Help for a beginning

imported
#1

I have been working hourly in schools for years. I have been looking to do this for a few years now, but I always have to get a summer job. Well, this year, I am a full fledged teacher getting salary over the summer. This year, it is time. Id like to attempt to thru-hike, Denver to Durango.

I own the guide book, but don’t have a great idea of what Im doing. I am an intermediate/advanced hiker, but a novice when it comes to camping and backpacking. I’d love some one to chat with that has finished the trail before. I have a lot of questions concerning gear, camping, packing and other things.

I plan to camp for 3-5 days a couple of time in late May/early June to make sure I can handle it.

I would like to leave in mid June, and will probably be looking for a thru-hiking buddy at some point, so if some one is interested, let me know.

A little about me: I’m 31, healthy, can easily handle mountain hiking endurance wise. I have complete 2 tough mudders this year (look it up)

Chris

#2

Chris, If you’ve done Tough Mudders, the Colorado Trail will be a piece of cake. Plan for afternoon rains almost every day, occasionally with lightening and hail. Some hikers start their days super early and try to be done for the day by noon. Others (me) slog thru the rain and try to stay off the passes during storms.

bowlegs

#3

Hi Chris,
This may be helpful when planning your CT thru hike: www.pmags.com/colorado-trail-end-to-end-guide-2

Gummy Bear

#4

Hi Chris,

Arti here from Grand Junction. I am planning on starting the hike around June 20 something(waiting on vacation to be approved).I am looking at 12- 15 mile in the beginning and possibly around 20 before I finish. I am only going about 270-300 miles. We can get together for some backpacking trip before hand as practice to see if we could be buddies on the trail.
Congratulations on ToughMudder

Arti Louisiana

#5

Chris,
I plan on thru-hiking the CT this summer with a start date around June 20th. I thru-hiked the AT in 2013 and have a lot of outdoor experience (retired US Marine). I’m hoping to find someone to hike with and maybe we could link up.

Raider

#6

I’m also doing a chunk of the hike fm Denver to Salida. Is it ok to park at the Fooses Creek trailhead? I’ve got a shuttle to Denver, and I’m worried about my car getting towed.

Ulu

#7

I’m just checking in for the replies. I will also be thru hiking the trail the week of June 20th starting in Denver.

Tony Paradis, RD

#8

Ulu - the trail follows a dirt road (CR 225) from Hwy 50 for 2.9 miles southwest to a very quiet trailhead in the woods where the the trail becomes single track again. No problem parking there, but I would advise against parking along the highway itself.

Bearcreek