Available H20? - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

Anyone ever hiked the sections 16-23 in late August thru September? Is there much available trailside water or should I think of doing the sections north of Hwy 50 to Copper Mnt?

will

#2

IMO, sections 16-20 are probably the worst concerning water. There aren’t many sources, and they can be “questionable” by late summer. There are LOTS of cows there too which contaminate existing water sources.

The water situation becomes good again once you start climbing Cochetopa Creek in Sec. 20. That’s when the scenery really picks up too IMO.

MellowMike

#3

Given the length of all segments (75.8 miles) would it be overkill to fill a 10 liter water bladder, plan on doing 13 miles a day, and plan on only ONE water refill en route (giving one the recommended one gallon per day?) I don’t care how MUCH water is available en route – only that there IS water en route… Water is HEAVY – and lugging it for miles is no fun…

Tom B

#4

There is pretty good water flowing here at Lujan, near the end of Section 17. And Pine Creek is flowing at the beginning of 18. Razor is also flowing but there are lots of cows around it, Lujan, and Pine. APPLE

APPLE

#5

Are Silver Creek and Tank Seven Creek reliable water sources this time of year? My father-in-law and I are planning on hiking segments 15-16 from August 21-23. Should we pack extra water?

Bernard Wolf

#6

i hiked 16 last year midaugust and Tank 7 creek was running very well. This year has been at least average in moisture so it shouldnt be a problem. I dont remember Silver creek specifically but all the creeks listed in the guide and data books were flowing well. I think Razer creek is in Seg 17 and while there was water, is was sparse and the cows bathe there. So if you hike all the way to Hwy 114, youd better carry extra water just in case. Fooses creek is a big creek and runs year round, starting almost up to the divide. No prob there.

chris

#7

Thanks for the information!

Bernard

#8

Tank 7 is very good, but cows roam the area. so watch out.

Allie