There are many ways to enjoy The Colorado Trail, from a day-hike, bike, or ride, to a multi-day trip or end-to-end excursion beginning in either Denver or Durango. There are dozens of access points to the CT’s 567 miles of trail. These are accessible by car, 4-wheel-drive, bike, horse, on foot, or even by train. Numerous resources, including maps, guidebooks, and websites can help you with your planning. The CTF Facebook groups are also a great resource for trail conditions and information sharing, find links on our Trail Alerts page. But there is no place better to begin your journey than right here. Continue browsing this page to find information on everything from modes of travel, to what to carry, to weather and trail etiquette.
The Colorado Trail is a spectacular adventure through some of the state’s best backcountry.
TRAIL SEASON
When to Go
The “season” for The Colorado Trail is primarily 3 months: July, August, and September. Before this 3-month season, users encounter troublesome snowpack remaining from winter and spring storms. After these months, fall storms begin bringing new snows that can be deep and long lasting. (Here’s a video that shows how a snowstorm can ‘up’ the challenge of distance hiking.)
TRAIL PREP
Trip Planning
Trip planning can be a lot of fun, as nearly every past CT traveler has described their lead-up to the journey. This is your opportunity to learn about the Trail, and doing so in advance will enhance your trip. Most Trail users, especially those planning multi-day trips, will find that they want to delve more deeply by obtaining our official CT guidebook. During the lead-up is also when you’ll likely begin coordinating with one or more individuals as helpers or resources. Often, the support people will need the CT Guidebook with its information about road access and more.
Travel Methods
What mode of travel will you choose? We’ve got information to help you whether you prefer to travel by foot, pedal, ride, or guide. Click on any of the images below to learn more about your method of travel.
Essential Info for Travelers
A MIX OF USERS
Share the Trail
The CT is open to a variety of travelers. Past travelers have reported they appreciated knowing in advance the different types of users they’ll encounter. When users meet on the trail, who is supposed to yield?
CANINE COMPANIONS
Are Dogs Allowed?
Dogs are allowed on The Colorado Trail, except for six miles of Segment 1. Dogs are not allowed on CTF Trail Crews. Within National Forests and Wilderness Areas, regulations regarding dogs vary.
TRAILHEADS
Access Route Status
The CT passes through six national forests and 11 USFS ranger districts. While most Forest Service offices cannot provide specific information about the CT itself, they can be useful in providing info on the condition of access routes (Forest Service roads, etc.) to trailheads.
SEGMENTS
Segments of the CT
The Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments which includes a choice of two routes in the middle, Collegiate East and Collegiate West. Find nearby towns and forest service info for each segment.
WHERE TO BEGIN
Denver or Durango?
Thru-hikers and bikers have a choice of where to begin there journey. The decision matters, check out why, along with information about parking and shuttlers.
UP NEXT…
Supplies & Waste
You’re familiar with the Trail, you’ve planned your route, purchased your guidebooks and maps, and gathered your friends and support team. Now it’s time to figure out what to pack and learn how to take care of your waste.
BLOG
CT Travel Tips
Every year we post a few more trip planning tips to make your adventure a little better.
