Hey to all,
I’m planning to hike the CT early September, beginning to end, and was wondering if anyone out there felt like doing the same. I’m going on a solo mission and would welcome any company. Also, for those who have completed the trail before, I’d appreciate any advice for a newbie. Thanks and God Bless.
Edgar MadDog Welch
Thanks for the advice. How will that effect me as far as starting in a high altitude (Durango) rather than gradually working my way higher from a low altitude (Denver)? What are the pros and cons for starting at either point?
Edgar MadDog Welch
I believe that depends on how well acclimated a person is to; starting at 7,000 ft then going up to 11,700 over the course of about 17 miles. Then staying at 11,500 - 12,500 for a couples weeks.
Joseph-feelous
Mags guide probably says it best.
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php/Backpacking-and-Hiking-documents/coloradotrail_info.html
food
Presuming you’re coming from the flatlands, allow several days for acclimation if you start in Durango. Two days ought to cut it if you start in Denver. Altitude is a very personal thing. It kicks the crap out of some, and leaves others relatively unscathed. If you’re in the former group (or don’t know if you;re in the former group), impatience can potentially ruin a trip. If you think the CT is tough, try doing it with a constant headache, nausea, sleeplessness, etc.
Matt
Much appreciated Matt. Good to know before I venture out. I’m from NC so the higher altitude will probably put a lot of wear and tear on me. What should I pack as far as clothing if I plan on going from Denver to Durango so late in the season? (how many sets of warm/cold cloths) I’ll be out there for the duration of the trail (6 weeks) and I want to have all I need, without a lot of extra weight. Like I said, I’m kind of a newb so any info is great.
Edgar MadDog Welch
MadDog - I did a 300-sile stretch through the San Juans last September finishing at Molas Pass outside Silverton. I’d suggest you hike in socks, short hiking pants (or perhaps zip-off long nylon pants), and a long-sleeve polypropolene shirt (prefereably something with a long chest-zipper and a fold-down turtleneck to extend the comfort range on warmer days. I love my Patagonia zip-up turtleneck). To boost up the warmth factor, hike in your rain pants and rain jacket on cold days. Add to that light gloves and a fleece hat and you should be plenty warm enough while walking. For camp, I’d carry a dedicated set of midweight polypropolene underwear (tops and bottoms), a down jacket, and some warm socks. When worn under the rain suit and paired with the aforementioned gloves and hat, you should be plenty warm enough when sitting still. And that’s it. If things get really cold at night, you can always put back on your hiking clothes for an extra layer of insulation (even if they are damp with sweat, they’ll dry out quickly). Avoid the mistake of carrying “extra sets” of anything other than perhaps an extra set of hiking socks. The theory is hike in the same set of clothes every day and sleep in the same (albeit different) set of clothes each night. You might think extra sets of clothes provide a wsie insurance policy against horrendous smell and wetness. But they don’t. You’ll forget all about the smell after a day or two on the trail. And wet clothes are quickly walked dry when worn. When stuffed in a pack, they fester in a heavy, bulky clump for days! Happy Trails.
Matt
Again, thank you for your time and advice. This has been a BIG help. Another concern/question I had was getting the right pack. I’ve heard from many that it is probably better to rent a back pack before settling down and buying one. This sounds like a good idea, but I still don’t know what the ideal pack to rent for a 6 week journey would be. Again, Im hoping to keep things as light as possible, but I don’t want something too small to hold what I’ll need. What is a good brand to look for, and what size should suffice. Also, what “bells and whistles” should i look for or avoid when choosing a pack? i.e. waterproof, inner frame/outer frame, no frame, etc… I can’t thank everyone enough for their help and advice. Please keep it coming! Hope to see ya’ll on the trails soon.
Edgar MadDog Welch
To comment on Matt’s most excellent advice, dont take anything made of cotton as it will get wet by rain or sweat, then stay wet until its too skanky to burn. My favorite hiking shorts are of heavy canvas but this past summer on the ct they got damp by rain and were heavy and worthless for days. I actually hiked alot in my raingear pants. Buy very good quality raingear tops and bottoms as this will be your salvation. I also think your choice of hats is important for sun and rain. I like my well worn Tilly hat, can order online. You wont regret it. You need a good fitting pack cover too. I like to carry comfy loose fitting lightweight sandals to wear in camp so my feet can dry out.
chris
MadDog - from the questions you are asking, I get the sense that you haven’t done a lot of backpacking in the past, and are unfamiliar with longer trails. I respectfully suggest that you take some time to research the following topics on your own, then ask some more specific questions:
lightweight / ultralight backpacking
internal vs. external frame packs
tarp tents
Big Agnes / GoLite / other manufacturers
stoves / bags / trekking poles / etc.
The Colorado Trail has sections where you are MILES from help should something derail your plans, and you need to be prepared (gear and mental) for whatever comes your way. I wish you all the best in your journey, this is truely a wonderful trail and adventure!
bugleboy
Right you are bugleboy. I’ve done some smaller treks through the AT but this will be my first thru-hike as well as my first solo hike. I’m spending just about all my down time researching the CT and thru-hiking in general, which is why I sincerely appreciate everyone’s help.
Thank you, and God Bless!
Edgar MadDog Welch
MadDog - Regarding packs, I don’t suspect you’ll find a pack to rent for 6 weeks. I think that idea is designed for a 2-3 night trip. After 6 weeks, you’ll likely pay more for the rental than your own pack. So, I fear it’s time to take the financial plunge.
When looking for a thru-pack, look for something in the 3500 cubic inch range (less if you trim gear down to the necessities, more if you add some extra creature comforts). And keep the weight of the pack in the 3-pound or less category. Some packs can get needlessly heavy, quick!
Some good bells and whistles to look for are a lot of external pockets for quick access to gear needed thoughout the day, hip belt pockets (same reason), water bottle pouches you can reach while the pack is on, and frankly, given that you’ll be hiking in Colorado in the fall, I’d pick a red or orange colored pack to provide a little extra insurance against over-zealous hunters. Avoid any pack that boasts a hip belt or shoulder strap system that looks more padded than a recliner chair. The plush accoutrements are most likely needed to mitigate against the pack’s own knee buckling weight (when empty!).
ULA Equipment (Circuit and Conduit) and Go Lite (Jam) make packs that have served me very well over the years. I’m not a fan of Osprey, but many fellow thru-hikers swear by them. Give them all a look.
Matt
Matt, I can’t thank you enough. All of this has been very helpful! Catch me out on the trail some day and I’ll buy you a drink.
Again, thank you all for taking the time to guide me through this. I wish you all happy trails and hopefully I’ll run into a few of you on my journey. Colorado, here I come 
Edgar MadDog Welch
I have thru - hiked the trail in both directions and would recommend doing it the classic way - Denver to Durango. You will acclimitize better, the trail is marked better in that direction, that is the way the guidebook is written, and you are just as likely to encounter early winter weather on the Denver end as the Durango end. As long as you get here (Durango) by mid-October you should be ok.
Plus, that way you save the best for last (San Juans)
Take a warm bag and some extra clothes, though. Its already freezing some in the high country.
I will be hiking Stony Pass to Georgia Pass beginning mid Sept. - maybe I’ll see you out there.
Here are the CO big game season dates for this year:
Rifle Deer/Elk/Moose Moose Oct. 1–9
Separate limited elk (1st season) Oct. 10–14
Combined (deer/elk) (2nd season) Oct. 17–25
(3rd season) Oct. 31–Nov. 6
Combined limited (deer/elk) (4th season) Nov. 11–15
Plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Oct. 24–Nov. 3
Late plains deer (east of I-25, except Unit 140) Dec. 1–14
bearcreek
The archery season for deer started yesterday, 8/29. I was tracked by archers for about 100 yds on the first part of Segment 13 just south of the east ridge of Mt. Yale. Apparently the clicking of trekking poles on the trail, and my heavy breathing while hiking sounds like a deer to them.
Bernard
What’s the best food to bring on a CT thru hike as far as light weight, long lasting, and easy? Any specific brands to look for? Cheap would be nice also 
Edgar MadDog Welch
I came across some great tasting food at reasonable prices. Check out Hawk Vittles .com
Hoosier