2 weeks on the trail

imported
#1

I have 2 weeks to do a bit of exploring in Colorado and spending the time hiking in the mountains appeals greatly. I will be finishing up a job in Salida in early September and have a flight from Denver in late September, so was thinking I would try and walk the trail from Salida to as far as I can get toward Denver. I have a fair amount of hiking experience, off track and at altitude, and for extended periods. Is this a reasonable aspiration? Would I be missing out on the most spectacular sections? Should I instead walk south and then bus back to Denver from Durango?

Anna

#2

I would hike the section(s) from Monarch Pass to Silverton,or reversed. Highest part of the trail, I think. About 135 miles, one resupply in Lake City, both Lake City and Silverton small mountain towns.

lala

#3

I agree with lala, that is a great option. If you want a loop though, you could do Collegiate West and East side. This is a great part of the trail. In my opinion, as you get closer to Denver, the trail is not as nice and gets too crowded. The exception to this is the Lost Creek Wilderness area that is very nice.

Prometheus