USA — Denver, Colorado
The Colorado Trail is a demanding 789.6 km thru-hike across the USA's Rocky Mountains. This high-altitude route traverses eight mountain ranges, six national forests, and six wilderness areas, offering a diverse tapestry of alpine grandeur. Expect rugged terrain, stunning panoramas, and a profound connection to the wild heart of Colorado over 4-6 weeks.
Distance: 789.6 km
Elevation Gain: 27432 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 4-6 weeks
The Colorado Trail is a monumental high-altitude thru-hike stretching 789.6 kilometres across the spectacular backbone of the Colorado Rockies. Extending from the mouth of Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to the historic mountain town of Durango, this trail is a masterclass in alpine grandeur, traversing eight mountain ranges, six national forests, and six wilderness areas. Walkers journey through a diverse tapestry of ecosystems, from the arid, scrub-oak foothills of the Front Range to the lush, wildflower-carpeted meadows of the Holy Cross Wilderness, and finally into the rugged, jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. With an average elevation of over 3,000 metres, the Colorado Trail offers a sustained "top of the world" experience that is physically demanding, logistically complex, and visually staggering.
The Colorado Trail (CT) is often described as one of the most well-maintained and scenic long-distance trails in North America. Unlike the much longer Continental Divide Trail, which it shares approximately 320 kilometres with, the CT is specifically designed for a manageable yet epic thru-hiking experience. The route is divided into 28 official segments, each offering a distinct character. The journey begins in the semi-arid canyons near Denver, where the heat and lower elevation provide a rigorous introduction. As the trail moves west, it climbs into the high country, where the air thins and the landscape opens into vast alpine tundras and ancient pine forests.
The physical challenge of the Colorado Trail cannot be overstated. Walkers must contend with a staggering 27,432 metres of vertical gain—the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest from sea level three times. The average elevation remains consistently high, rarely dropping below 2,500 metres for the final 500 kilometres of the journey. This requires significant physiological acclimatisation and a deep respect for the mountain environment. The terrain varies from smooth, needle-covered forest paths to technical, rocky scree slopes above the treeline. In the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, hikers face a choice between the "Collegiate East" (the original route) and the "Collegiate West" (a higher, more rugged alternative along the Continental Divide), both offering world-class vistas of Colorado’s "14ers"—peaks exceeding 4,267 metres.
Beyond the physical exertion, the Colorado Trail is a journey of profound solitude and natural immersion. While the trail has grown in popularity, the sheer scale of the wilderness ensures that walkers often spend hours, or even days, without encountering another soul. The silence of the high alpine is broken only by the whistle of marmots, the rustle of aspen leaves, and the occasional afternoon thunderclap. It is a landscape of extremes: brilliant blue skies can transform into violent electrical storms within minutes, and mid-summer temperatures can swing from 25° Celsius in the afternoon to below freezing at night. For those who complete the journey, the Colorado Trail is more than just a walk; it is a transformative endurance feat through the heart of the American West.
The Colorado Trail is a relatively modern achievement in the world of long-distance trekking, but the land it traverses has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia. The Ute (Nuche), Arapaho, and Cheyenne nations traditionally inhabited these mountains, following seasonal migration patterns and utilizing the high passes for hunting and trade. Many sections of the modern trail follow ancient routes used by these original stewards of the land. The cultural heritage of the region is still visible in the names of the peaks and valleys, and the trail serves as a reminder of the deep, enduring connection between the people and the high Rockies.
The concept of a continuous trail across Colorado was first envisioned in the early 1970s. The primary driving force behind its creation was Gudy Gaskill, often affectionately referred to as the "Mother of the Colorado Trail." Gaskill, an avid mountaineer and member of the Colorado Mountain Club, spent decades lobbying government agencies, organising volunteer crews, and physically scouting the route. Her vision was to create a trail that would allow people to experience the beauty of the Rockies without the commercialisation found in other mountain regions. Through her tireless efforts and the formation of the Colorado Trail Foundation, the final "golden spike" was driven in 1987, marking the official completion of the route.
The construction of the trail was a monumental feat of volunteerism. Thousands of individuals from across the globe contributed over 200,000 hours of labour to clear paths, build bridges, and install signage. This spirit of community remains a core part of the trail's identity today. The Colorado Trail Foundation continues to maintain the route, relying on "Trail Crew" volunteers who spend their summers repairing erosion and clearing fallen timber. Walking the CT is, in many ways, a tribute to this collective effort to preserve and share the wild heart of Colorado.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The window for a successful Colorado Trail thru-hike is narrow, dictated entirely by the winter snowpack and the arrival of autumn storms. Most hikers begin their journey in July and aim to finish by mid-September. Attempting the trail outside of this window requires specialised winter mountaineering skills and equipment, as high passes can remain choked with snow well into June and receive fresh accumulations as early as late September.
July: This is the most popular starting month. The lower elevations are warm, and the high-country wildflowers—columbines, Indian paintbrushes, and lupines—are in full, spectacular bloom. However, lingering snow on northern slopes and high passes (particularly in the San Juans) can make navigation difficult and require micro-spikes or an ice axe. July also marks the beginning of the "Monsoon Season," characterised by predictable, daily afternoon thunderstorms that bring heavy rain, hail, and dangerous lightning.
August: Generally considered the prime month for the CT. The snow has usually melted from the highest points, and the weather becomes slightly more stable, though afternoon storms remain a constant threat. The days are long and warm, while the nights remain crisp. This is also the peak season for mosquitoes in the wetter valley sections, requiring diligent use of repellent and protective clothing.
September: Early September offers some of the finest walking conditions. The air is drier, the mosquitoes have vanished, and the "Monsoon" pattern begins to break down. The highlight of this period is the changing of the aspens; entire mountainsides turn a brilliant, shimmering gold. However, the risk of early-season snowstorms increases significantly, and temperatures at night frequently drop well below freezing. By mid-September, many water sources begin to dry up, requiring more careful planning.
Weather Reality: Regardless of the month, weather in the Rockies is volatile. Hikers must be prepared for "four seasons in one day." Lightning is the most significant environmental hazard; being caught above the treeline during an afternoon storm is a life-threatening situation. The rule of thumb is to be off the high ridges and descending toward the safety of the forest by noon or 1:00 PM daily.
Day 1–5: The Front Range (Denver to Breckenridge)
Day 6–10: The High Rockies (Breckenridge to Twin Lakes)
Day 11–17: The Collegiate Peaks (Twin Lakes to Monarch Pass)
Day 18–23: The Cochetopa Hills and La Garita (Monarch Pass to San Luis Pass)
Day 24–30: The San Juan Mountains (San Luis Pass to Durango)
Important Notes:
Preparation for the Colorado Trail should begin at least six months in advance. The primary challenge is not just physical fitness, but the logistical coordination of resupply and transport. Walkers must be comfortable with high-altitude environments and possess basic navigation skills, as snow or fallen timber can occasionally obscure the path. Physical training should focus on weighted hiking and cardiovascular endurance; if possible, spend time at altitude before starting to kickstart the acclimatisation process.
Denver and Durango serve as the primary gateways. Denver International Airport (DIA) is the most common arrival point. From Denver, hikers can use public transport (RTD) or ride-sharing services to reach the Waterton Canyon Trailhead. Durango, at the southern terminus, is a vibrant mountain town with a regional airport and bus connections back to Denver. Most hikers choose to mail "resupply boxes" to post offices or small businesses in trail towns (Breckenridge, Leadville, Twin Lakes, Salida, Lake City, Silverton) to ensure they have specific dietary needs met, though most towns have basic supermarkets.
The Colorado Trail is primarily a wilderness camping experience. There are no "huts" in the traditional European or New Zealand sense along the majority of the route. Hikers must be self-sufficient with their own shelter system.
Accommodation Types:
What is NOT provided:
One of the great appeals of the Colorado Trail is its accessibility. Unlike the Pacific Crest Trail or the John Muir Trail, there is currently no "master permit" required to walk the entire length of the Colorado Trail. However, hikers must adhere to the regulations of the specific wilderness areas they pass through.
Wilderness Permits:
Group Size and Regulations:
Costs: While the permits are free, hikers are encouraged to join the Colorado Trail Foundation. A small donation helps maintain the trail and supports the volunteer crews who keep the path clear of debris and erosion.
Precisely traced GPX for the Colorado Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Colorado Trail passes through some of the most active outdoor recreation hubs in the United States. Consider these additions to your journey:
Altitude Sickness: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk on the CT. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. The best prevention is a slow ascent and proper hydration. If symptoms persist or worsen into HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), the only cure is immediate descent to lower elevation.
Lightning: Colorado is the lightning capital of the high Rockies. Afternoon storms are frequent and violent. If you are caught above the treeline, descend immediately. Avoid isolated trees, ridges, and wide-open meadows. If you cannot descend, crouch on your foam sleeping pad with your feet together to minimise contact with the ground.
Wildlife:
Water Scarcity: While much of the trail is well-watered, sections like the Cochetopa Hills and the Mineral Creek area can have long "dry stretches" of 20–30 km. Always check the latest water reports on the FarOut app and carry at least 3–4 litres of capacity.
Hypothermia: Even in mid-summer, a combination of rain, wind, and high altitude can lead to hypothermia. Always keep a set of dry "sleep clothes" in a waterproof dry bag and put on your rain gear before you get wet.
The Collegiate West: While technically an official alternative, the Collegiate West is often treated as a "must-do" side trip. It adds more elevation gain but stays higher on the Continental Divide, offering 360-degree views of the Sawatch Range that the original "East" route (which stays lower in the trees) cannot match.
Mount Elbert Summit: Located near Segment 11, a well-marked side trail leads to the summit of Mount Elbert (4,401 m). It is a non-technical "walk-up" but requires significant effort. Standing on the highest point in the North American Rockies is a highlight for many thru-hikers.
Twin Lakes Historic District: A beautifully preserved 19th-century village at the base of the mountains. It offers a glimpse into Colorado's mining and resort history and provides a stunning backdrop for a rest day.
The Gila Wilderness Detour: For those interested in geology, the Wheeler Geologic Area (near the La Garita Wilderness) features incredible "ghost-like" volcanic formations. It requires a significant detour but is one of the most unique landscapes in the state.
Cataract Lake: A stunning alpine lake in the San Juan Mountains, often cited as one of the most beautiful campsites on the entire trail. The turquoise water is framed by towering red-hued cliffs.
The Colorado Trail traverses fragile alpine tundra and pristine wilderness areas that are under increasing pressure from human use. At 4,000 metres, the growing season is incredibly short; a single footprint off-trail can damage plants that take decades to recover. Adhering to Leave No Trace (LNT) principles is essential for the trail's survival.
Core Principles for the CT:
