Planning Tools - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

I love how this trail is well documented. Many thanks to those who put in the time to do it and keep it up to date.

The Colorado Trail Databook has essential information on mileage, water and campsites. The guidebook has great explanations of the segments. And the mapbook has good maps. I say good as there are some minor improvments I’d make, but it would probably be enough for most people.

The other day, I bought Topo!Explorer. There are MANY horrible reviews around the internet, but it complements the other tools real well. The ease of use is just a little clunky.

It’s possible to import the GPS file to it and have all the waypoints show. You will have to draw your own lines on the trail. This is hard on segment 13 and maybe others as the trail isn’t marked on the National Geographic maps.

You can buy grid sections for about $1.00 apiece. It takes about 3 per section, so it adds up, but it’s worth the expense, in my opinion.

The thing I like is I can print maps in scale I like and zoom so I can read it without glasses. I can also add waypoints for things like water, etc.

It also has a satellite view so I can get a better idea of what I’m getting into before going.

I’ll probably only get one chance for a thru hike. It won’t be this year as I’m not physically ready and I can’t get the time off. But with micro-planning, I might just be able to pull it off next year.

Gershon

#2

Good point about the maps and waypoints. IMO, any reasonably experienced hiker should be able to navigate the CT with the Databook alone. I love the CT guide, with its nice color and history, etc., but it is a bit heavy. While the CT is clearly not blazed like the AT, it is a fairly intuitive path. Topos are fine for getting a feel for the ups and downs you will face that day, but not mandatory. JMHO

TGuy

TrailGuy

#3

Maps are also good if you wish to take alternate routes, do 14ers or even know what is coming up on the trail.

The databook is great, but sometimes maps are easier and have more info.

Map Dude

#4

I have all three - Guide book, Data book, and Map book. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. I agree that one can navigate MOST of the CT with just the Data Book. I don’t think I even looked at a map on the first 6 segments last summer. There are a few potentially troublesome spots (Sargeant’s Mesa road junctions) where extra resources could be helpful, especially if you’re going early and may have snow-covered trail to negotiate.

I also carry the Trails Illustrated maps for the sections between my resupply points. These bigger maps show all the trails, including the CDT - plus the roads and towns. They are usually just excess weight, but if I ever NEED to bail or seek alterante routing, they are far superior to the small area covered by those in the Map Book. I mail the old ones home at the next resupply point and pick up the ones for the trail ahead.

YMMV

Wandering Bob

#5

I’ve found that I want to take both the databook and the guide book with me. The databook shows all the established campsites and the reliable water sources, which is really handy. The guidebook talks about which services are available in the towns. IMO, it would be really handy for an end-to-ender to have information about the towns included in the databook (it would probably add about 10 pages). In the end, I’ll probably just take the databook and a printout of Mags’ planning document (thanks a million, Mags!).

Loup

#6

Another way to have the info of the guide book and not the weight and bulk is to make photo copies of the guide book and only take the pages you need fot that section. Mail the next segment to yourself at your next resupply and ditch the section you already used.

TREE CAT

#7

You can also take a digital picture of the topo maps or other info you need and keep them on your digital camera if you carry one.

TREE CAT

#8

I’m carrying everything: data book, bearcreek maps, guidebook sections. I’m tearing out the guide book sections and mailing the rest of the book and maps ahead in a bounce box. If you are going early and will have some snow bring the maps (or GPS & waypoints). The CT is not marked for snow travel. I’ve met several CTers that left the trail because they couldn’t figure out where to go. There is some overlap but really the weight is negligible.

Hardcore