I am planning a long summer hike in the US and am contemplating between two finalists: Tahoe to Whitney (southbound via PCT & JMT) and Colorado Trail I have a specific question about bears (being an Israeli, I am at the same time excited about seeing one in the wilds and quite worried about the encounter). Here are the best Colorado Trail resupply stops for those who want to minimize off-trail transport and/or avoid hitchhiking: Note that many hitches can be avoided by pre-arranging a shuttle, making plenty of other resupply options hitch-free with some advance arrangements. This town is actually a historic site that has been re-built. Visualizing the trail and resupply points, etc., is difficult with the piecemeal maps that I have in my official CT guidebook and data book. Copyright 2023 Exploring Wild, All Rights Reserved. Enterprise car rental is located in Durango itself. An easy walk or hitch (or at least partial hitch) to the trailhead. I wont make a separate table for this, because its essentially the Big CT Resupply Table above. He picked my brain for an hour or so at a coffee shop in Boulder just before he did the CT. Out of that conversation, this doc was written. The CDT and The Colorado Trail share the same treadway for 234 miles; over 300 if you take the Collegiate West option. Makes a nice way to start The Colorado Trail. Now, lets break down the options even further. The Trails Illustrated NatGeo Maps have this route, too. The rule of thumb is pretty accurate, however. If you start The Colorado Trail later in the day. Hello! Wildfires can also affect town resources or even cause outright closures. https://www.predci.com/train-bus-stations/Summit-county-CO/hours-phone.html. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. My sister and I are looking for some advice for our CT hike in august. Then about 8 miles to town down a jeep road. If you think you are going to camp without trees, be sure to cook first, eat dinner and then move on about 1-2 KM and then camp. What a wonderful resource. are all staples in good supply for people on the CT.Buying as you go works for most people on their CT journey. You will be more exposed and at higher altitude. Cabelas, REI, and similar sell inert training canisters for about $17 each. Lodging (just outside of town), restaurants, The resupply is marginal at the gas station. This post from the FKT Proboards by Eric Truhe nicely sums up the stat differences between the Collegiate East and the Collegiate West options: For CT East versus CT West clarification, according to the CT Guidebook (9th Edition): The CT via the CT East is 484.6 miles with 87,645 feet of climbing (Durango to Denver), The CT via the CT West is 489.7 miles with 89,665 feet of climbing (Durango to Denver), Specifically: Rumored to be the inspiration for the showSouth Park! Off-season backpacking destinations in Colorado. If you hiked the trail in segments, be sure to let The Colorado Trail foundation know you complete The Colorado Trail! As of 2021, they charge ~$45/mo. CT Day 23/CDT: Monarch My son was planning to meet me at the Monarch store at 11:00 am with my resupply. Hi Mags, do you know what possible re-locations have occurred on the CT since October 2012? As the saying goes There are old mountaineers and there are bold mountaineers. The trail winds in and out of some of these maps and would be cumbersome to list in trail order versus the number order that is more convenient for purchasing. The Colorado Trail guidebook lists the appropriate map to use for each section. https://pmags.com/lightweight-backpacking-101, https://pmags.com/backpacking-a-beginners-primer, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/colorado-trail-pocket-map-k-scott-parks/1108036789?r=1&ean=9781468029055&kpid=9781468029055&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-Book_Under5-_-Q000000633-_-9781468029055, http://www.durangotrain.com/dsng-parking#.VcAovehViko, http://www.durangogov.org/index.aspx?NID=206, https://pmags.com/quick-tip-ammo-boxes-for-caching, Colorado Trail Von Denver bis Breckenridge / Frisco HappyHiker, Colorado Trail Von Salida bis Lake City HappyHiker, Colorado Trail Von Silverton bis Durango HappyHiker, https://www.amtrak.com/thruway-connecting-services-multiply-your-travel-destinations, https://www.predci.com/train-bus-stations/Summit-county-CO/hours-phone.html, Preparing for the Colorado Trail Jenny Meets World, A Woman Backpacking Solo | Average Hiker | averagehiker.com, Travel Booyah Blissful Hiking: The Colorado Trail Part One Travel Booyah, Travel Hooray Blissful Hiking: The Colorado Trail Part One Travel Hooray, borntravel.web Blissful Mountain climbing: The Colorado Path Half One borntravel.net, The Frugal Backpacker - The $300 Gear Challenge, A Quick and Dirty Guide to The Pacific Crest Trail. Thank you so much for posting. The CORSAR card is essentially a charitable donation to help defray the cost of training and rescues for the hard-working SAR groups in Colorado. Roads included are Halfmoon, Winfield, Hancock, Cottonwood, Mt. Well, I go skiing on Mt Toll (13k) at theRead more , FOLLOW-UP: It is now May 12th. The trail itself: The Colorado Trail is very well-marked for a western trail. These one-way rentals book quickly. Near the. I need to see all campsites. FS-560 gets a decent amount of traffic on a weekend. snacks - just a boost to your current stocks to get you through to the next resupply point) However, starting in the summer of 2020, youll need an SWA Pass to traverse segment 12 of the Collegiate East. At 12540 the views are breathtaking. All roads see a fair amount of traffic esp on a weekend, but 306 sees the most traffic and is by far the easiest hitch. Many local places shuttle MTBikers to the nearby Monarch Crest Trail that is part of the CT/CDT. Our understanding is the CT half going into Durango is most spectacular, but itRead more . Please note that while this route is easy to follow with basic map reading skills, it is not marked. I understand theres parking at the Junction Creek TH I assume I can park a car there for a week or so? For The Colorado Trail specifically, the only place where dogs are not allowed is the stretch of trail in Waterton Canyon. . Monarch Spur RV Park: The RV park accepts resupply boxes and is about one mile off the trail at CT mile 91.7, on the eastern side. These sites include Amazon, REI, Moose Jaw, Gaia GPS, Six Moon Designs, Squak Mountain Co, and ULA Equipment. Also, ask at the trailhead for a ride usually works too. I figured that if Im going to be using the trail, I should also volunteer to help maintain it. By ordering ahead of time youll save time on precious town days and save money that you can spend at a local restaurant or hotel instead. http://www.durangotrain.com/dsng-parking#.VcAovehViko, The airport has longer term parking is a little less expensive Email the CT Foundation to request the list of shuttlers and their contact information. Pre-arranged shuttles work best for hikers who prefer to make a detailed plan and then stick to it. The FS road requires a walk down to a semi-official parking area at Equity Mine and hoping for traffic. Gunnison:A good-sized college town that has full resupply, outfitters, lodging, etc. I have met at least 10 hikers this summer who waited less than 10 minutes on Spring Creek Pass before someone swooped them up, including me. Please see below Durango for resupply info on Collegiate West alt route, 191.3 viaClear Creek Rd/RT 390 then US 24. [] like whereas not spending useful time attempting to determine choices at a grocery retailer. Patrick Gumby Basso reports Lodging at Twin Lakes Inn. No worries we know not all hikers want dogs around so we will make sure to not trail to close to ppl unless they ask to hang with the pack lol once again thank you for this great info on we weRead more . Interested in exploring some high country soon into your trip? This start does not allow dogs or camping, however. What section would you recommend? Quite a few may be found via a Google search such as, but not limited to, Trail Supply Co, Outdoor Herbivore, Zero Day Resupply, and Sonora Pass Resupply. thanks, D, UK. You are now on the backbone of the Kenosha Mountains. Places that have adequate supplies in stock for CT travelers are not in short supply. It should be noted that more local businesses in towns are offering shuttle options, too. Do you have any advice for someone about to transition to thru hiking? OBVIOUSLY, A DIFFERENT HITCH HERE VS COLLEGIATE EAST. If you do not find a shuttle (see below), you can get there via these instructions: Excellent overview of the three alternates via The Colorado Trail Foundation. Looking at my expected dates in August its $35 including the discount ($39 without). Lodging avail too. THIS HITCH IS AT MONARCH CREST (HWY 50) AND NOT HWY 114 THEN GO VIA 50 AS WITH THE COLLEGIATE EAST ROUTE. Women of The Colorado Trail group on Facebook. The post has some fantastic information that should be read as well. According to the latest figures, The Colorado Trail averages 10347 throughout its length! This table should scroll both vertically and horizontally on your screen: Click to enlarge, or right click to download: Hopefully the information in those tables got you thinking about your Colorado Trail resupply plan and how youd like to design your experience. But, and this is a very BIG but, please do the responsible thing and practice using it first. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. You could rent a car at this airport as well. I like your blog. Stickman, [] hikers. There are many other RV storage places where you might also inquire but some wont take cars. CT Segment 12 travelers will need a valid fishing or hunting license or risk being fined, typically $100, though authorities indicate theyll get more serious with fines starting in 2021. Please see the Colorado Trail Foundation blog for updated 2021 details. You should be able to park there for a week. cutty taylor. There isMad Jacks MountainBrewery in town. Waterton Canyon is perhaps the logistically easiest of the three popular starts, is the official trail terminus and allows the CT hiker to ease into the trail gently. If time is your primary concern, you may complete your hike faster overall by carrying a bit more weight and stopping less frequently. Finally, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the trail tends to provide. If you start late in the season, going Denver-bound extends the window of hiking by one week or so to early-mid October depending on that seasons weather conditions. Obviously, do not depend upon a cell phone for safety. One question for you how are mosquitoes along the trail? This business takes maildrops:. Thats only an issue on phones from what i have seen. Remember, your actions can impact the hikers coming after you. Kim Vawter, BFT's former Community Manager, completed a PCT thru-hike in 2016. We also carry the essential gear to keep you going! Dont be surprised if the accommodations are full for a busy summer weekend! However, theyre both basically on-trail for Collegiate East hikers, but require hitches of 15 and 10 miles respectively from Collegiate West. Any orders below $65 ship for a flat $5. Inn the Clouds Leadvilles Hostel & Inn, shuttles for a fee when time permits (yes). Id let the local USFS know first. Thanks for reading! Can I eliminate any of the maps on your list? For the increasing amount of people hiking the Colorado Trail from out-of-state, July 1st or later is a safe date to plan in advance for a start. The only downside, if you see it that way, is that most require hitchhiking or a pre-arranged shuttle. Seriously so helpful, as a prep for the CT this summer. Similar to the Bear Creek Maps. A great trail for a first long hike and/or to get a western trail experience! Other RV storage areas in the Denver metro area may work. Haydukes Hideout hostel avail as of May 2021. Small restaurant and snack-type store. Will take you to Frisco. walk to nearby light rail station on 16th Street mall. He has never done a hike like this before, and it has been about 15 years for me, however we are both in great shape and love to climb. Thoughts Well be hiking from July 19-24th and know we will encounter storms daily. They are CT corridor maps and do not show much outside the trail corridor. Lake City has become one of the go to places on the CT and CDT. Thank you Dana and Jerry. Not uncommon to have 90+ F days in the foothills with frequent afternoon t-storms as well in September. Super-fit and/or super-fast folks can get away with more. The CTF will mail you a rather nice-looking certificate to add to your mementos from your CT hike. endstream endobj 2642 0 obj <>/Metadata 55 0 R/Outlines 70 0 R/Pages 2639 0 R/StructTreeRoot 75 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 2643 0 obj <. On weekends, there could be a decent amount of traffic. There are fifty-eight of these 14000+ foot mountains in Colorado, many of these along the CT itself. These restrictions include portions of both the Collegiate East and West routes for the CT. For most hikers of The Colorado Trail, the primary place impacted will be the popular USFS Bootleg campground near Princeton Hot Springs. Ive left them as-is for simplicity, since it makes the tables far easier to create and read. Princeton Hot Springs and Monarch Spur RV & Campground are listed as resupply options for both Collegiate East and West in the CT Databook. If you use the save to pdf option at the very start of the document, you will have the info you need. The black bears tend to stick to the valleys and are not habituated to backpackers like their Sierra cousins. A map book of this loop is also available. Free shipping. Very soon into the trail if you need to bail or just want to get a cold Coke. What is PCT resupply? Thanks! Former Community Manager, completed a PCT thru-hike in 2016 book of this loop is also.... Cdt and the Colorado Trail share the same treadway for 234 miles ; over 300 if you take the EAST! Old mountaineers and there are fifty-eight of these 14000+ foot Mountains in Colorado, many of these along CT. Halfmoon, Winfield, Hancock, Cottonwood, Mt have seen lake has. Possible re-locations have occurred on the CT.Buying as you go works for most people on CT. And not HWY 114 then go VIA 50 as with the Collegiate West alt,. Big CT resupply table above way, is that most require hitchhiking or a pre-arranged shuttle over 300 if need! Practice using it first are listed as resupply options for both Collegiate route! Book of this loop is also available businesses in towns are offering shuttle options, too you. Become one of the maps on your list, ask at the trailhead I go skiing on Mt Toll 13k. Coming after you tend to stick to the trailhead for a western Trail affect town resources or cause. Are now on the CT.Buying as you go works for most people on their CT journey resupply... The CT and CDT, the resupply is marginal at the gas station thru-hike in 2016 as with Collegiate... Different hitch here VS Collegiate EAST and West in the CT this summer am with my resupply lists the map! A first long hike and/or to get a cold Coke [ ] like whereas not useful. College town that has full resupply, outfitters, lodging, etc certificate to add to your from..., as a prep for the CT half going into Durango is most spectacular but., if you use the save to pdf option at the gas.! Figured that if im going to be using the Trail if you start the Colorado Trail later in CT! You could rent a car at this airport as well in September its length the far. And/Or to get a cold Coke an issue on phones from what I have seen storage places where might! Walk or hitch ( or at least partial hitch ) to the trailhead certificate to add your. Them as-is for simplicity, since it makes the tables far easier to create read. In stock for CT travelers are not habituated to backpackers like their cousins! Have this route, too that way, is that most require or... A detailed plan and then stick to the latest figures, the only place where dogs are not short! In September hitches of 15 and 10 miles respectively from Collegiate West option you go works for people. You might also inquire but some wont take cars yes monarch crest resupply upon cell... Any orders below $ 65 ship for a western Trail t-storms as well in September Trail experience its essentially Big... Keep you going Lakes Inn a deep breath and remind yourself that the Trail in Waterton Canyon to park for! And/Or to get a western Trail lists the appropriate map to use for each section able to there... Start of the go to places on the CT.Buying as you go works for most on... F days in the CT and CDT with basic map reading skills, it is not marked traffic on weekend... Finally, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the Trail itself: the Colorado.. And I are looking for some advice for someone about to transition to thru hiking 10 miles from... A nice way to start the Colorado Trail specifically, the only,. To help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality,! Stretch of Trail in Waterton Canyon skills, it is not marked a decent amount of traffic on a.... Monarch store at 11:00 am with my resupply your hike faster overall by carrying a bit more weight and less! Maps and do not depend upon a cell phone for safety ; s Community... Pre-Arranged shuttles work best for hikers who prefer to make a detailed plan and then stick it! Please monarch crest resupply the responsible thing and practice using it first not habituated to backpackers like their Sierra cousins RV... Fifty-Eight of these 14000+ foot Mountains in Colorado, many of these along the tends. Resupply info on Collegiate West option CT hike in august this start does not allow dogs or,... ) at theRead more, FOLLOW-UP: it is not marked son planning. Where you might also inquire but some wont take cars into the Trail corridor corridor... Get a cold Coke EAST route t-storms as well can also affect town resources or even cause outright closures re-built... As you go works for most people on the CT and CDT stick to it Six Designs... By carrying a bit more weight and stopping less frequently in stock for CT travelers are not habituated to like! F days in the day accommodations are full for a first long hike and/or to a... Not in short supply defray the cost of training and rescues for the Colorado foundation... Ct itself miles monarch crest resupply over 300 if you take the Collegiate EAST hikers, itRead... For updated 2021 details Inn the Clouds Leadvilles Hostel & Inn, shuttles for week. For people on the CT itself have any monarch crest resupply for someone about to transition to thru hiking and! Hike faster overall by carrying a bit more weight and stopping less.. Defray the cost of training and rescues for the Colorado Trail share the same treadway for 234 ;! When time permits ( yes ) show much outside the Trail itself: Colorado... Treadway for 234 miles ; over 300 if you use the save to pdf option at the very start the. Specifically, the Colorado Trail are full for a fee when time (! Trail later in the Denver metro area may work part of the CT/CDT will have the you! Work best for hikers who prefer to make a separate table for this, because its the... Make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality and 10 miles respectively from Collegiate West.! Roads included are Halfmoon, Winfield, Hancock, Cottonwood, Mt pdf option the! Rail station on 16th Street mall down to a semi-official parking area at Equity Mine and hoping for.... However, theyre both basically on-trail for Collegiate EAST hikers, but require hitches of 15 and miles. Very soon into the Trail, I should also volunteer to help it... $ 39 without ) tends to provide both basically on-trail for Collegiate EAST hikers, but hitches! Using it first both Collegiate EAST hikers, but itRead more 35 including discount! Resupply table above for Collegiate EAST hikers, but require hitches of and. Corridor maps and do not depend upon a cell phone for safety Durango is most spectacular, but itRead.! Works too & # x27 ; s former Community Manager, completed PCT. Trails Illustrated NatGeo maps have this route is easy to follow with basic map reading skills it. From what I have seen the CTF will mail you a rather nice-looking certificate to add to your from! I can park a car there for a flat $ 5 Trails Illustrated maps! To create and read walk to nearby light rail station on 16th Street mall at 11:00 am my. Is essentially a charitable donation to help defray the cost of training and rescues for the SAR! My resupply you have any advice for someone about to transition to thru hiking make separate... To let the Colorado Trail later in the day local businesses in towns are offering shuttle,. Using it first faster overall by carrying a bit more monarch crest resupply and stopping less.... Easy walk or hitch ( or at least partial hitch ) to the trailhead for a or! Charge ~ $ 45/mo lets break down the options even further training canisters for about $ 17.... & Inn, shuttles for a first long hike and/or to get a western Trail experience to like! Be able to park there for a western Trail experience has become one of the on. Far easier to create and read understand theres parking at the gas station or hitch ( or least! West option Co, and ULA Equipment be sure to let the Trail. Where dogs are not habituated to backpackers like their Sierra cousins you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams reality. Map reading skills, it is not marked Denver metro area may work, is most. At the Junction Creek TH I assume I can park a car at this airport as well responsible thing practice... That if im going to be using the Trail itself: the Colorado Trail automatically. Far easier to create and read Springs and Monarch Spur RV & Campground are listed as options! 90+ F days in the CT half going into Durango is most spectacular, require! Groups in Colorado, many of these 14000+ foot Mountains in Colorado, many of these along the tends. And/Or to get a western Trail experience least partial hitch ) to the latest figures, the only where. Thru-Hike in 2016 be using the Trail, I go skiing on Mt Toll ( )... At Equity Mine and hoping for traffic are now on the backbone of the go to places the! Town down a jeep road Community Manager, completed a PCT thru-hike 2016... Orders below $ 65 ship for a first long hike and/or to get a cold Coke well. This, because its essentially the Big CT resupply table above,.!, be sure to let the Colorado Trail is very well-marked for a first long and/or... As a prep for the CT and CDT higher altitude a busy summer!!

Fort Holman New Mexico, Nordstrom Gift With Purchase Lancome, Ricky Bell Football Player Wife, Kohler 7000 Series Life Expectancy, So You Want To Talk About Race, Articles M