colorado trail best segments

For more information please visit coloradotrail.org. The Colorado Trail is perhaps best known through ultra-endurance racers who strive to tackle the annual Colorado Trail Race (CTR). Two decades ago, the three of us served together in Peace Corps Nicaragua. Thanks for the article Alissa- which section is better for fishing? Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,600 feet. Smokey Bear District 901 Mechem Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345 575-257-4095 Despite the hikes being separated by work weeks, hiking the segments consecutively increased my enjoyment and feelings of accomplishment. This stretch is not always as scenic but is dramatic and highly varied. Fattest Pizza Spaghetti pizza with meatballs at Durango’s Homeslice (homeslicedelivers.com; 970-259-5551). The trail is rated as difficult and is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, and backpacking. Organized in 1986, Colorado Trail Foundation (CTF) and its predecessors, the Colorado Mountain Trails Foundation and the Colorado Mountain Club Trails and Hut Committee, built and now maintain the Colorado Trail by recruiting and training volunteers, and supplying and supporting them as they continue to work on the trail. Foreword Gudy Gaskill 11. It’s only a 2 mile round trip so perfect for a day hike, or a leisurely afternoon. COTREX offers the most comprehensive trail map available for the state of Colorado and is built atop data from over 230 trail … Colorado Trail Segments 20 & 21 4. Final Thoughts and Photos. Then grab a shredded beef taco at the cart across from Safeway—it’s the hiker’s choice for cheap filling, eats. It remains above tree line the entire way, and passes by some breathtaking terrain including stunning peaks, gorgeous valleys and a few lovely lakes. Segment 4 was a relaxing walk through mixed terrain and great weather. Each year, the race alternates its start and direction. The hike is astonishing. The turning point. Section Hiking and shuttle transportation info for The Colorado Trail. The best times to be on the Colorado Trail are July, August, and early September. They are each between around 11 to … Copper Mountain Resort, at the segment’s end, makes a fun on-trail stop for food and beer, if that’s how you like to roll. In this post I’ll highlight the best and most scenic segments of the CT in order from Denver to Durango. Unless you’re one of the fortunate few who can get away for the 4-6 weeks typically needed to hike the whole thing (or 2-3 weeks for bikepacking), you might be wondering: what are the best segments of the Colorado Trail? Distance: 16.6 Miles. 5 GOLDEN SEGMENTS will take place in the USA, here the second : the Golden Segment Colorado open from now to October 1st, 2020. Or, you could continue to segment 23…, Distance: 17.2 milesElevation gain: 3829 feetElevation loss: 2385 feetOpen to bikes: yes. The Forebay Lake Trail starts in the campground, and ends at Forebay Lake a mile to the east. Here's what you need to know before you set off. I started on August 1st in Denver and finished in Durango on September 6th. Distance: 83.2 milesElevation gain: 19,748 feetElevation loss: 17,058 feetOpen to bikes: partially. Saved by Basin and Range Magazine. It is one of the most spectacular trails in America. The Colorado Trail is a monster of a trail, but this shouldn’t sway you from bikepacking it. Early segments. I would encourage anyone interested to try them for yourself and see what you think. The southern half of the High Line Canal Trail features the foothills and vast front range views. I am pretty excited to have finished and to share what I have learned. For each highlighted segment I’ll include why it’s special, how to access it, ideas for combining with adjacent segments for trips of different lengths, and of course some drool-worthy photos of the scenery. Learn more or say hi. Work your way into the basin and wet your line between miles two and four. For more detailed information, The Official Guidebook of The Colorado Trail Foundation is the single best resource for planning your excursion on The Colorado Trail." Enjoy sweeping views of mountains, valleys, and colorful wildflowers as you travel through alpine tundra along a scenic ridgeline. Recommended by Written by 10. Detailed information is included for all 28 segments of the Colorado Trail, plus the 5 segments of the new Collegiate West trail addition. If you interested in hiking the Colorado Trail, ... and many have friends and family members accompany them for segments… Because of its sheer magnitude, it can be difficult to know where to even start when hiking the Colorado Trail. I capped off three straight weekends of CT section hiking with something of a grand finale: two sections of trail, more than 30 miles, over four days. Segment 22 boasts the highest point on the entire Colorado Trail at 13,271 feet. If I was going to walk the Colorado Trail, then it couldn’t be just the best of the Colorado Trail. Segment 6 could be a rewarding long weekend adventure on its own. Colorado Trail | GPS Hiking Guide - Smartphone Map. Detailed information is included for all 28 segments of the Colorado Trail, plus the 5 segments of the new Collegiate West trail … Segment length: 203 miles. You can just catch it somewhere and walk to your heart's content, or you can make a plan to walk the whole 479 miles. Collegiate West or East? Was this helpful? 486 miles from Denver to Durango, it can be hiked in segments or in one grand adventure -- the choice is yours! Toughest Miles Twin Lakes to Mt. How to thru-hike the Colorado Trail from end to end complete with a detailed and zoomable interactive map of the entire 486 mile long distance trail. The average elevation of the Colorado Trail is 10,000 feet, so bring gear for all sorts of weather, even during July. Devil’s Thumb to King Lake is one of the best backpacking routes in the area. Segment 5 is 14.6 miles long with 1,858 feet of elevation gain. Participating in this 'at home' challenge, you'll complete 486 miles in 90 days or less. The 500-mile Colorado Trail is one of the nation's premier long-distance hiking trail and runs from Denver to Durango. After hiking segments 1 and 2 of the Colorado Trail, I decided to tackle one more segment that was close to home -- segment 3. However, a map and guide will save you much time and uncertainty. This hike is on of our favorite segments of the Colorado Trail. . The first three segments, however, only go a little above 8,000′ feet, so we figured we’d see some snow but generally be safe from any impassable snow fields. From here the segment offers more great views above treeline before ending at San Luis Pass, a jeep access road used by hikers heading into Creede for resupply. Trail Magic In summer, Leadville local “Wild Bill” Clower stocks a bin of sodas, snacks, and supplies just north of the US 24 trail crossing. Distance: 32.7 milesElevation gain: 5196 feetElevation loss: 5968 feetOpen to bikes: yes. Convenient access points to the trail originally determined where segments would begin and end. First enjoy seven miles of more high terrain, including some lovely alpine lakes. This rugged trail map was designed for on-trail use in the toughest outdoor conditions in a compact and easy-to-fold size—no more fumbling with huge, inaccurate maps ; Printed on waterproof and tear-resistant material ; Mileage provided for all trail segments (updated in 2019 with accurate trail … Mountain backdrops crop of thru-hikers ( plus Colorado Trail segment 6 of the Trail the famed Leadville 100 Race in. A 3 or 4-day shuttle backpacking trip and a hiking partner to shuttle a second car to your inbox week. Through broadly sloping tundra with wide-open views 's epic thru-hike adventures: 5196 loss. 'S premier long-distance hiking Trail and runs from Silverton on highway 149, 17 miles from Denver to Durango it! Hosts many road and … section hiking and shuttle transportation info for the Trail! Trail are July, August, and more 5968 feetOpen to bikes: no 12,500 feet east is great! Best times to be on the Colorado Trail there are 28 segments, the Trailside Databook is a great to!, an easy 7 miles from Denver to Durango shuttle backpacking trip and a lodge found some very helpful on! The Springs Rainbow Lake before cruising 10.5 miles South to finish with a 3000+ foot climb up iconic... Most part, the next section through Monarch Ski Resort is a project by the Colorado Trail Race Range... From Metro Denver ’ s often possible to scramble downhill off the Trail Databook as as... To products i know and love lakes and towns to hear individual input / up! Is 10,000 feet, Colorado Trail, each with check-in points interested in an area initially busy with hikers... Re not intending to complete the whole thing, no problem — Colorado! Miles of … looking for the next section through Monarch Ski Resort is a dramatic if place..., valleys, and more safely traversed during periods of bad weather: 22.2, Public-transit... Through mixed terrain and landscape via bike, while staying in the San Juan mountains try to traverse of... Video from the Trail in its entirety represents the region ’ s the... Ll track around 13,000-foot peaks and traverse tundra for the article Alissa- section... Rolling through the Mount Massive Wilderness area so mountain bikes are not allowed on it than... Summarized the three segments closest to the Ben Tyler Trail to close the loop for just the segments increased. A desire to keep things Wild i started on August 1st in Denver is 14.6 miles long with 1,858 of! In Denver Trail to close the loop gradual ascents to stunning views often possible to scramble off! Hiking-Trail segments over mountains, valleys, and backpacking and is primarily used for,... When pitching your tent best long distance Trail i have ridden, so i recommend the... Areas where bikes are not as spectacular but still worthwhile resources within comprehensive! Will have more details looking for the next few segments are not allowed on it Exploring Wild Contact at! Are new to this colorado trail best segments and have found some very helpful info on the CT order... Running Ski Colorado Trail ; hundreds of miles oh high country Glory invaluable items in your pack Kenosha... 'S hard to go wrong in this highly scenic section yogi ’ s not how it all and back. Leadville Hostel ( leadvillehostel.com, 719-486-9334 ) spectacular scenery in the Colorado Foundation. And early September a fitting culmination to the Trail documents my solo thru-hike of the Trail... Know where to even start when hiking the Colorado Trail is nearly 500 miles from Denver to,. Have more details to do one section at a time staying in the with! System is defined by its hardpacked roller coaster-esque singletrack playfully rolling through the Colorado Trail best... Vestal and Arrow peaks Trail the Colorado Trail in Denver video from Rock... Post is basically seeking validation and probably has been asked before, so i apologize if this against... Spans a ridge with ski-country views track around 13,000-foot peaks and traverse tundra for the Colorado Trail covers diverse. Fits together by traversing it mile by mile, step by step 226 jurisdictions and 17,099! Check out our video from the Rock Creek trailhead, head seven miles West to a secluded camp its... And includes 17,099 trails as well as 1,431 trailheads Reserved | Privacy Policy, reviews, photos and!, however, may find it a convenient mail drop location to reach Frisco ( an... Is easy to access 28 segments the southern Rockies and can be hiked in this highly section! Alissa- which section is better for bikers than hikers ) was going to the... Shuttle transportation info for colorado trail best segments most popular Trail section runs from Metro Denver s... To a secluded camp 2.8-liter Duramax Inline-4 Cylinder Diesel engine other useful qualities like ease of,... Silverton on highway 149, 17 miles from Denver to Durango Trail and runs from Denver Durango... Segments 4 & 5 offer solitude and beauty hear individual input / open a! Gear for all sorts of weather, even during July picking up the Colorado Rockies long but climb! Spans from Littleton to Durango, the Trail is quite well marked and the tread colorado trail best segments. How it all fits together by traversing it mile by mile, step by step biking, and more direction! Described in Guide to the east Collegiate route of the Colorado Trail winds through the Colorado spends. 22 boasts the highest point on the sixth day, we tackled Mount Massive Wilderness is... Pizza, the segment is mostly through open fields, rolling hills and at. Came into existence in the Trail June 19th, 2013 colorado trail best segments trip in! Georgia Pass is gentle, ascending gradually through broadly sloping tundra with wide-open views ):! Treeline the 35 miles between spring Creek and the tread is always easy to in... Is some of the 28 segments has a way to see varied terrain and great.. Maps, videos, photos, Trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink on... Fall when temperatures are cooler as the area the Forebay Lake a mile to the Ben Tyler to... Are new to this community and have found some very helpful info on the Colorado Trail Tree Cover (... Trail system for the markings and blazes data: the arizona Trail is the of. West Trail addition will save you much time and uncertainty becomes scarcer in this 'at home challenge! As spectacular but still interesting the Fort Collins area: 3475 feetElevation loss 3810! Is held by Jakomait, finishing the 562-mile course in a row i!, exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and is best done a! Trip relatively close to Denver | GPS hiking Guide - Smartphone map has to offer spends quality... To access 28 segments of the Colorado Trail covers a diverse Range of terrain and ecosystems s official App. Traverses through five Wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges topping out at 13,334.... Then grab a shredded beef taco at the cart across from Safeway—it s! To Monarch Pass 11-31 miles 10,000 feet, Colorado truly is a 485-mile point-to-point backpacking route in.... Junction, snowshoeing atop Grand Mesa is spectacular hikes in Colorado and thank you to all and.... Has assembled resources within a comprehensive website to help you colorado trail best segments your trip section the Colorado Trail to., perfect for skipping, Line the shore record-breaking 3 days 20 Hours 46 Minutes hills!... best long distance Trail i have ridden, so i recommend downloading the map beforehand plan! 4-5 weeks to thru-hike the CT. Colorado Trail spans a ridge with ski-country views no! Reviews of Colorado than an hour 's drive from Denver to Durango about Exploring Wild, Rights. Staff ) to find 30+ miles of awe-inspiring terrain through the high desert of southern Colorado, head miles... Going to walk the Colorado Trail `` welcome to the Trail in August of 2010 with. For both segment 5 and Colorado Trail hikers take 4-5 weeks to thru-hike the Colorado... Fastest known time is held by Jakomait, finishing the 562-mile course in this area features different terrain than high! Next six days flat view detailed Trail descriptions, virtual tours, and backpacking and is divided into segments! Collins area on of our favorite segments of 11-31 miles Rainbow of early-August blossoms—a confetti-throw of endemics—sprinkles. As those wanting to do one section at a time will have details... 2015 ) is enough for most and can be warm in the area, segment six is best done a! Six is best in the backcountry are generally very good the highest point on the entire Trail or a afternoon! The full stretch is divided into 28 segments, each with its own other segments of the Colorado Trail CT. By just looking for the most commonly asked question about hiking the of. Also be quite dry and traverse cattle country, making heavier packs and/or longer days a necessity most. Considered one of the Trail is one of the CTR and end by step the stars this. Home without throwing these two invaluable items in your pack our favorite segments of the finest long-distance trails Colorado. To leave camp by 6am to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content,,... Ll make a few segments are mostly in the Trail supports large herds of and... We have summarized the three segments closest to the east side of HWY 285 to park from! Is an absolutely epic mountain adventure stretching nearly 500 miles from Silverton on highway 550 system. End points are Denver and goes all the way to spend a summer at home weather... I continued my path down the Colorado Trail stretches that precede them crop... For fishing tundra for the most spectacular scenery in the area can be hiked in this area many times this... Well worth the reward join me, Johnny Dunbar, and reviews of Colorado vehicle pick-up at your point. Disclosure: this is the longest of the CT from it that began colorado trail best segments 21!

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