Colorado Trail

Understand

The Colorado Trail is a premier long-distance trail stretching 486 miles through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It offers deep immersion into the high-altitude ecosystems of Colorado, passing through ancient forests and six distinct Wilderness Areas. While the trail is steeped in the history of the American West, hikers today will primarily encounter a rugged mountain culture and a community of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. This journey requires significant backpacking experience and high-level physical fitness, as the trail remains at high elevations for most of its duration.

Prepare

No permits are required for the trail itself, though you must sign in at trailheads when entering Wilderness Areas. Travelers must carry everything in a backpack; the terrain is rugged, steep, and entirely unsuitable for carts, baby carriages, or wheelchairs. Proper gear is vital, including high-quality rain gear for monsoon season and versatile layers for freezing temperatures.

Eat Hikers must carry their own food and a camping stove, as there are no restaurants or shops directly on the trail. Resupply is typically handled by hitching or trekking into nearby mountain towns like Breckenridge, Leadville, Salida, and Silverton. Many hikers mail resupply boxes to post offices in these towns in advance. A bear canister is highly recommended for food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.

Drink Water can be sourced from various streams, lakes, and snowmelt along the route, but it is not potable and must be treated. While water is generally abundant, some sections—particularly on the Cochetopa Hills—can be dry, requiring hikers to carry several liters. It is essential to use a filter, ultraviolet purifier, or chemical treatment to prevent Giardia.

Sleep Accommodations are rare on the trail, so a tent and a complete sleep system are mandatory. Due to high-altitude cold, a sleeping bag rated for at least 20 °F (−7 °C) is recommended. There is no electricity or artificial light available at campsites. Wild camping is permitted along most of the trail, provided you follow Leave No Trace principles and camp away from water sources.

Climate The trail is best hiked from late June to early September. Early-season hikers may face significant snowpack that obscures the trail, while July and August are characterized by "monsoon" weather, bringing frequent and dangerous afternoon thunderstorms. Hikers should plan to be below the treeline by noon to avoid lightning strikes.

Get in

The two termini of the Colorado Trail are near major transportation hubs. Northern Terminus (Waterton Canyon, Denver): Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN IATA). From the airport, you can use a combination of public transport and ride-sharing services to reach the trailhead southwest of the city. Southern Terminus (Durango): Fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO IATA). The southern terminus is located just outside of Durango.

Walk

The trail is divided into 28 segments. This provides a general overview.

The Colorado Trail sets out along the wide gravel road through 1 Platte Canyon. , gradually following the South Platte River upstream with sheer canyon walls and the chance to spot bighorn sheep along the way. After about 10 km the road ends at Strontia Springs Dam, where the route narrows to a forested singletrack and begins its first real climb. Switchbacks lead up through ponderosa pine and fir before the path levels out on a ridge, then descends toward the 2 South Platte River Trailhead. , where a footbridge marks the end of this opening stage.

Leaving the cottonwoods along the South Platte, the trail climbs steadily on sun-baked switchbacks into the Buffalo Creek burn scar, wide open country with big views and very little shade. Once on the plateau, the grade relaxes into rolling singletrack through scattered ponderosa and meadows, crossing a few sandy drainages and old roads. It is an exposed, wind-washed 11.5 miles with no reliable water after the river, so start full and plan to dry-carry. The tread finally glides down a mellow, open stretch to the 3 Little Scraggy Trailhead at FS 550/Deckers Road.

The trail continues on pleasant forest paths from Little Scraggy Trailhead. The route rolls gently at first before gaining elevation, offering airy views over the surrounding hills. After a steady climb, the path crests a ridge and begins a long descent through mixed woodland and pockets of open ground, where wildflowers are abundant in summer. The stage ends at 4 Wellington Lake Road, a quiet junction that provides access to the nearby lake and marks the close of this varied and scenic section.

From Wellington Lake Road the trail climbs gradually into the Lost Creek Wilderness, passing through dense pine forest before opening onto ridgelines with sweeping views of granite domes and wide valleys. The route alternates between shaded woodland and open meadows rich in wildflowers, with occasional rock formations and clearings that reveal the rugged landscape ahead. A final descent through mixed forest brings the stage to 5 Long Gulch.

From Long Gulch the trail continues deeper into the

Stay safe

Safety is a paramount concern on the Colorado Trail due to its high-altitude environment and varied wildlife. Because the route rarely drops below 8,000 feet and frequently exceeds 12,000 feet, hikers must acclimatize properly, maintain constant hydration, and be prepared to descend immediately if symptoms of altitude sickness occur. The landscape is home to black bears and mountain lions, necessitating strict food storage protocols and knowledge of safety procedures, as well as caution around potentially aggressive moose. Weather conditions are equally rigorous; afternoon thunderstorms pose a lethal lightning risk above the treeline—making it vital to clear high passes by noon—and snow or freezing temperatures can strike during any month. Finally, while water is generally accessible from mountain streams, it must always be treated or filtered to prevent illness.

Go next

After completing the trail, your adventure doesn't have to end. From the northern terminus, you can explore Denver, a vibrant city offering numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. Near the southern terminus, you can discover the historic mining town of Durango and take a memorable ride on the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. For those looking to continue their long-distance hiking journey, the Colorado Trail shares a significant portion of its route with the Continental Divide Trail, offering a natural connection to an even grander trek.