Does the CDT go anywhere near Maroon Bells?
Also, i’m wondering for both reasons of acclimation and late-June snowpack levels, what 300-mile portion of the CDT in Colorado would have the lowest average elevation?
Basically, i’m dreaming up a section hike starting 2nd half of June, and a couple friends already had plans to hike Maroon Bells. Just scheming…
thanks!
markv
Segment 23 crosses HWY 82, where you can head west to Aspen maybe 16-20 miles or so (to Aspen) and then access the Maroon Bells loop.
My thought is the northernmost section of the CDT, at least the first 200 miles, is at lower elevation. After that the passes can be 11000+ feet and there is usually 1-2 passes daily.
LA
You can’t avoid high elevations in Colorado anywhere for 300 miles on the CDT. The lowest elevations are from Eddiesville (segment 14, Mile 216.5) to Marshall Pass. (Segment 18, mile 278.4). A really nice hike that involves high stuff would be to hike from Wolf Creek Pass (Segment 4, Mile 72.3) to Twin Lakes where it hits hwy 82 at mile 367.3 or so. You could hitch from there to Aspen easily.
bearcreek
Thanks for the responses. I’m not looking to stay low. I’m looking to START lower for the first couple days in order to acclimate. It sounds like i might begin from the north somewhere near Steamboat, and then SOBO to Twin Lakes. If i time it right i’ll meet up with friends on their way out to or back from Maroon Bells. Sound reasonable?
markv