I am debating which trail to set out on this summer and looking for opinions on each. I would be doing the northern section of the PCT only because of time restrictions, but know that I could complete the entire colorado trail in that time frame.
I have a lot of backpacking experience but never been on either trail, and am looking for a challenging hike. Which would be more strenuous? scenic? easier for ressuply? weather? etc.
Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Mufasa
The CT is a wonderful trail! Like all other long hiking trails, there are some spots that are better than others, but the CT is uniformly stunning. As for strenuous, the altitude is a key factor, and there are some testy climbs throughout the CT, but the trail is fairly well marked, and very doable. The scenery is terrific, and this is truly a Rocky Mountain alpine setting, so you will get knock out sunrises/sunsets, along with thrilling lightning storms. Since we have had 36 inches of snow in the last 48 hours (I live less than 2 miles from the Waterton Canyon trailhead), the trail is tucked away in a blanket of white right now. The weather is somewhat predictable - you just need to be prepared and take precautions. You’ll enjoy more sunshine than rain in the summer (and, it will rain), and the humidity is really low. I always tell my hiking buddies that the most important articles are a good hat, a good pair or sunglasses, and some sunscreen. Resupply is not as easy as on the AT, but is not that much of a puzzle. Bounce boxes are effective. You are not going to have the “greens” of Oregon or Washington, but you won’t have nearly the bugs or rain either. I’m not qualified to speak to the PCT because I’ve only been on it a couple of time for short section hikes. I’m sure others will chime in. If it is important to you, the serenity of being alone is still very alive and well on the CT. I’ve hike days without seeing other hikers. Your choice.
TrailGuy
Mufasa,
Both are beautiful, both are worth doing (again for me). Both can also be strenuous, it depends on just how hard you want to push it. Snow on the CT can be a problem if you start early. Re-supply issues plague both trails. Read up on them, get familiar them and by all means stay flexible and enjoy. The CT has the elevation to contend with but, it is so drop dead gorgeous up there (especially the southern part IMO). Depending on the time of year and what elevation you are at, the Wildflowers seem to bloom constantly. The PCT has the Glaciers and all the evidence of Volcano activity, beautiful in its own right. As far as weather goes, the PCT had far less lightning storms then the CT. Regardless, no matter what trail you choose, there is so much more to it all then I can describe here with just a few short sentences. As long as you are out there, what else matters?
Good luck, WB
Wilderness Bob
Don’t limit yourself to big name trails. Do some map research of a geographical area and traverse it on whatever trail looks most inviting.
Traversing the Sierras with side launches to lower elevations to see big trees would be a good choice. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem would treat you well. You could probably twist through the Bob and Glacier area with a smile on your face. Those both would have challenging re-supply but you are always close to something when you walk all day. There are some great crossings of CO possible without being held strictly to the CT. In some cases the CT routing is clearly inferior to the CDT in the same area (the Sawatch, for instance). In some cases other trails are superior to both the CT and the CDT.
The PCT through Washington is magnificent. Having hiked the PCT and a bunch in CO I would give WA the edge over the CT certainly. However, a scenic crossing of CO on your own terms would be extraordinary. The CDT routing through CO keeps improving and doesn’t miss too many punches at this point.
Just put your nose in some Gazetteers to start and let your mind go. Have Fun!
Hans Berg