Section 1 - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

Are there continuing maintainance projects going on in section 1 that one needs to be aware of that require a change of starting point ,starting around mid-July heading toward Durango??

muleskinner

#2

Denver end of CT, Waterton Canyon, is closed all 2011. Read this web page plus click/print 2-page map.

http://www.coloradotrail.org/waterton_closure.html

On Track

#3

Yep, Waterton Canyon is locked tighter than a tick for the rest of 2011. Multiple filter presses, miles of 18 inch sluice pipe, and a very heavily patrolled 7 mile Water Board road. I was up on the connectors yesterday, and over to Lenny’s Bench. Don’t go any lower than Lenny’s. It’s that simple. There are basically 4 starting options that will get you to Lenny’s Bench, and the majority of the single track of Section 1, if you don’t want to start at Secton 2. Three are in the Roxborough Park area, and two of these three have restricted access. The fourth is the Indian Creek Trailhead outside of Sedalia. If you would like to start at Roxborough, drop me an email, and I may be able to assist with your start.

TrailGuy
trailguy@comcast.net

TrailGuy

#4

Trailguy,

Thanks for the information. I’m just starting to study a possible thru-hike starting in Denver. I did read that teh TH for section 1 is closed, so I am interested in your advise on the other options. I’d like to do as muchof the trail aspossible without skipping section 1 altogether, but again, that depends on what the best option is. Also, I would appreciater any advice on lodging for when i first arrive in denver ( ie hostel), transportation to trail, etc

Mahalo!

Earth Walker

#5

Trailguy,

Thanks for the information. I’m just starting to study a possible thru-hike starting in Denver. I did read that teh TH for section 1 is closed, so I am interested in your advise on the other options. I’d like to do as muchof the trail aspossible without skipping section 1 altogether, but again, that depends on what the best option is. Also, I would appreciater any advice on lodging for when i first arrive in denver ( ie hostel), transportation to trail, etc

Mahalo!

Earth Walker

#6

Earth Walker, I ordered my data book from the CT foundation and they sent me an a flyer on the closure and options to still get the full 485 miles along with the portion of segment 1 that isn’t closed.

I am going to take the option they sent. It starts at Indian Creek Trailhead by the Indian Creek campground. It is a loop trail that goes back to the campground however, the first 6 miles takes you to the Colorado Trail about half way or a little more into Segment one just past Strotia Springs Reservoir.

This is the route I intend to take. Good Luck!!

Pacemaker

#7

Whether my opinion matters or not I’m going to put it out there anyway. I personally dislike hiking the 6 miles up Waterton canyon ROAD as the start of the CT. With the canyon closed, the alternate start at the Indian Creek trail (FS #800) is a much nicer trail to start from and is about the same distance to Lenny’s Rest. If/when I ever attempt a through-hike I’m going to start here rather than Waterton canyon.

Starting from Roxborough Park is nice too, but the issue there is that it’s a state park that costs $$ to enter.

Technically the Indian Creek parking lot is a fee area. But you could just have someone drop you off on the opposite side of the road and walk across to avoid the $5 fee for use.

From what I could tell on the Indian Creek start is that it’s the WEST trail head that you want for the CT. This trail is about 0.3 miles west of the parking area. The CT markers are on this trail. There is a more easterly trail head, which I’ve often taken, that will take you back east and away from the CT.

Hope this helps.

CR Guy

#8

I to think the Waterton Canyon road part is boring.

However, I feel that part of the reason why the CT starts there is because of the ease of access. You can get from the Denver Airport to the start of the CT for like 2 dollars. That’s roughly 35 miles. That’s pretty darn good.

Professor

#9

It’s about 48 miles from DIA to Waterton Canyon, and I’m not sure you can catch any public transit for $2. The RTD Skyride is $12, I think.

Whatever your feelings toward Waterton Canyon and the Water Board road, you can still access most of the single track on Section 1 and be in complete compliance with the closure restrictions. Indian Creek is fine, and the official suggested route, and adds about 20 more driving miles from Waterton Canyon. There are three other trails in the Roxborough Park area (two in the neighborhood and two in the State Park). I’m giving the 7 hikers that I am working with this season the choice of starting points. I live in Roxborough Park, and have access to all of the starting points. Essentially, these trails converge on Lenny’s Rest (the bench) from the other side. I have hiked all of them numerous times, and they are only slightly different in length. Indian Creek from Sedalia will be the longest, and two of the trails in the neighborhood will get you to Lenny’s in about 5 miles.

Oh yeah, about the Carpenter Peak and Roxborough State park >> there really is no reason to start on this trail, because you basically just have to work back to the North, and will end up connecting with the trails out of the neighborhood. Beautiful trail though.

Lastly, I’m more than willing to work with anyone/everyone who wants to start on the neighborhood trails. You just need to drop me an email at trailguy@comcast.net and we can make arrangements. Hope some or any of this made sense.

Hike on,

TGuy

TrailGuy