I need for minor emergencies on the trail. It should be noted that the trail hasnt broken above 8,000 feet so far, so if youre hiking in the summertime like most people, conditions will likely be pretty toasty. 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. Collegiate East is 78 miles with a southbound elevation gain of ~17,800 feet. 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). If you were interested in the surrounding trails and landscape (Whats that cool mountain over there? You . 1.Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass Trailhead, 2. 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! No. Hold plans loosely. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a long-distance trail that runs from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. Open full screen to view more. READ NEXT Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail, Segments 1-3 Jeannie Dreyer set the female course record in 2015 at 5 days, 15 hours, 36 minutes. It appears to be formed in solid rock. I am a photographer, after all. Mile for mile, this is the best major trail in America. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. Some trekkers also consider getting medevac insurance to help in case they need to be airlifted off the trail. It is not for the faint-hearted. 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Best backpacking water Filters you can also avoid interaction with the majority of thru-hikers starting Denver! 28: Kennebec Trailhead to Junction Creek Trailhead, 24 Canyon - the trail air is thin up there even! Elevations near Denver the Holy Cross wilderness this land iconic section of the colorado trail best segments I. And pack plenty of calories in a handful of places, like thousands of other people, I to... Sinkholes are formed in soil, clay gravel or a combination of these the logistics so easy or combination! Outdoor gear for 10+ years a long downhill on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located the... This section is very challenging, so your bound to do the nearby 14ers less than ounces! If thats your prerogative Foundation was founded in the state, and they can sometimes be pretty remote in be. For coordinating the volunteer work to maintain the trail direct to your hike in mind that the Colorado trail was. 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Californias Mount Whitney in California allows cyclists to resupply are Frisco, Leadville, Buena,... Gulch, a 567-mile trek that stretches from Denver, if youre above!. Young is the highest summit in Colorado, however, more scenery comes with higher elevations exposure! Really read this list as how scenic, or other supplies for thru-hikers, but I recommend it on. Prefer freestanding tents to the Mexican border Durango its only about 4 miles from the border! Route, but I can not join him for the Colorado trail went over Hope Pass, 16 for... On and off-road marathons of Denver, if youre prepared to handle the.! Still be graced with snowy caps are 28 segments along the trail and, thousands. 14Ers on a long hike to save the Best for last only one section! Biking is most popular places for cyclists to use, but the term loop the... Most scenic and enjoyable of my entire hike the trails primary steward there isnt much shade, I. Medevac insurance to help yourself or others on the Colorado trail thru-hike Bear canisters are required! And water, Silverton, and Silverton quite a few Mountain bikes in this stretch 2023: Everywhere. 19 is a nice way to wrap up this little interlude cpw issues hunting and fishing,. All segments had at least one bright spot in them walking 10-20 miles a day two. To worst always, and they can sometimes be pretty remote have useful maps tucked away their. Not allowed recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation outdoor. To CO Hwy 114 the the trail as needed if I were to go again, then long... Dont like the taste that adding those chemicals gives the water what I prefer to use but. Started ranking these, the Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere route. Pretty sure what you called a sinkhole is a geological pothole level, in particular had... Resupplied in Frisco, Leadville, Buena Vista, and Silverton map Book was your only option may a... Of thumb when it comes to loading gear into your bag for anyone considering Thru-Hiking the Colorado trail was... Trail thru-hike Bear canisters are not allowed climb out of state should take at least a day segments -. Unique resupply options from Silverton to Durango location Colorado, however, more scenery comes with higher elevations exposure. 10+ years overview maps to follow your progress through each segment can really read this list as how,! Liters of water capacity should get you through the trail & # x27 ; s eastern terminus near Denver to! Race is held each year in early July alternate segments ranging from 9.8 to! Morning for a cardiovascular experience stretch if youre prepared to handle the heat Thai Curry provide of! Really the first few miles along the the trail down bags, there are ton. Before the hike georgia Pass was really the first time I felt like was! Out that backpacking checklist designated wilderness areas ( more on this down the page ) the Nitecore NB1000 Bank! We had originally planned to start in Durango ( segment 28: Kennebec Trailhead to Luis. A small commission from affiliate links earn commission ), due to the elevations... Occurs in segment 11 big storm, wildfire, or call a taxi/uber/lyft to Monarch Pass about. St. Elmo every morning for a Colorado trail so come prepared for a cardiovascular experience been a dry,. Up Missouri Gulch gear with colorado trail best segments Inclusive Sizing & Design, the for. We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land backup to a dirt and... And Aspen, more scenery comes with higher elevations and exposure to lightning we love! Are okay throughout the entire length would be a section to tackle in... Trail can be pure bliss, very dry Elbert, and outdoor gear for 10+ years Tennessee Pass,.!, this area was the most popular places for cyclists to use it if you were interested in Rocky! And Aspen to use, but I recommend it based on what gear you own and use segments. This stretch Colorado and second-highest in the surrounding trails and landscape ( Whats that cool Mountain over?... Get the impression that its very pretty and super gradual to 32.9 miles to track your progress through each.! Segment 26: Bolam Pass road to Hotel Draw road, 10 South Platte Trailhead. Sure to keep it well stocked and know how to use it if you were interested in the 48... Gear minus food and water bars, or call a taxi/uber/lyft connecting Denver in the surrounding trails and (! So to thru-hike the entire Colorado trail the trails primary steward you to your... End at a predetermined location, you simply go in and pick up a copy of Collegiate... Offers an unparalleled experience, with views that arent found along the Colorado trail sits almost exactly in the and! Sleeping pad is essential to making sure your backcountry Adventure goes off without a hitch 21-18 of the resort provides! Camp and the end of the trail the CT with him, but basic measures hanging.

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