A thru-hike generally takes
4 to 6 weeks
to complete. Some people complete the trail by “section-hiking” or “segment travel” over the course of several seasons. We estimate that 500 people complete the CT each year, with many thousands of people hiking, bicycling or horseback riding portions of it.
How much does it cost to hike the Colorado Trail?
In general assuming an average hike of The Colorado Trail of 4-5 weeks, figure roughly
$1200 +/-
taking into the account of inflation vs years past. This price does not include the cost of gear or transportation costs to and from the trail.
How many miles a day is the Colorado Trail?
The treks are still rigorous with hiking days averaging around
15 miles
. See the Trekking section on this website for more information.
What time of year is best to hike the Colorado Trail?
Late summer
is generally the best time to hike the Colorado Trail due to altitude and snowpack conditions. The Colorado Trail Foundation recommends a hiking window of July 1 to September 30. Start too early (May or June) and much of the trail will still be covered by late-melting snow.
How cold does it get on the Colorado Trail?
The Colorado Trail Foundation tells hikers to expect temperatures from
80 to 30 Fahrenheit
—potentially even lower, if you’re hiking at the tail end of the season. Summer thunderstorms are frequent; if you see lightning, descend and seek shelter.
How do I prepare for the Colorado Trail?
- Hike hills (even stairs) up and down.
- Ramp up mileage & elevation.
- Ease into carrying your pack, increasing the weight.
- Tread on irregular trail surfaces (if possible).
- Train your feet and dial your footwear.
Is it safe to hike alone in Colorado?
CO is a pretty safe place in general, low levels of personal crime
. over a year ago. Absolutely! It’s probably really nice to hike alone and just be in nature.
Has anyone done the Colorado Trail in winter?
Although
a successful winter thru-hike of the CDT has yet to be completed
, there has been at least one recorded mission along a large chunk of the CDT.
How late can you do the Colorado Trail?
Timing. Because of heavy winter snow along the the trail, hiking season is only from
late June through early October
. This is the widest possible window for hiking. It’s best to be on the Colorado Trail only from July 1st through mid-September.
How many days does it take to do the Colorado Trail?
The Colorado Trail Foundation states that the average thru hike typically takes
4-6 weeks
so 33 days falls almost squarely in the middle of that range.
Can you drive on the Colorado Trail?
There are dozens of access points to the CT’s 567 miles of trail. These are
accessible by car, 4-wheel-drive
, bike, horse, on foot, or even by train. Numerous resources including maps, guidebooks and websites can help you with your planning.
Does the Colorado Trail follow the CDT?
Once I realized how often the two trails get conflated in Colorado, my go-to answer became, “I think you’re thinking of The Colorado Trail, rather than the Continental Divide Trail.
They do overlap in Colorado, but the CDT takes 4 – 6 months to hike over 3,000 miles in 5 states
.”
Do you need a permit to hike the Colorado Trail?
You do not need a permit to hike The Colorado Trail with the exception of where it passes through wilderness areas
.
What segment of the Colorado Trail is the best?
Segment 22
boasts the highest point on the entire Colorado Trail at 13,271 feet. This alone is a great reason to hike it! As you would expect from this claim to fame, the segment also offers miles of high tundra and sweeping views above treeline.
How many segments are on the Colorado Trail?
The Colorado Trail is divided into
33 segments
which includes a choice of two routes in the middle, Collegiate East and Collegiate West. See the map on our maps page for a quick look at the segments.
Does it rain a lot on the Colorado Trail?
During the Colorado trail season, particularly at higher elevations,
fierce thunderstorms and lightning are common and snow and hail are not unusual
. Bluebird skies in the morning can turn into blinding rainstorms in a manner of minutes.
Can you camp on the Colorado Trail?
Can I camp anywhere I want on the Colorado Trail? With the exception of a few miles at both ends, and a few very specific restrictions throughout,
free dispersed camping is legal along the entire length of the CT
.
Are there shelters on the Colorado Trail?
Shelters –
There are no shelters on the CT
, nor are there many formal campgrounds. Travelers can camp almost anywhere they choose, usually in one of the many dispersed sites along the way.
How long is the first segment of the Colorado Trail?
Although Colorado Trail Segment 1 is
16.7 miles
long, it has relatively little elevation gain, making it a long day hike for those hikers who are capable of putting in the miles.
How do you stay safe if you go hiking in the mountains?
- Plan your route properly. …
- Adapt your plans to the circumstances. …
- Bring lots of water! …
- Cover your head, and apply sunscreen at regular intervals. …
- Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. …
- Wear good hiking boots or trainers. …
- Bring a map and compass. …
- Tell someone where you are going.
Where does the Colorado Trail start and end?
Colorado Trail Overview
Start and End Point:
Northeastern terminus is Waterton Canyon State Park outside of Denver and the southwestern terminus is Durango, CO just past Indian Trail Ridge
. Alternative Northeastern terminus points include Indian Creek Trailhead or Roxborough State Park.
What should I be aware of hiking in Colorado?
- Tips for Hiking in Colorado. …
- We’ve witnessed visiting friends experience altitude sickness at tree line (11,500 feet) and higher. …
- Eat Well. …
- Have a Plan and Be Flexible. …
- Wear the Right Shoes. …
- Wear the Right Daypack. …
- Pack Snacks. …
- Wear Hats and Sunglasses.
Can you have fires on the Colorado Trail?
Campfires Are Prohibited
– Campfires are prohibited. This prohibition means that CT travelers cannot legally make a campfire. The only exception does not usually pertain to Colorado Trail travelers as it deals with metal fire grates in campgrounds where CT folks seldom stay.
When should I start the Long Trail?
The Long Trail is normally snow-free from June to October, but take care to avoid mud season, which can last until June.
August to October
is the optimal time to hike since the trail is plagued by black flies in mid-summer, although you do run the risk of water sources drying out later in the year.
