Hike the majestic Colorado Trail: A beginner's guide with helpful tips

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Hike the entire Colorado Trail or break it into bits

If you ever wanted to see the best of Colorado, lace up your trail runners or boots and head for the Colorado Trail, a 567-mile mountain journey between Denver and Durango.
 
Some undertake the challenge in one season, but the trail is conveniently divided into segments so mere mortals and those looking for shorter outdoor escapades can tackle it bit by bit. Here are some tips for hiking one of the country's most beautiful routes.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

When is the best time to hike the Colorado Trail?

The Colorado Trail goes through six wilderness areas, climbs eight mountain ranges, and ascends almost 90,000 vertical feet as it traverses some of Colorado's most magnificent alpine scenery. Prime hiking time here is in July and August, with the first few weeks of September also good.
You can hike in June, which is still (probably) too cold for the mosquitoes, but know you'll hit snow on most of the high passes. That means taking along micro spikes and an ice axe, and the requisite knowledge of how to use them.
September sees the beginning of fall colors, fewer bugs, and afternoon storms, but the later you go in the season, the more likely you'll see some of the first snowflakes. Be prepared for cold weather.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Can a beginner hike the Colorado Trail?

You don't have to be a super athlete to hike, bike, or mountain bike the Colorado Trail. The majority of the route is well maintained and groomed, thanks to the work of the fantastic Colorado Trail Foundation. Not only does the group provide trail maintenance, but it is the best source of information and guidance for any journey along the Colorado Trail.
Several hundred hikers set out each year to do a "thru-hike," completing all of the Colorado Trail at once, but others elect to hike (or mountain bike) just one or two of the 33 segments that make up the trail, all of which conveniently have trailheads accessible by vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

The best time to see wildflowers

July is a fantastic month to be on the trail, as all the wildflowers are out, and you'll see plenty of columbine, the Colorado state flower, fiery Indian paintbrush, lupine, Larkspur, and other blooms. You'll want to be on the trail or getting your walking done early, as thunderstorms are common in the afternoon.

While the storms may be brief, up in the open alpine sections, such as along the beautiful Snow Mesa, where elevations stay well over 12,000 feet, there's nowhere to hide when lightning strikes. So it's best to be back down in the trees before the storms hit.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Where to start hiking the Colorado Trail

To know where to begin a hike on the Colorado Trail, research the various segments on the Colorado Trail Foundation's website, or buy a copy of the guidebook and thoroughly plan your adventure.
 
If you're coming to Colorado from sea level, start with the northernmost sections. If walking the whole thing, go from north to south, starting at the northern terminus in Waterton Canyon just outside Denver, which is at only 5,500 feet. Most of the trails in the southern section are above 10,000 feet, which can pose risks for the unacclimatized. You'll want to take it slow for the first few days, whichever way you go.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Mount Elbert and other peaks

Some of Colorado's top highlights are on the Colorado Trail or just a short side trip off of it. One not to miss is Mount Elbert, which, at 14,400 feet, the second-highest peak in the contiguous U.S. While at the top of the famed 14ers list (Colorado peaks over 14,000 feet), this summit is easy to attain, with no technical experience needed.
 
The 10-mile return trail branches off between Leadville and Twin Lakes. Make sure you're acclimatized before setting off. The views from the top are stupendous, with miles and miles of endless mountain vistas laid out in front of you.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Wildlife on the Colorado Trail

More than 200 species of birds, around 100 mammals, and several dozen reptiles live along the Colorado Trail.
 
Bears roam much of the area, and while bear canisters are not required, you should hang your food each night; instead of a canister, carry an Ursack or other bear-resistant container. Moose are also prevalent, often seen near lakes and in marshy areas. Large marmots are everywhere in the high alpine zones, often loud and curious to see hikers sharing their lofty abode.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

How to get acclimated before hiking the Colorado Trail

Before starting any hike of the Colorado Trail, spend a few nights sleeping in a Colorado mountain town along the route, which will help with the acclimatization progress.
 
The Coney Summit, at 13,271 feet along the Continental Divide, is the highest point on the Colorado Trail. For those not used to being up that high, know that the air is thin, and you need to take it easy and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Who was voted the best?: Best Sprint Triathlon (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024)

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Hot springs and different routes of the Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail also offers a choice of routes. The original Colorado Trail was 485 miles long, running along the east side of the Collegiate Peaks (named after Ivy League schools) mountain range. This route passes by the lovely Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak your muscle aches away.
 
However, the Collegiate West alternative adds 80 spectacular extra miles to the trail and travels along the Continental Divide through the spine of the mountains. For those who want a gorgeous backpacking loop that isn't as time-demanding as the entire Colorado Trail, the Collegiate Loop combines both the east and west routes runs for 160 miles.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Where to refuel along the Colorado Trail

If choosing Collegiate West, you'll head up through the Apostle Basin and over dramatic mountain passes like Lake Ann and Hope Pass. You might have to carry extra food here, as there isn't any real convenient resupply option in easy striking distance once you leave Twin Lakes until you reach Salida.
 
For most of the Colorado Trail, you can walk, bus, or hitch into cool western trail towns that are right on or not far from the trail. Places like Breckenridge, Lake City, Salida, and Silverton are famed for being great spots to take a day off, enjoy good food, and restock gear and supplies. Another option is to meet "trail angels," hiker supporters who live near the route and are willing to give rides or deliver resupply boxes for a fee (or even free at times).

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

The rugged San Juan Mountains

Another reason to walk from north to south is to finish the trip in the mighty San Juan Mountains, a high and rugged range full of soaring peaks and high alpine plateaus. Here hikers can ride in or out of the wilderness on the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, where you can flag the train high up in the mountains.
 
For those looking for weekend backpacking trips, this spot has access to the splendid Chicago Basin, home to some of the region's best hiking and mountaineering. 

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Blackhawk Pass for biking and trail running

Blackhawk Pass, located on Segment 26 of the Colorado Trail, is a beautiful open pass perfect for biking, hiking, and trail running. There are tremendous views of the surrounding valleys from the top, and as the pass is only 35 miles from the Colorado Trail finish line in Durango, strong cyclists will head up here for a challenging outing.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Camping in the backcountry

There are many reasons to take on the challenges of the Colorado Trail. Not only is the scenery sublime and the Wild West trail towns a lot of fun, but it's also a great place to enjoy nature, experience solitude, escape the rat race, and enjoy living in the woods.
 
For those considering longer thru-hikes, like the Appalachian Trail or epic Pacific Crest Trail, the Colorado Trail is a good place to start, as the trail is well maintained, the support services are great, and you can tackle as few or many of its segments as you want to get a taste of what a multiday hike is all about.

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Free beer awaits Colorado Trail hikers in Durango

Hikers should savor every step, but those who complete the entire trail all at once find a tremendous sense of personal achievement and satisfaction. You'll make friends and memories that will last forever, not to mention seeing some natural landscapes that many never will.
 
Perhaps even better, once you reach Durango, you can celebrate with a pint of Colorado Trail Brown Ale from the Carver Brewery, served on the house to those completing a thru-hike.

Who was voted the best?: Best Marathon (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2024)

Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis

Don't miss the little extras on the Colorado Trail

The views go on forever, the historic mining towns make for great trail diversions, the trail angels who set up impromptu free burgers and hot dog barbecues for hikers are legendary, and this beautiful alpine walk showcases some of the best in the West.
 
Start making your plans now to walk some of this majestic mountain route. The Colorado Trail is sure to leave you spellbound!