Wondering about late-season water sources here. We’ll be coming through here around September 1. Guidebook and databook both mention Lujan Creek at mile 19.2 of segment 17. Guidebook calls it reliable but databook days only seasonal.
Also, databook mentions Luders Creek Campground 3 miles off of segment 18 as a possible water source.
Without these sources it could be 34 miles between Baldy Lake and Cochetopa Creek.
Thoughts?
Mark H
We are angelling about 2 miles north of the 18/19 boundary and have plenty of water 24/7 thru mid August. Lujan Creek at 114 is flowing well still. Razor Creek has basically dried up but recent rains may get it flowing again. Archuleta and Los creeks in 18 are pretty nasty but we got lots of rain in the area today. Burntfoot has his trail magic near Pine Creek again this year too. We have ice cream if you arrive between 9 and 4.
angel apple
I am planning on starting in Denver the 1st week of August.
Wondering if there are any particularly troublesome areas, or water sources to be aware of.
34 miles sounds like a long way between water. Like 8-10 liters?
What capacity do people carry for long stretches like this?
erik s
There is no 34 mile stretch without water on the entire CT.
From Baldy Lake to the first decent water on Lujan Creek is 12.6 miles. From where you leave Lujan Creek a little further down it is 19.1 miles to Cochetopa Creek. Los Creek is 9 miles from Lujan Creek and breaks that in half. Although it may not be much of a flow, I have always found water there. Where the trail does a hard left at mile 9.0 continue straight ahead on the closed road and follow the creek. The water gets better a few hundred feet up. If you keep going straight you will hit the trail again in 1/2 mile. That used to be the CT but it was rerouted because jeeps were getting stuck in the mud. There are some ok campsites in there.
I have done the trail multiple times and carry two one liter bottles plus a filter. I camel up - when I stop to filter water I try to drink a full liter before moving on. That gives you 5-6 miles before you have to start drinking what you are carrying.
The one place I would recommend having 3 liters is in segment 27 where you will probably have to dry camp near Orphan Butte in order to get over Indian Trail Ridge early before the afternoon storms.
bearcreek
Bearcreek, thanks so much for the water tips! This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for.
Cheers,
Mark
Mark H
I try to hike to Los Creek every day just to get some exercise. It has been flowing with a noticeable current for over a week due to recent rains in the area. I would estimate the flow at about 1000 germs per second. 
angel apple
Thanks Bearcreek for that data point. Maybe I’ve been carrying too much water. I’ve been allowing 3 miles per quart. Anyone else out there with an opinion?
we_heavy
I just finished my thru-hike. On the “dry” segments, I carry two liters total BUT I almost always dry camp and don’t cook anymore. For me, one liter per ten miles is the most I carried.
bowlegs
I think the need for water varies by individual and weather. I found it best to see what I was consuming before I hit the dry stretches, then I could come very close to estimating how much water I needed. I could also dump any extra water in the morning if I had too much after dry camping. Have fun!
crone
I might add to Crone’s comment that it depends on elevation gain of the hike as well. When I’m cruising down the hill I don’t need much water. I guess I’ll play it safe and cut down my water carried to about 4 miles per liter. I haven’t kept good track of my consumption, hence the question. I was penned the name we_heavy for good reason!!!
we_heavy