CT questions - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

Here are some CT questions I recently got… I will answer them shortly… but if anyone else has any suggestions please feel free - Leif

About the CT: I think you used the official CT guidebook for your hike, but did you supplement with large topographical maps, or did the guide book alone suffice?

What gear was indispensable for you on this hike? What items, outside of normal backpacking gear or clothing, would you take if you hiked it again?

What were major challenges you faced on the Colorado Trail and what would you do again if you were to repeat?

Leif

#2

I brought the guide book, the databook, and a GPS on my CT hike. The guidebook was great, but like on the AT, I used the databook the most. While the maps in the guidebook do not have a lot of detail, I found them sufficient. I only used the GPS a couple of times, while it isn’t necessary at all, it is nice to have, and it could have helped if I got really lost. The CT-Foundation sells the maps on a CD and also provide waypoints for the trail. I added around 50-100 waypoints into my GPS so I could always navigate back to the trail if I needed to.

I tend to carry a lot of extra gear when I hike. On this hike I carried, “tested out”, a video camera and a solar AA battery charger. Towards the end of my hike I started putting the battery charger in my bounce box. I work well enough, but it was a little heavy and I was tired of dealing with it. Other gear… hmm. I brought a filter and loved it, there are some sections that have “tainted” water from cows and I don’t think it would be fun to drink that water unfiltered. I brought MSR’s dragon fly stove, while it works just fine I find it to be a little loud. I carried my Clip Flashlight tent, and loved it! Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. I can’t really think of anything I might carry differently, I am pretty happy with everything I had.

Challenges… getting up early to get over a ridge I found challenging. I enjoy sleeping in, but it is important to get up early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Compared to the AT the CT is short, so remember not to push miles and to enjoy your time out there.

Leif

#3

Sounds like the perfect trail for me. I like to hike early, very early, and relax in the afternoon. 2003?? Sue/HH

HammockHanger

#4

i know all hikers pace is different but what is the average time frame when hiking the CT? 7 weeks? Sue

HammockHanger

#5

I’m allowing 50 days which should be more than enough time to hike the trail. I’m sure the trail can be comfortably done in a month but most hikers will want to savor it and hence take anywhere up to two months to do it.

Sweeper

#6

Sweeper and HammockHanger, I’ve also set aside 50 days or so, intending to begin from Denver around 15July2002. I figure a slower pace (avg.9/10 miles daily) will both allow me to savor Colorado as well as hike some 14ers.

Rossco