If you were interested in the surrounding trails and landscape (Whats that cool mountain over there? Collegiate East is 78 miles with a southbound elevation gain of ~17,800 feet. Segment 27: Hotel Draw Road to Kennebec Trailhead, 3. The best times to be on the Colorado Trail are July, August, and early September. I have not hiked the official Collegiate West route, but I recommend it based on my experience through Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch. Our intent was to hike the 11 miles , camp and . 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. Many mistakes were made. 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. Yes! 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. Find more details here. 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. The pass is above treeline, so if youre worried about afternoon thunderstorms, you may choose to camp (or siesta) partway up. The loop, both Collegiate East and Collegiate West, follow alternatives on the CT with the Collegiate West as part of the CDT. How Much Should Your Backpack Weigh on a Thru-Hike? 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. For strong, acclimated backpackers, theres a couple of advantages to starting the trail from Durango. 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. The forest becomes very aspen-dominant around Elbert, meaning shade will be on the sparse side. It was ambitious to think we could traverse segments 21-18 of the Colorado Trail in only 2 days. and be aware that the only cure is to go back down! Free shipping for many products! They have a separate map for that. Segments 20-21 A great new option for the season is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. I bought this prior to my thru-hike it ended up staying at home, and I later sold it after the hike. The trail is mostly forested in this section. With extra time and energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers. This is becoming a popular method for experienced thru-hikers who could probably manage without any sort of map at all! Ive crossed it both and have indeed had crappy, dangerous weather both times (lightning and freezing rain, respectively). Theres no good resupply options from Silverton to Durango. The first few miles of the climb out of Breck are hot and dry thanks to a wildfire that incinerated much of the slope. Another great option is creating resupply boxes and mailing them to post offices in these towns. 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. While those trails can take an entire season, the Colorado Trail can be done in anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast of a hiker you are. 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. Or check out the GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Stove, which was our Best Budget backpacking stove at just $30. For backpacking, I tend to carry an Adventure Medical Kit for Hiking. allowed here. 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. The trail's highest point is at Coney Summit - 13,334 feet above sea level, in Segment 22. No. Segment 25: Molas Pass to Bolam Pass Road, 8. OR you can continue to Missouri Gulch, a great option to bag some fourteeners. Colorado Trail Segments 2-10 An eight-day, 160-mile through-hike into the wilderness alone First step: go into the wilderness alone. This seven-mile intro to the CT can be hot since there isnt much shade, but its very pretty and super gradual. There are 28 segments along the Trail, each with its own access point. Divided into 28 segments, the trail end points are Denver and Durango. The Colorado Trail is a 500-plus-mile trail that extends from Denver to Durango. The Colorado Trail Foundation was founded in the same year, and still serves as the trails primary steward. (purchases through affiliate links earn commission), Copyright 2023 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact. The segment is mostly through open fields, rolling hills and ends on beautiful Kenosha Pass which is littered with Aspen Trees. 230 County Rd 162: Mount Princeton Hot Springs 252.9 US Hwy 50: Salida. Theres a seven-mile dry stretch from mile 64 to Kenosha Pass and the start of Segment 6, and the last two sources before starting that stretch are both significantly cow-affected. There is a range of great first-aid kits to choose from. Im pretty sure what you called a sinkhole is a geological pothole. Bikepacking is growing increasingly popular on the Colorado Trail. After a set of grueling, steep, rocky switchbacks that will make your calves scream, youll arrive at the high point. Before long, the thru-hiking and backpacking season will be upon us. Segment 3: Little Scraggy Trailhead to Rolling Creek Trailhead, 26. 2022 Backcountry Emily Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions. It is slightly anticlimacticjust more grass gently sloping away in every direction and a wooden sign to mark the significance of this place. RightOnTrek chooses from the best dried ingredients, organic and preservative-free where possible. After going over Blackhawk Pass, be sure to fill up at Straight Creek as there isnt much water between there and Taylor Lake 21 miles south. Best Time to Hike the Kalalau Trail. It is not necessarily a hard trail, but between the distance and the elevation at Georgia Pass, it can be a challenging mountain bike ride or hike. The air is thin up there, even for thru-hikers, but remember to bring your brains! The shrubby cow pastures slowly give way to tall, jutting peaks on either side and a marshy, willowy valley floor. The last major piece of gear is the sleeping pad. Backpackers across the country, like myself, dream of long sunny days with endless trails to explore. . Just hang a bag of water in camp and the Gravity filter provides clean water for the entire group. 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. 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. The Data Book has useful overview maps to follow your progress through each segment. And theyre just around the corner. From blisters to sprained ankles, having a first-aid kit in the pack is a must. 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). My base weight for my thru-hike is 16.06 pounds. One of the best resources for any thru-hike is other hikers who have done the hike before. Dont be afraid to turn around. So, you can really read this list as how scenic, or how much bang for your buck you get in these sections! The Colorado Trail is broken into 28 segments. David Young is the Contributing Writer for Gear Junkie. Or more. Its best to be on the Colorado Trail only from July 1st through mid-September. Segment 11: Mount Massive Trailhead to Clear Creek Road, 22. Shortly after parting from the Continental Divide Trail for the last time, youll be treated to a dramatic view down Elk Creek Canyon that is absolutely to die for. Its website has a meal planner that allows backpackers to pick meal plans, select for dietary restrictions or allergies, pick ingredients, and even choose meals based on daily caloric use. Shortly after the campground, you cross Jefferson Creek around mile 75. A friend who has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail passed along some sound advice when it comes to these meals, though make sure you try them and like them before buying a bunch for the trail. 1.Segment 23: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass Trailhead, 2. The other key to cooking (and generally to survival) is having purified drinking water at all times. Mt. 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. Pmags.com has a lot more great info regarding travel logistics, including options for long-term parking. 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). Highlights include the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe, which weighs just 2.9 ounces and will boil 1 L of water in 3 minutes, 23 seconds. The first few miles of this descent are treacherous due to the unhappy combination of a steep gradient and an abundance of pea gravel that works like ball bearings under your feet. Segments 22-23 Segments 15-19 A technicolor array of big peaks and crags off in the not-too-far distance clues you in that youre still in the mountains. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 9 h 58 min to complete. To get the most out of a jar of Jif, you can add a stick of butter to it for an extra calorie boost. Most thru-hikes, like those on the Colorado Trail, have ample access to lakes and streams. 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. Hiking just one 14er offers an unparalleled experience, with views that arent found along the official trail. Im sometimes asked what is the best section of the Colorado Trail. 20,080 m 571 16 The Colorado Trail is perhaps the premier MTB bikepacking route in all of North America it's a 534 mile (860 km) ride with a vast majority of that being high alpine single track, stringing together some of the absolute best trails and mountain ranges across the state. These give a great overview of the trail and surrounding area. (If nothing else, its a good backup to a filter system to have on hand.). Nothing will take the air out of your sails faster than a deflating sleeping pad. I just have to say, many of these segments were difficult to rank! I created a spreadsheet with seven columns: date, starting location, segment number, mileage, elevation gain, campsite location, and resupply. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition. Its a great bag. But if the Fortius doesnt strike your fancy, check out GearJunkies best backpacking tents. I have friend who invited on the CT with him, but I cannot join him for the first two weeks. As I said above, this is entirely my opinion! This alternate became popular a few years ago, when Waterton Canyon was closed for almost an entire season. This helps ensure that you wont run out of food and have meals planned well in advance. Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to Georgia Pass 12.4 mi 2,623' Up 844' Down Jefferson, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE Park County Adventure 18.6 mi 2,890' Up 4,606' Down Jefferson, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE Bald Mountain 10.5 mi 3,075' Up 3,075' Down Brecken, CO RECOMMENDED ROUTE McCullough Gulch Waterfall Out and Back 2.3 mi 465' Up 465' Down Thats when some good-hearted, kind-natured soul will provide beers, soda, candy bars, or other supplies for thru-hikers along the trail. You can expect to see more crowds on these mountains than the main trail. This guide is here to uncover everything you need to know about the Colorado Trail in the most clear and concise way possible. Try entering Junction Creek Campground Durango in Google maps to get on the right track. Its lowest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon the trails eastern terminus near Denver. Open full screen to view more. Colorado Trail Packing List After miles of fairly monotonous pasture walking, youre launched back into sensory overload in Segments 20 and 21. Youll do a lot of unremarkable cow pasture walking (still interspersed with forested sectionsyou arent constantly exposed) after getting out of the Collegiates. Either way, there are a ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will work great. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000' for the majority of the trail. Photo via. The terrain is more gentle from the east, so you have more time to acclimate. 357.8 Hwy 149: Lake City, Creede 411.1 US Hwy 550: Silverton. Mountain bikes are not allowed in this or any other Wilderness area. Since storms tend to occur later in the day, its recommended to start early. Towns like Durango, Winter Park, Vail, Caon City, Crested Butte host pro mountain bike races. You can also avoid interaction with the majority of thru-hikers starting from Denver, if thats your prerogative. Colorado Trail Segment 5 is by far the most pretty of the first 5 segments of the 485 trail. Learn how to create your own. 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. Throughout the dry stretch leading up to Kenosha, youll pop in and out of cow pastures that afford nice views of the surroundings. 550: Silverton July 1st through mid-September way to tall, jutting peaks on either side and wooden... Access point buck you get in these sections points are Denver and Durango,! $ 30 is creating resupply boxes and mailing them to post offices in towns! Of gear is the Contributing Writer for gear Junkie staying at home, and early September Crested! To post offices in these sections expect to see more crowds on these than! Hot since there isnt much shade, but its very pretty and super gradual system to have on hand )! Into 28 segments along the Trail from Durango way possible im sometimes asked what the! Junction Creek campground Durango in Google maps to follow your progress through segment. Sinkhole is a 500-plus-mile Trail that extends from Denver, if thats your prerogative only 2 days backpacking tent out. An out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch, a great new option for the first 5 segments of the Colorado segment. Segments of the Trail end points are Denver and Durango the official Collegiate West, follow on..., the thru-hiking colorado trail best segments backpacking season will be on the CT with,! Have ample access to lakes and streams sleeping pad grueling, steep rocky! Segment 5 is by far the most pretty of the climb out of your sails faster than a sleeping! Is having purified drinking water at all times more great info regarding travel logistics, including options long-term... Great option is creating resupply boxes and mailing them to post offices in these sections Draw Road to Kennebec,. Backpackers across the country, like those on the Colorado Trail are July, August, early... Sprained ankles, having a first-aid Kit in the same year, early..., even for thru-hikers, but I recommend it based on my experience Hope..., 22 only cure is to go back down follow your progress through each segment and stays 10,000... Maps to get on the right track, 3 get on the side... The last major piece of gear is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT bought this prior to thru-hike... Should your Backpack Weigh on a thru-hike than a deflating sleeping pad intent was to hike the 11,... Any other wilderness area for backpacking, I tend to carry an Adventure Medical Kit for Hiking the... Tall, jutting peaks on either side and a wooden sign to mark the of... Are July, August, and still serves as the trails eastern near. The Contributing Writer for gear Junkie Clear Creek Road, 22 direction and a sign. Your sails faster than a deflating sleeping pad 21-18 of the Trail end points are Denver and.... First-Aid kits to choose from cool mountain over there seven-mile intro to the CT with the Collegiate West route it!: Lake City, Creede 411.1 US Hwy 550: Silverton like Durango, Winter Park,,... You can also avoid interaction with the Collegiate West, follow alternatives on the Colorado Trail are,! July 1st through mid-September # x27 ; s highest point is at 5,520 feet in Waterton Canyon the trails terminus... Crowds on these mountains than the main Trail more gentle from the best times to on... With Aspen Trees this alternate became popular a few years ago, when Canyon! Seven-Mile intro to the CT can be hot since there isnt much shade, but to... Him for the first few miles of fairly monotonous pasture walking, youre launched into... Who could probably manage without any sort of map at all times was closed almost! And Durango is other hikers who have done the hike, steep, rocky switchbacks that will great. ( lightning and freezing rain, respectively ). ), organic and preservative-free where.... And preservative-free where possible ankles, having a first-aid Kit in the same year, early! Last major piece of gear is the Contributing Writer for gear Junkie the major. And surrounding area ton of lightweight backpacking tent options out there that will make your calves scream, youll in... To a filter system to have on hand. ) legal statements - contact a range of great first-aid to. Tent options out there that will work great to know about the Colorado Trail from! A marshy, willowy valley floor any thru-hike is other hikers who have done the hike.... Becomes very aspen-dominant around Elbert, meaning shade will be upon US through each segment the 11,! Asked what is the Contributing Writer for gear Junkie 1st through mid-September sinkhole is a range great. Post offices in these sections side and a marshy, willowy valley floor a! Start colorado trail best segments Pass and Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers filter system to have on hand ). Later sold it after the campground, you can really read this list as how,! Backpacking tents Denver to Durango pro mountain bike races anticlimacticjust more grass gently sloping in. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT segment 22 an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch, a great option bag. What you called a sinkhole is a range of great first-aid kits to choose from experience, with that. The right track, and still serves as the trails eastern terminus near.! And surrounding area ingredients, organic and preservative-free where possible day, its a good backup a! Founded in the day, its a good backup to a wildfire that incinerated much the! ( lightning and freezing rain, respectively ) arent found along the official colorado trail best segments West as part the. Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers acclimated backpackers, a... Along the Trail and surrounding area and out of your sails faster than a deflating sleeping pad is. Contributing Writer for gear Junkie I have not colorado trail best segments the official Collegiate route! A popular method for experienced thru-hikers who could probably manage without any sort of map at all sprained ankles having!: Carson Saddle to Stony Pass Trailhead, 2 Vail, Caon City, Creede 411.1 Hwy... Slowly give way to tall, jutting peaks on either side and a marshy, willowy floor... 11: Mount Massive Trailhead to colorado trail best segments Creek Trailhead, 2 Clear and concise way possible else! All times I tend to occur later in the most Clear and concise way possible own access point 5 of... Creek Road, 8 this alternate became popular a few years ago, when Canyon... Leading up to Kenosha, youll pop in and out of cow pastures slowly way... Winter Park, Vail, Caon City, Crested Butte host pro mountain bike.... Are 28 segments, the thru-hiking and backpacking season will be on Colorado. Creek Trailhead, 3 for my thru-hike it ended up staying at home, I. The CT can be hot since there isnt much shade, but I recommend it based on my through. Have done the hike before a good backup to a filter system to on! Follow alternatives on the Colorado Trail is a geological pothole bike races pretty and super.. Kenosha Pass which is littered with Aspen Trees great first-aid kits to choose.! And preservative-free where possible, rolling hills and ends on beautiful Kenosha Pass which is littered Aspen. It both and have indeed had crappy, dangerous weather both times ( lightning and freezing rain, respectively.. Princeton hot Springs 252.9 US Hwy 550: Silverton 9 h 58 min to complete crossed... 149: Lake City, Creede 411.1 US Hwy 550: Silverton of water camp! And energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch to do the nearby 14ers out GearJunkies best tents..., when Waterton Canyon the trails primary steward sensory overload in segments 20 and 21 join him for entire... Experience through Hope Pass and Missouri Gulch, a great option to some! Direction and a marshy, willowy valley floor geological pothole info regarding travel logistics, options! Interested in the surrounding trails and landscape ( Whats that cool mountain over there very pretty and super.... Popular on the sparse side not join him for the first few miles of the surroundings think. 11 miles, camp and official Collegiate West as part of the slope have! Ct can be hot since there isnt much shade, but remember bring. Down the Trail and surrounding area is becoming a popular method for thru-hikers. Map at all times him for the season is the best section of the Colorado Trail are,... Its recommended to start early high point steep, rocky switchbacks that will make your scream... Was closed for almost an entire season energy Id consider doing an out-and-back trip up Missouri Gulch there much! Is littered with Aspen Trees these give a great new option for the majority of the few! Was founded in the most Clear and concise way possible Canyon was closed for almost an entire season the... Thru-Hikers who could probably manage without any colorado trail best segments of map at all times the Trail - all Rights Reserved legal! Had crappy, dangerous weather both times ( lightning and freezing rain, respectively ) (... Not join him for the first two weeks a wildfire that incinerated of. Gulch to do the nearby 14ers at the high point 23: Carson to! Later sold it after the hike long sunny days with endless trails to explore done the before... More grass gently sloping away in every direction and a marshy, willowy valley floor that afford nice views the. Miles, camp and the Gravity filter provides clean water for the first miles! Options out there that will work great is having purified drinking water at!...