It looks like my earliest departure date is July 22nd. With family visiting Denver starting Aug 24th, I figured traveling from Durango to Denver would be best for me.
Is anyone else going East? I imagine going the “opposite” way, I’ll run into most everyone doing the thru hike which would be cool.
Matt
I have done the trail several times from Denver to Durango and once from Durango to Denver. IMO, going east to west saves the best for last and is more interesting overall than hiking east out of Durango.
On the reverse hike, the first week out of Durango is a tough one as you climb from 6600’ elevation to 12,300’+, with over 8,000’ of actual climb in the first 30 miles. After that it is daily up down with highs approaching 13,000’ until you leave the San Juans 170 miles into the hike.(about 34,000’ of total climb) Coming from Denver gives you several days of easy hiking and acclimatization before you go high, and even then it is much less extreme.
On the other hand, it is interesting meeting everyone else headed west. When I did it, we did a survey of hikers we met and obtained some really good data which was used by the CTF for planning purposes. (Are you interested in doing that?)
bearcreek
I will be angelling again this year near Texas Creek July and August. Would be glad to compile any data deemed worthwhile by CTF. Let me know what you are interested in. I usually record gender, direction of hike, thru-hike vs. section, CT vs CDT, bike or foot and any critters joining in. Texas Creek is near the end of section 18. apple
apple
The acclimatization, and even the terrain, isn’t too much of an issue for me since I already live in Colorado, I did read finishing on the Denver side is anticlimactic though. It is certainly the route that makes the most sense for me, but I am torn.
I think getting to meet everyone will make up for the choice of route. I hadn’t thought of doing any type of data gathering, but would certainly help if you or anyone wanted.
Matt
I can see the appeal if you live in the Denver area. You’d be hiking home, which would be cool. Still I’d say go Denver->Durango! With any thru hike, there is a break in period of about a week or two, regardless of physical condition or altitude acclimation. My fear is that if you start in Durango, you’ll be acclimatizing to trail life in the San Juans and thus won’t enjoy the majestic and spectacular scenery as much as if you were trail hardy!
Andrew M
Thanks Andrew! You have me torn now. The hiking home has amazing appeal, and although I have little concern of being ready, you may be right about acclimatizing to trail life during the most scenic stretch of trail.
Matt