The Colorado Trail (CT) is a 912-kilometer trail that weaves through eight mountain ranges in the Colorado Rockies in the United States. The trail stretches between Denver and Durango and passes through some of the most beautiful towns in the state. You experience towering peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, blooming meadows, and of course a few summer thunderstorms that the Rockies are known for! The trail has 33 stages that most hikers finish in an average of 21-28 days. It should be hiked in July, August, and September for the best conditions.
South Platte
When hiking from the eastern terminus, you leave the Denver metropolis and head toward the Waterton Canyon Trailhead to begin the trail. You hike over the breathtaking Kenosha Pass through the South Platte river shed and Long Gultch, a 10-kilometer meadow. Over these first five segments, you begin to gain some serious altimeters – over 3,700 meters.
Kokomo Pass
This is where you will join the infamous Continental Divide Trail for the next 400 kilometers. The trail will pass by the popular ski towns, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, where you can resupply. The trail has some great climbs and passes through lush forests.
Holy Cross Wilderness
Get ready for some serious wilderness! The Holy Cross Wilderness climbs jagged peaks and descends into steep valleys full of forests. You will have the chance to climb a few of Colorado’s massive mountains in this section, Mount Massive, and Mount Elbert are available to add to your stages. You also pass through Leadville, a historical mining town, for another resupply. Without adding the two extra mountain peaks, these four stages will climb a total of 3800 altimeters. Make sure to use your trekking poles!
Chalk Creek
Here you have the option to take either the traditional east collegiate route or the new west collegiate route. The east route winds through forests of pine and aspen trees, a must-see in Colorado. You will also climb Marshall pass, which is considered the steepest portion of the Colorado Trail. If you hike the west route, expect to be in more remote wilderness and stay at a higher elevation.
Cochetopa Valley
Get ready for a break from mountains and forests in this section, because the Cochetopa Valley is home to cowboys and ranches – it’s a dry and dusty section. Beware, there are fewer water supplies here until you reach the Cochetopa watershed. However, the section ends in the town of Creede, which many hikers believe is the best resupply town on the trail. There are five segments in this section and they total 3900 altimeters.
Cataract Ridge
Now you enter one of the most revered mountain ranges in the Western Slope, the San Juan Mountains. The climbs are rewarded with astonishing vistas. Here, you’ll also pass over the highest point of the Colorado Trail, Jarosa Mesa. It is 4,045 meters and near Coney Summit. This is also where the Colorado Trail will split away from the Continental Divide Trail and head in the direction of New Mexico.
Indian Trail Ridge
In this final section, there are four segments until you reach the western terminus in Durango. This is where some of the most scenic points of the trail are, but for a price! This is a very exposed ridge, which means it is known for its afternoon thunderstorms. Make sure to set up camp below the passes and wait for the storms before continuing in the evenings.
Voilá! You finally reach the western terminus after a month of hiking and can celebrate in Durango.
When to hike:
The best time to hike this trail is between July and September for the best conditions. Colorado is known for its fickle weather, so it is important to be cautious and flexible about your start date on the trail.
Do not forget:
We have created a complete gear list for thru-hikers, click here for more information. Some additional items that you should not forget when hiking the Colorado Trail:
- Ultralight tent -> you will be happy with the tent instead of cowboy camping when you’re braving afternoon storms
- Trekking poles -> for the protection of your knees on the mountain passes
- Bear canister -> keep your food (and self!) safe while on the trail
- Water filtration system -> Never be without water, even in Cochetopa Valley
Good to know:
You do not need a permit to hike the Colorado Trail but should still plan the trail in advance. The hike is strenuous and has a few options for variations. Make sure you decide which is best for you!
This trail is also multi-purpose, so be ready to share the trail with mountain bikers and horseback riders as well.
Helpful links: The Colorado Trail Association
