It seems that about half of the CT is on the CDT. Most of the spectacularity, so to speak, is on the CDT portion, IMO. Why not just do a CO section hike on the CDT? (Having written that, I can think of one reason: If you do the whole CT you’re a thru-hiker, but if you hike only the CDT in CO, you’re a section hiker, lower in the caste system. Just kidding, sort of.)
Al H.
That’s a great question! I guess the best answer is to hike them both. I have, and my CDT partner is in Colorado hiking the sections of the CT that he missed on the CDT. It gets in your blood.
More to the point: The CT misses the Weminuche and South San Juan Wildernesses, and that area is one of the crown jewels of the CDT. No Colorado hiker should miss that. And if you hike 500 miles on the CDT, you’ll see fewer people and way fewer bicyclists. Logistics might be a little easier on the CT.
Garlic
Get the best of both worlds. Start from Salida. Go south 9 miles on the CT to where the CDT joins it. Proceed 137 miles on the co-joined trail to the top of the Elk Creek drainage. Turn east on the CDT and continue over Wolf Creek and Cumbres Passes to the CO/NM border. Hitch 8 miles into Chama and go home.
Wandering Bob
I would add that the CT section down the Elk Creek drainage to the Animas was one of the highlights of hiking the southern half of the CT this year.
San Juan Ron
Ron and all. I am the adoptor for that piece of the Colorado Trail. (Continental Divide to Animas River) We backpack in for 4-5 days usually in late June and cut out downed trees, do some dirt work, and get it ready for the season. If you are interested in joining us next year let me know.
bearcreek