Colorado Trail
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| Colorado Trail | |
|---|---|
| Length | 479 mi; 770 km |
| Trailheads | Denver, CO Durango, CO |
| Use | Hiking |
| Elevation Change | 75,000 ft |
| Highest Point | Coney Summit, 13,334 ft |
| Lowest Point | 5,500 ft |
| Trail Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Season | All year |
| Sights | Colorado |
| Hazards | Severe Weather |
The Colorado Trail (CT) is a 479 mile long trail running from the outskirts of Denver to Durango in Colorado, United States. The CT traverses Colorado's mountains. Its highest point is 13,334' above sea level at Coney Summit. Most of the trail is above 10,000 feet. Despite its high elevation, the trail often dips below the treeline to provide a measure of safety in the exposed, storm-prone regions above treeline.
The Colorado Trail is an established, marked, and (mostly) non-motorized trail open to hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists (aka mountain bikers, which are prohibited on the sections which pass through designated wilderness areas). From the eastern terminus, just outside of Denver, the trail winds its way for over 479 miles through the state's most mountainous regions, to its final conclusion, a few miles north of Durango. Along the way, it passes through eight major mountain ranges, seven national forests, and six wilderness areas. Trail elevations range from a low of 5,500 feet to a high of 13,334 feet on Coney Summit. In between, the trail rises and falls dramatically. Some estimate that those hardy souls, hiking the entire length of the trail from east to west, will gain (and lose) nearly 75,000 vertical feet. The trail passes through what is considered to be some of the state's most beautiful country. Wildlife abounds and wildflowers, in season, are abundant. While much of the trail passes through forests, a good portion of it reaches above the magical height of timberline, where trees no longer grow and views are breathtaking. Summer days are warm with cool nights, but unpredictable mountain weather can threaten snow any month of the year. Violent thunder and lightning storms may ravage the afternoon sky, then quickly give way to warm sunshine and cloudless skies. Along its route, the trail passes through historic mining towns, along ancient Indian trails, and through a modern, world-class ski resort. Other sections appear much as they would have 500 years ago.
The trail was built by and is currently maintained by the non-profit Colorado Trail Foundation and the United States Forest Service.
[edit] Some Colorado Trail facts
The time for completing the Colorado Trail varies greatly. While some (supported) trail runners manage to get over with it in less than 10 days, most hikers seem to spend about 40 days on the trail.
The Colorado Trail was completed in 1987.
The majority of "Thru-Hikers" (hikers who hike the trail in one segment) hike from east to west, due to the gentler elevation gains and favorable snowmelt encountered when hiking from Denver to Durango.
The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail follow the same path for approx. 200 miles.
The second half of the Colorado Trail, between Salida and Durango, is arguably more beautiful than the first section from Denver to Salida, as it has less human influence, greater vistas and a display of spectacular wildflowers.
