Colorado Trail

Information

Distance

782.0 km

Duration

28–42 days

Max elevation

4,045 m

Country

United States (US)

Difficulty

Strenuous — crosses eight Rocky Mountain ranges with a cumulative elevation gain of about 27,000 m

Best Season

July–September

Permits & Fees

No paid permit required; free self-issue wilderness permits are available at the boundary of each wilderness area along the route

Description

The Colorado Trail is a 782 km (486 mi) long-distance trail traversing the Rocky Mountains of Colorado from Waterton Canyon near Denver to Durango in the southwest. Divided into 28 segments (33 including Collegiate West alternates), the route crosses eight mountain ranges, six national forests, and six wilderness areas at an average elevation above 3,140 m — making it one of the highest long-distance trails in the United States. The high point is 4,045 m near Coney Summit in the San Juan Mountains. Thru-hikers typically take 28–42 days to complete the full route; mountain bikers can ride most sections except designated wilderness areas.

Trail Highlights

Eight mountain ranges, six national forests, six wilderness areas; crossing the Colorado Rocky Mountains from Waterton Canyon near Denver to Durango; an iconic thru-hike that can be done by both hikers and mountain bikers