Colorado Trail | 486 Miles Through the Heart of the Rockies

The Colorado Trail (CT) is a 485-mile (780 km) high-altitude trek through the Colorado Rockies, running from Denver to Durango. The trail crosses eight mountain ranges and reaches elevations over 13,000 feet. Most hikers complete it in 4-5 weeks during the July-September window. The CT is divided into 28 official segments that offer diverse terrain from alpine meadows to exposed ridgelines.

Segments 1-5: South Platte Region

Distance: ~78 miles | Terrain: Rolling hills, pine forests, meadows

You start at Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver and climb gradually through the South Platte watershed. The trail passes Kenosha Pass (a scenic highlight) and Long Gulch, a beautiful 6-mile meadow section. Expect moderate elevation gain as you warm up your legs.

Town Options:

• Bailey (near Seg 2): Small mountain town, limited resupply
• Jefferson (near Seg 4): Gas station and small store
• Kenosha Pass (Seg 6): Food trucks during summer weekends

Segments 6-12: Continental Divide & Tenmile Range

Distance: ~88 miles | Terrain: High alpine, exposed passes, ski resort areas

Here the CT joins the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) for the next 250 miles. You’ll traverse Georgia Pass, Kokomo Pass, and pass near popular ski towns. The terrain becomes more challenging with longer water carries and afternoon thunderstorm exposure.

Town Options:

• Breckenridge (near Seg 6-7): Full resupply, hostels, restaurants, outfitters
• Copper Mountain (near Seg 8): Resort town with grocery, lodging
• Frisco (accessible from Seg 7): Full services, more affordable than Breck

Segments 13-16: Holy Cross & Sawatch Range

Distance: ~54 miles | Terrain: Rugged peaks, deep valleys, strenuous climbs

This is serious wilderness. You’ll skirt Mount Massive and Mount Elbert (Colorado’s two highest peaks – both 14ers you can summit as side trips). The trail climbs through Holy Cross Wilderness with steep ascents and descents. Leadville is the key resupply here.

Town Options:

• Leadville (near Seg 14): Historic mining town at 10,200 ft elevation, full resupply, hostels, restaurants. One of the most important resupply points.
• Twin Lakes (near Seg 14): Small community with general store, less than a mile off trail

Segments 17-21: Collegiate Peaks

Distance: ~72 miles | Terrain: Two route options – East or West Collegiate

The trail offers a choice: the traditional East Collegiate Route through pine and aspen forests with Marshall Pass (the steepest climb on the CT), or the West Collegiate Route which stays higher, more remote, and more challenging.

Town Options:

• Buena Vista (near Seg 16-17): Full services, multiple outfitters, breweries
• Salida (near Seg 20): Larger town with excellent resupply, outfitters, very hiker-friendly
• Monarch Pass (Seg 20): Small store and food at the pass itself

Segments 22-24: La Garita & Cochetopa Hills

Distance: ~48 miles | Terrain: Lower elevation, drier, open valleys

A dramatic change from mountains to ranch country. This section is drier and dustier with longer water carries through the Cochetopa Valley. Fewer crowds and a different feel, but ends in Creede, often called the best trail town on the CT.

Town Options:

• Creede (near Seg 24): Charming historic mining town, excellent hospitality, full resupply, restaurants. Many hikers consider this a highlight.
• Saguache (off trail, requires hitch): Full services but less convenient

Segments 25-26: San Juan Mountains – Cataract Ridge

Distance: ~33 miles | Terrain: Dramatic peaks, high passes, stunning views

Welcome to the San Juans, one of Colorado’s most spectacular ranges. You’ll cross the CT’s highest point at Coney Summit (13,271 ft) near Jarosa Mesa. The climbs are tough but the alpine vistas are unmatched. The CT splits from the CDT here as the CDT heads toward New Mexico.

Town Options:

• Lake City (side trail off Seg 25): Full services, 5-6 miles off trail via Carson Saddle route
• No easy towns otherwise – plan for longer food carry

Segments 27-28: Indian Trail Ridge to Durango

Distance: ~52 miles | Terrain: Exposed ridgelines, thunderstorm zone, spectacular finish

The grand finale includes some of the CT’s most scenic terrain but also its most exposed sections. Indian Trail Ridge is notorious for afternoon thunderstorms – plan to camp below treeline and cross high sections early morning. The final miles descend into Durango.

Town Options:

• Durango (western terminus): Wonderful celebration town with full services, breweries, restaurants, outdoor shops, and easy transport

Key Planning Notes to the Colorado Trail

Best hiking season: Mid-July through September for lower snow and stable weather

Permits: No permit required for the CT itself, but some wilderness areas have regulations

Resupply strategy: Most hikers do 5-7 resupply stops. Common strategy: Breckenridge, Leadville, Salida/Twin Lakes, Creede, Lake City (optional), Durango

Shared trail: Expect mountain bikers and horseback riders – be courteous and trail-aware

Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily above treeline in summer. Start hiking early, reach high passes by noon, camp below treeline