Segs 3-4-5 - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

Have day hiked seg 1 and 2 successfully completed both, 17-18# dayback or so. Other than sore shoulders, all fine.

Considering doing seg 3-4-5 in a 3 days (4th day as backup), hiking alone. Bit concerned as never done any onite segments or multi segs in a row… is that pushing too much. Estimating pack weight 38-40#s would bring 4 days of food in case run slower. Walk 4-5 miles daily at 6500 feet but of course thats different than at 15 miles per day at 10,000 feet and pack.

Does cell phone coverage work anywhere in case need to call home and shorten up?

Comments, suggestions please. Probably do this the hike this weekend weather permitting.

tim

#2

Also, shorts or trousers best? Whats good for snacks, have freeze dried for break/lunch/dinner

Tim

#3

Probably not pushing too much but get up and get moving early so you can walk slow and steady and rest when you want. 40 # is a heavy pack for a four day trip, should be able to drop 5# more if you try. I am sure a cell wont work in segs 3 and 4, doubtful in 5. If youre worried get a SPOT unit, and you can signal for an early pickup. My SPOT worked very well through these segments as long as you get out in the open to transmit. You will need warm long pants once in camp after sunset, and it will likely be warm enough midday to hike in shorts. Assuming you dont hike naked, that means you only carry one pants/shorts at any given time which is ok. Dont carry cotton or canvas as it becomes a heavy useless liability if it gets wet.

chris

#4

Tim - Given that this is a new adventure for you, I’d suggest you just do a one nighter for your first multi-day trip. That way you can always stop when you’re tired on day one and then turn around the next day and walk back to the car. A 3 or 4-day trip is a much different beast than an overnighter. Leave the former for your next trip when you have a little more experience.

To answer you’re specific questions, I hiked in both short pants and and long (rain pants, actually) this weekend in the San Juans. It was alternatively warm and freezing depending on what the clouds, winds, and rain storms were doing at any given minute. As for snacks, I enjoy candy bars (inexpensive carbs), Balance Bars (more expensive but “balanced” to stall sugar crashes), and crackers (inexpensive non-sweet carbs) for mid-day snacks. Of course, GORP (Good Old Raisin and Peanuts, etc.) has always been another hiker favorite.

Happy Trails!

Matt

#5

Tim,
I day-hiked these segments earlier this year, with a daypack weighing about 12-14 lbs, and that was starting with a full 3L hydration reservoir.

These segments would make a great three day backpacking trip. I tend to pack more than I need, and my pack averages about 37 lbs for a three-day outing. I would consider making day one the long day and camp in the first few miles of Segment 4. If I remember correctly, there are also camp sites near the end of Segment 4, and near Johnson Gulch in Segment 5.

The only place I was able to get cell phone reception was in the CT parking lot on Kenosha Pass.

Convertible pants are the way to go on the CT. If it warms up nicely, you always have the option of zipping off the pant-legs and hike in shorts.

These segments should be beautiful this time of year with the aspen turning gold. Enjoy your hike!

Bernard

#6

Thanks for comments, these help… based on current wx forecast will delay from Fri Sat, hopefully Sun go… I can leave anytime I find 2-3 stretch of good wx through 21st of Sept and again after 27 Sept. Although showers dont scare me, do not desire to hike in widespread showers/cold with potl rain/snow… thinking colors would be nice… anytime during time frame above.

Tim

#7

Hi, I have made it to Georgia Pass on day hikes. I am interested in hiking from Georgia Pass towards Goldhill TH near Breckenridge. This looks to be about 20 miles. Does anyone know where the CT comes out on a road between Georgia Pass and Goldhill TH so I can be picked up? I’d like to do this hike on two different days.

Thanks!

Jamie

#8

Georgia Pass is at milepost 12.3 (Kenosha Pass is 0.00) The trail crosses a good road at milepost 19.7 where the CT crosses the North Fork of the Swan River. That is accessed most easily from the Breckenridge side. This access point breaks the trail into a 7.5 mile and 12.4 mile hike. Follow CR 6 east from hwy 9 near Gold Hill TH. Turn left at FS 356 and follow for about 1/2 mile to the trail.

bearcreek