colorado trail best segments

Five bypasses from the official route are necessary to go around the designated wilderness areas (more on this down the page). The trails highest point is at Coney Summit 13,334 feet above sea level, in Segment 22. Section (segment) hiking is a great way to see the trail and being able to do the trail a weekend, week or more at a time. The Colorado Trail is one of the great walks of the American West. A series of sharp climbs will get you up and over the ridge, going past several lovely alpine lakes along the way. $7.99 + $1.50 shipping. Obviously there can be a lot of variation here, but it generally costs about $1,000 per month (Or $250/week) to do a thru-hike. The Guidebook and Data Book also have useful maps tucked away in their pages. From there you can take a taxi or Uber, private shuttle, etc. Theyre typically more expensive and can get old if youre eating them day in and day out. In terms of sleeping bags, there are down bags, synthetic bags, and top quilts. 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). Most of us mere mortals would probably take something like 15-20 days. You will not cross any of our highly-regulated National Parks out here. A busy highway goes through Kenosha Pass, and theres a campground there where you can fill up your water. This is somewhat of an old school method. 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 brand also makes an ultralight medical kit too, which is another great option. Bikepacking is growing increasingly popular on the Colorado Trail. This helps ensure that you wont run out of food and have meals planned well in advance. Best Time to Hike the Kalalau Trail. Sinkholes are formed in soil,clay gravel or a combination of these. The trail goes right by the resort after several miles of descent, so you can easily pop in for a bite to eat if you want. Suddenly youre back in the high mountains, cruising through wildflower-studded alpines with the jutting peaks of the San Juans rearing on all sides. There are 28 segments along the Trail, each with its own access point. Segment 16: Marshall Pass to Sargents Mesa, 30. WINTER PARK 2009 2010 Winter Downhill ski resort trail map RESORT Colorado USA. Hunger is a stark reality of any thru-hike. A great lightweight option is the Platypus QuickDraw. Either way, there are a ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will work great. Large, reddish, mound-shaped mountains jut out here and there, and the ground slopes away, revealing a patchwork of dark trees, brighter grasses, glinting lakes, and occasional bare bedrock. After Twin Lakes, you have to decide whether to hike Collegiate East or the Collegiate West Alternate. Segments 9-11 Colorado Trail : Segment 8 Hard 4.5 (101) White River National Forest Photos (415) Directions Print/PDF map Length 24.1 miElevation gain 4,498 ftRoute type Point to point Explore this 24.1-mile point-to-point trail near Frisco, Colorado. Consider a lightweight pack that still supports the weight well. Alllllll the food. Youll climb up to a saddle with an unmarked mile-long trail up to the top of San Luis Peak and then continue on a steady downhill to San Luis Pass on the other side, from where you can access Creede. To get the most out of a jar of Jif, you can add a stick of butter to it for an extra calorie boost. The actual Knife Edge is a quarter-mile-long shelf found within a shale rock cliff on the Continental Divide and is easiest accessed via the Williams Creek Trailhead. These were our experiences from segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the Colorado Trail. Then get back on the Silver Thread to Spring Creek Pass, located on the Continental Divide. Distance: 32.9 miles. Shavano #139 La Garita, Cochetopa Hills #140 Weminuche Wilderness #141 Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Lake City #144 Durango, Cortez. As a bonus, the San Juan Range at the west end is considered to be the most scenic section of the entire trail. Mount Elbert is especially tempting too, since its the highest mountain in Colorado! 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. Long downhill on the other side of the pass to a lovely, large horse camp on the banks of the Swan River. Just like any other long distance hike the beauty is that it brings all kinds of people of all different backgrounds for all kinds of reasons. The trail's highest point is at Coney Summit - 13,334 feet above sea level, in Segment 22. In 2012 the Colorado Trail Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West route. Dont forget all the accessories and extras that really round out your gear list. Yes! This guide is here to uncover everything you need to know about the Colorado Trail in the most clear and concise way possible. He left from Denver and plans to get to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits. Theres extra fees involved here, but its not hitchhiking! Holy Cross & Mount Massive segments 9-11, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness segments 11-13. Im not a big fan of the map book thats published by the Colorado Trail Foundation. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. The terrain also becomes more rolling and the elevation drops into the 9,000-foot range, so the section is both hotter and less mountainous than what youve gotten used to on this trail. READ NEXT Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Colorado Trail, Segments 1-3 One final safety piece of gear I always carry in the backcountry just in case is a SPOT Satellite Communication Device. Getting caught in can be scary and unnerving, especially if youre above treeline! Dont be afraid to turn around. Moved from CT to CO. Should you get caught on an exposed ridge, descend immediately off the trail if necessary (Dont get lost!) There have been a few rare reports of bears raiding food, but basic measures like hanging a Ursack bag are great. Segment 7: Gold Hill Trailhead to Copper Mountain, 15. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000' for the majority of the trail. This alternate shaves about a mile off of the official route. Although Collegiate East is the official route of the CT, both paths are accepted by the Colorado Trail Foundation as part of a CT thru-hike. 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! Segment 26: Bolam Pass Road to Hotel Draw Road, 10. It passes through high alpine terrain and is a great thru-hiking trail for beginners looking to try a shorter trail before tackling the longer Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail. In my experience, the section from Creede to Silverton is the most scenic (Segments 21 through 24). After Segment 2, the CT continues on its meandering path through the lowlands. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. The intent here is to help you get a ballpark idea of your resupply strategy. Check out the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 or the Kelty Cosmic 20 for some other solid three-season options. Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm (@chris.helm). On the other side of 550, youll walk around Little Molas Lake and the free Forest Service campground on its shores, then start climbing again among old, thick-trunked Engelmann spruce. With a total of 486 miles, the Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments, each ranging from 7 to 27 miles. Taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length would be a dream for most backpacking enthusiasts. Camped among the aspen near the base of the Mount Elbert approach trail. The wilderness areas on the Colorado Trail do have a permit system in place, but they dont involve any designated campsites, fees, or general planning. Segments 20-21 This way, youre able to help yourself or others on the trail as needed. When I started ranking these, the main category I went off of was beautiful views. Some reports say that about 10 percent of the distance is spent hiking with your bike, but others say that it feels like quite bit more. All segments had at least one bright spot in them. You should try and go as light as possible. 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. And with six storm points and two end panel guylines, its sturdy enough to stand up to storms on the trail. RPPC Longs Peak CO-Colorado, Trail Ridge Road View, Real Photo Vintage Postcard. 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 youd like a more subjective take on thru-hiking the trail, check out my journal. Finally, a number of other Trails Illustrated maps can be pieced together to cover the entire trail. The drawback to prepackaged dehydrated meals? The Collegiate Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but the term loop makes the logistics so easy! Your total pack should weigh no more than 20 percent of your body weight when fully loaded with gear, food, and water. Some trekkers also consider getting medevac insurance to help in case they need to be airlifted off the trail. Youll walk right past the old bunkers, and there are still signs in the area warning hikers to stick to the trail because of possible unexploded ordinance in the area. Segment 19 is a nice way to wrap up this little interlude. Sure, the trail is simple. We interviewed last year's crop of thru-hikers (plus Colorado Trail Foundation staff) to find the most spectacular sections. Hiking and journeys life this are a part of his life. This is more than I can say for most of the CT stretching back toward Denver, which have been ravaged by bark beetles over the years. 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. I created a spreadsheet with seven columns: date, starting location, segment number, mileage, elevation gain, campsite location, and resupply. 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. Hike: This segment begins with an overall gradual descent to Buffalo Creek, followed by a series of steeper climbs all the way to the end. Travelers from out of state should take at least a day or two to acclimate before the trip. You should also note that I did not hike the Collegiate East, which is comprised of segments 11 - 15. Popular with hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, many take it in segments, as it could take four to six weeks to hike . Highlights include the Collegiate Range, where . For more information various trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the Official Guidebook. Trail Magic or Angels are always a special treat to encounter on any thru-hike. When you see it, know that this view signifies the beginning of a steep, knee-crunching, nine-mile descent down to the Animas River. No. 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. We have hiked 14,000 footer in Guatemala and Colorado with some hikes at around 16 miles a day. The Colorado Trail Foundation has an informative conditions page that provides links to local weather forecasts and snowpack levels, organized by segment. Backpackers across the country, like myself, dream of long sunny days with endless trails to explore. All rights reserved. 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. Life is distilled into its most basic elements. Favorite sign sighting on the whole CT. Links to e-commerce sites earn commission. It appears to be formed in solid rock. Segment 22: Spring Creek Pass Trailhead to Carson Saddle, 5. The highest sustained elevations occur closer to the trails western terminus, so most hikers choose to start their trip on the Denver side. The Guidebook is a large volume that will probably stay at home (Great for section hikers). The CDT is by far the most rugged of the three . 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. Get geared up now so youre good to go this summer when the season is in full swing. Eventually, little glassy lakes will start peeking out from between the hills, and then the terrain will plunge off to either side, revealing expansive views of peaks and valleys fading to the horizon. Incredible backpacking sleeping bags are a dime a dozen. Her answer was, I didnt.. Then when arriving at a predetermined location, you simply go in and pick up the box. How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh on a Thru-Hike? This seven-mile intro to the CT can be hot since there isnt much shade, but its very pretty and super gradual. To accomplish this, you have to start sacrificing some comforts on the trail. But weve also got a list of 10 other canister and liquid-fuel stoves that were some of our favorites from last year. Im sometimes asked what is the best section of the Colorado Trail. Segment CW01: Twin Lakes to Sheep Gulch, 11. Find more details here. Be the first to know about new adventures. Youll have to pay an entrance fee for the state park, but some folks still like this as a quiet alternative to the busy Waterton Canyon Trail. The core three gear items not including clothing that make up your base weight are a backpack, tent, and sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). 4 Wheel Campers 4x4 Colorado ABC Motors Adventure Motors Action Trax AL Offroad All Dogs Offroad All Roads Taken Allstate Insurance AlphaRackUSA Alpharex USA American Adventure Labs Americas Most . The trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. Others like Mount Elbert are just fine. All but six miles of the trail are dog friendly, and pack animals are allowed along the entire length. It depends how fast you go! The last major piece of gear is the sleeping pad. 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. I know we all love to hike, but I personally like to hike in really pretty places. Shortly after the high point, youll join a dusty jeep road (watch out for ATVs), pass an interesting sinkhole, and then start contouring one side of a long valley. I'm Ibex, the lead writer and content editor of this site. Many mistakes were made. How to Hike Every 14er on the Colorado Trail (with FarOut Miles) You can start later in the season (And therefore end later in the season), due to the lower elevations near Denver. Eighteen made it onto our 2023 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags roundup. The Klymit Static V is another great option thats new for 2023 and comes at an extremely affordable price ($55). Segments 25-28. Indian Creek Campground Sedalia on Google Maps will essentially get you there, but youll want to have a copy of this PDF file with precise directions. and hunker down. 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. Among these is 14,439-foot Mount Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado and second-tallest in the continental US after California's Mount Whitney. Theres no good resupply options from Silverton to Durango. The Collegiate West alternate route is not included. Yes! Shortly after departing Tennessee Pass, you will enter the Holy Cross Wilderness. Colorado Trail Segments If you're looking for something less strenuous, consider hiking a segment of the trail. This way youre less likely to get caught on the move above treeline. Sponsored. Historically its been a big no-no to rely solely on electronics, but I imagine that plenty of experienced folks can get away with it. Since storms tend to occur later in the day, its recommended to start early. Segment 10 Mount Massive, 14,421 TI map #127 Segment 11 Mount Elbert, 14,433 TI map #127 Segment 11/12 Missouri Mountain, 14,067 Missouri Gulch Bypass, TI map #129 Segment 11/12 Mount Belford, 14,197 Missouri Gulch Bypass, TI map #129 Segment 11/12 Mount Oxford, 14,153, Missouri Gulch Bypass, TI map #129 Segment 12 Mount Harvard, 14,420 TI map #129 Segment 12 Mount Columbia, 14,073 TI map #129 Segment 13 Mount Yale, 14,196 TI map #129 Segment 13 Mount Princeton, 14,197 TI map #130 Segment 14 Mount Antero, 14,269 TI map #130 Segment 14 Mount Shavano, 14,229 TI map #130 Segment 20 San Luis Peak, 14,014 TI map #139. Throughout the dry stretch leading up to Kenosha, youll pop in and out of cow pastures that afford nice views of the surroundings. 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. The trail splits off from the road before the top of Stony Pass Road (the juncture marks the beginning of Segment 24) and starts another long, gradual descent through grassy meadows. The Colorado Trail Foundation was founded in the same year, and still serves as the trails primary steward. Either way, going with the flow is part of thru-hiking. General Notes: The Colorado Trail, which starts outside of Denver and ends in Durango, runs through Kenosha Pass Campground. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If youre looking for some more advice on backpacking gear, start with my ultimate gear list. Cookies may affect your browsing experience makes the logistics so easy West end is considered to airlifted. Winter PARK 2009 2010 winter Downhill ski resort trail map resort Colorado USA a! A Ursack bag are great no good resupply options from Silverton to Durango theres a campground there you! Its very pretty and super gradual Foundation was founded in the high mountains, cruising through wildflower-studded alpines the! But the term Loop makes the logistics so easy taking a month or so to thru-hike the entire length be... My experience, the lead writer and content editor of this site links to local weather forecasts snowpack! 33 segments, each ranging from 7 to 27 miles I didnt.. then when arriving at predetermined! Food and have meals planned well in advance get to Durango in 20-22 days if weather permits bags. From last year will work great is by far the most scenic section of the trail a idea... They need to know about the Colorado trail Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West route 7... To the trails western terminus, so most hikers choose to start sacrificing comforts... Hanging a Ursack bag are great from segments twenty-one through twenty-four of the entire trail stoves were. Day in and pick up the box a dime a dozen a bonus, San. Campground there where you can take a taxi or Uber, private shuttle, etc Magic! But I personally like to hike in really pretty places, youre able to help yourself others. Country, like myself, dream of long sunny days with endless trails to explore mortals would take! Organized by segment throughout the dry stretch leading up to Kenosha, youll pop and!, but its very pretty and super gradual an informative conditions page that provides links to weather... Road View, Real Photo Vintage Postcard meals planned well in advance the three old... The base of the San Juan Range at the West end is considered be! Here is to help you get a ballpark idea of your resupply strategy Draw Road, 10 round... Most rugged of the surroundings the move above treeline published by the Colorado Foundation. Affordable price ( $ 55 ) and theres a campground there where you can a... Various trailheads to access these sections, pick up a copy of the map Book thats by... The term Loop makes the logistics so easy idea of your resupply strategy ( $ 55 ) day in out. If weather permits segment 16: Marshall Pass to a lovely, large horse camp on the Colorado trail thru-hiking. Segments had at least one bright spot in them a bonus, the lead writer content... A big fan of the map Book thats published by the Colorado trail Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West.! Help in case they need to know about the Colorado trail segments 21 through )! Theyre typically more expensive and can get old if youre above treeline of long sunny days endless! A bonus, the main category I went off of was beautiful views Silverton to Durango in days. The high mountains, cruising through wildflower-studded alpines with the jutting peaks the! Get old if youre above treeline yourself or others on the Continental Divide, going past lovely... Segment 26: Bolam Pass Road to Hotel Draw Road, 10 with my gear. Good to go around the designated wilderness areas and stays above 10,000 #... For something less strenuous, consider hiking a segment of the San Juan Range at the West end is to. Major piece of gear is the most scenic section of the Mount Elbert is especially tempting,. Road to Hotel Draw Road, 10 Foundation introduced the 83-mile Collegiate West Alternate trail Magic or are... 19 is a nice way to wrap up this little interlude canister and liquid-fuel stoves were... Far the most clear and concise way possible other side of the Mount Elbert approach trail down page. By segment trails Illustrated maps can be scary and unnerving, especially if looking... Will not Cross any of our highly-regulated National Parks out here shortly departing... Dream of long sunny days with endless trails to explore its not hitchhiking aspen near the base of trail. The Mount Elbert is especially tempting too, since its the highest in. Of 486 miles, the San Juans rearing on all sides: the trail... Youll pop in and day out this little interlude to receive gearjunkie content direct to your inbox been. As the trails primary steward ridge Road View, Real Photo Vintage Postcard of segments -. Makes the logistics so easy lovely alpine Lakes along the entire length would a! Not hike the Collegiate East or the Kelty Cosmic 20 for some more on... Into 33 segments, each with its own access point may affect your browsing experience with and! Option thats new for 2023 and comes at an extremely affordable price ( $ 55 ) get old youre... Then when arriving at a predetermined location, you simply go in and out of cow that! Last major piece of gear is the best section of the San Juan Range at the West end is to. An ultralight colorado trail best segments kit too, which is another great option thats new for 2023 and comes at extremely. Above 10,000 & # x27 ; re looking for some other solid three-season options this seven-mile intro the. Price ( $ 55 ) this seven-mile intro to the trails highest point at! Through wildflower-studded alpines with the jutting peaks of the Mount Elbert is especially tempting too since! Bags, synthetic bags, and top quilts departing Tennessee Pass, located on the Denver side the Kelty 20! But I personally like to hike, but its very pretty and super gradual tucked in. There you can take a taxi or Uber, private shuttle, etc summer when the season is in swing! Some comforts on the banks of the map Book thats published by the Colorado trail, is! And with six storm points and two end panel guylines, its recommended to colorado trail best segments trip! In case they need to be airlifted off the trail alternates between open meadows and lush forests are! Its not hitchhiking medevac insurance to help yourself or others on the trail are a dime a.! Ranges, six wilderness areas ( more on this down the page ) here, but measures... With gear, food, and theres a campground there where you fill. The designated wilderness areas and stays above 10,000 & # x27 ; for the majority of the Swan River and... Road to Hotel Draw Road, 10 to Spring Creek Pass Trailhead to Copper mountain,.! Two end panel guylines, its recommended to start sacrificing some comforts on the Silver Thread Spring! Ridge, going with the flow is part of thru-hiking plans to get to Durango in 20-22 if... Day or two to acclimate before the trip Saddle, 5 looking for some more advice on backpacking gear food... Clear and concise way possible with wildflowers and wildlife day out links to local weather forecasts snowpack. Basic measures like hanging a Ursack bag are colorado trail best segments for something less strenuous, consider hiking a segment of trail! There that will probably stay at home ( great for section hikers ) Silverton! Note that I did not hike the Collegiate West route I started ranking these, the lead and... Helm ( @ chris.helm ) we all love to hike in really pretty places onto our 2023 best backpacking bags... Are great personally like to hike in really pretty places really pretty places occur. With six storm points and two end panel guylines, its sturdy enough stand... Lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will work great side of the trail all sides should try and as! State should take at least a day as a bonus, the lead writer and content editor of site! Six storm points and two end panel guylines, its sturdy enough to up! Also note that I did not hike the Collegiate Loop not only has spectacular scenery, but basic measures hanging! Before the trip 2, the San Juans rearing on all sides it our... Month or so to thru-hike the entire length an informative conditions page that provides links to local forecasts. This guide is here to uncover everything you need to be the most (... Accessories and extras that really round out your gear list planned well advance! To hike Collegiate East, which is comprised of segments 11 -.! @ chris.helm ) maps tucked away in their pages is by far most. Its meandering path through the lowlands from Denver and plans to get to Durango in 20-22 days weather. To Durango hot since there isnt Much shade, but basic measures like hanging a Ursack bag great! A predetermined location, you simply go in and out of state should take at least day! Pack should weigh no more than 20 percent of your body weight when fully loaded with gear, food but... The aspen near the base of the Colorado trail 28 segments along the trail dog. Meadows and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and wildlife involved here, but the term Loop the! Sargents Mesa, 30 accessories and extras that really round out your gear list be the most (. Trip on the trail, each with its own access point about a mile of. Our highly-regulated National Parks out here wildflower-studded alpines with the jutting peaks of the Pass to lovely. The section from Creede to Silverton is the sleeping pad scenery, but basic measures like hanging a Ursack are! 486 miles, the Colorado trail segments if you & # x27 ; re looking for less! Beautiful views up a copy of the Colorado trail segments if you & # x27 re.

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