Best Section - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

My wife and I are hoping to sneak in a short hike toward the end of summer and are considering doing a section of the CT. We’re experienced hikers, both having done the PCT and myself the northern AT; and given time constraints are looking to get the most bang for our buck. Assuming we were to hike somewhere in the 100-150 mile range, does anyone have recommendations on a section? Logistically it seems easiest to just hike the first leg out of Denver for as far as we can, but would our time be better spent (in terms of dramatic scenery) jumping on in the middle somewhere? Thanks.

Gesh

#2

Eddiesville to Durango (Segments 20-28, 154 miles) is my favorite. You could shorten by 27 miles with easier access by leaving from Spring Creek Pass.

Another hike you might consider is to do segments 7-15 from Gold Hill to Marshall Pass. (163 miles). You could shorten that by ending at US 50.

The Collegiate Peaks loop from Twin Lakes to just before Marshall Pass on the CT and returning on the CDT is about 165 miles, very nice, and really simple logistically.

bearcreek

#3

Thanks Bear Creek, I’ll definitely look into those. The Collegiate Peaks loop is especially intriguing. I think we will probably try to stay on the eastern half of the trail this time around because we have friends in the Denver area that will help with transport. I was also considering jumping on somewhere around Salida or Buena Vista and hiking back toward the Copper Mtn. area, but a loop would actually be ideal. Much appreciated advice!

Gesh

#4

I would say the Spring Creek pass to Durango is definitely the nicest. Plan your water carefully though, depending on the time of the year. Good beer in Durango at the end!!

we_heavy

#5

I have thru-hiked the trail in both directions and strongly recommend NOT hiking Spring Creek to Durango until last if you plan to do the entire trail someday. That way the hike starts out easy and builds to a sort of crescendo at the end. Starting in Denver is very exciting but finishing there is not nearly as much so.

There is also elevation to consider. Starting at Spring Creek brings you above 13,000 feet the first day and you don’t really go down again for 40 miles. A few days of acclimatization will make this part much more enjoyable.

bearcreek

#6

Anywhere between San Luis Pass and Kennebec Pass. And like bearcreek said, if you have any plans of doing the CT as a thru-hike in the future, definitely don’t do this section as you would be spoiling the way the hike builds up to this.

Brian

#7

Great advice. There’s always the chance of a future thru, so I’ll save the Spring Creek to Durango for another time. Just trying to make the most of the time I have this summer, (honestly, as long as I get out there somewhere I’ll be happy.) I haven’t ordered any maps or guides yet, so just for quick reference points where are we talking with, say, San Luis and Kennebec Passes? (ie nearby towns)

Gesh

#8

Creede to Hesperus

On Track

#9

Gesh,

There are so many great section hike opportunities on the CT. While I agree with “not ruining the build up of a CT Thru”, I also know first hand how special Sections 20 - 28 are. Fabulous! Sometimes, transportation logistics present the largest problem, and may influence what section you may tackle. I did a section hike of 18 - 22 once that presented very difficult ground logistics. But, there are some fine alternatives farther North on the trail. I think Kenosha to Tennessee Pass (Segments 6 - 8)is a fantastic 70+ mile section hike, provided you don’t leave too early in the season. Great vistas, plenty of water, lots of camping options, and easy ground logistics - basically Kenosha Pass on Hwy 285 to Leadville. Have fun.

TGuy

TrailGuy

#10

Me and the wife are going from Ledville to Princeton hot spring this summer. You get some very nice trail and you finish at the hot springs for a day of fun.

Yes!!!