A Short Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail (CT) stretches across the Rocky Mountain Range from Denver to Durango. It takes you through some of the country’s highest elevations, most stunning scenery, and most temperamental weather.

From the flower-filled alpine meadows of the Sawatch Mountains to the dramatic craggy peaks of the San Juans, a hike on the CT is sure to be a journey full of challenges and rewarding experiences.

Ukweli wa Haraka

  • Distance: 486 miles (give or take a few depending on whether you choose the Collegiate West or Collegiate East route)
  • Time Needed: 4-6 weeks
  • Highest Elevation: 13,334 ft. - Coney Summit
  • Lowest Elevation: 5,520 ft. - Waterton Canyon
  • Elevation Gain (approx.): 89,000 ft.
  • Best Time to Hike: According to the Colorado Trail Foundation, July 1 to September 30 is the ideal window for hiking. Snow is typically still present along much of the trail before July. After September you run the risk of dealing with early-season snow storms.
  • Vibali: Hakuna
  • Ugumu: Ugumu

Mambo ya muhimu

  • Nearly unending views since much of the trail is above treeline
  • Lots of great resupply towns
  • Tons of wildlife & wildflowers
  • Social & friendly trail community
  • Feeling amazingly capable & confident at the end of the journey
  • You can peak bag some awesome 14ers on short side trails
  • Well marked & maintained

Continue reading Casey Hadley's guide to the colorado trail here.

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Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Clothing and gear can be treated with a 0.5% permethrin spray, sold under names including Sawyer, Insect Shield and Ranger Ready.

Bay Area News Group
News Group

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion offers the longest protection windows on test — up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks — and its creamy, low-odor formula goes on smooth and dries quickly.

Rachel Cavanaugh
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The Sawyer Squeeze and Cnoc Vecto made hydration easy.

Josh King
Mwandishi wa Kuchangia