The Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail runs 535 miles from Waterton Canyon, southwest of Denver, to Durango. You will cross eight mountain ranges, traverse six wilderness areas, pass through seven national forests, and spend the majority of your time above 10,000 feet. This is not a weekend warrior route. It demands everything you have and then asks for more.

Overview

The trail divides cleanly into two disciplines depending on how you approach it. Runners take the single-track end to end, navigating rooted high-alpine terrain and lung-burning climbs. Gravel riders tackle the Collegiate West and alternate routes, swapping technical single-track for exposed ridgeline doubletrack. Both experiences deliver the same core truth: Colorado's mountains are relentless, and the weather changes faster than your mood.

The Route

From Waterton Canyon, the trail heads immediately into the Platte River Mountains before hitting the first significant climb into the Lost Creek Wilderness. The middle section—segments eight through seventeen—is where most people find their limit. The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness forces you above treeline for miles at a time, where afternoon thunderstorms are not a possibility but a daily appointment at 2 p.m.

The San Juan Mountains in the final third are widely considered the most spectacular terrain on the entire route. The summit of Coney Peak reaches 13,334 feet. The descent into the Weminuche Wilderness drops you through aspen groves and spruce forests that feel untouched. Spring Creek Pass is a common resupply point where you'll see other thru-athletes and measure yourself honestly against where you thought you'd be at this point.

Key Challenges

Altitude is the first filter. If you haven't spent time above 10,000 feet, your body will struggle in the opening days. Heart rate climbs, appetite drops, sleep quality collapses. Respect the acclimatization process or pay for it later.

Water sources vary dramatically by season. Early July brings snowmelt and abundant water; late August in a dry year means you carry more than you expect. Filtering is non-negotiable — cattle grazing in several sections contaminates sources that look clean.

Navigation is straightforward with the Guthook/FarOut app and the official trail maps, but a handful of wilderness crossings offer minimal signage. In fog or afternoon storm conditions, this matters.

The resupply strategy makes or breaks the experience. Salida, Leadville, Twin Lakes, and Lake City are the primary stops. Packages mailed ahead work reliably. Do not assume you can resupply via car — some stops require significant detours.

Best Time to Go

Late June through mid-September is the usable window, with July 15 through August 31 being the sweet spot. Snow lingers on the high passes well into June and returns in October. Monsoon season in July and August brings daily storms that you learn to outpace or shelter through.

Gear Notes

The CT demands gear appropriate for alpine environments, not trail running. Even on the hottest summer days, you should carry a puffy and waterproof shell. Temps drop below freezing at elevation even in August. Trekking poles are not optional — the descents are steep, rocky, and relentless on your knees.

For gravel riders, a bikepacking setup with a 29er or a gravel bike with 700x45 or wider tires handles the terrain. Tubeless is mandatory. Carry a patch kit you know how to use.

How Others Did It

In 2023, Leal Wilcox set the unsupported record for the trail running direction at 5 days, 9 hours. Most thru-runners complete it in 3–5 weeks. On the bike, bikepacker records hover around 4–5 days for the strongest riders. Most riders take 12–18 days, which allows for real recovery and actual appreciation of the terrain.

The CT has a dedicated community. You will meet people who have done it four times and are planning a fifth. That tells you something about what this trail does to you once you finish it.