trail magic group

Shuttlers, Angels & Trail Magic

The Colorado Trail Foundation maintains a current contact list of volunteer shuttle drivers along the Trail.

The list of volunteer shuttle drivers in Denver and towns along the Trail have offered to help travelers get to and from trailheads. It is available only via the request form linked below. While the CTF maintains the contact information and delivers the shuttlers list to folks who’ve requested it, that is the extent of The Colorado Trail Foundation’s involvement. CT travelers needing shuttle services must contact shuttlers directly to make arrangements. Many shuttlers have indicated that making advanced arrangements is usually necessary.

Things to note:

    • When scheduling a shuttle, contact the shuttler as far in advance as possible. It is nearly always necessary for CT users to contact Shuttlers in advance with inquiries about possible shuttling and to make arrangements.
    • The offers by these third-party individuals (Shuttlers) who have provided their contact info for shuttle inquiries are not part of, or connected in any way to, The Colorado Trail Foundation (CTF).
    • Any and all arrangements you make with these or other third-parties are between you and them and do not in any way involve the CTF.

Get the CT Shuttler List

Free Volunteer Shuttle Service

Volunteer Shuttler (Free Service)- A free service offered by volunteers that do not expect any financial compensation (including donations) for their help. Please be respectful of their time, communicate respectfully when asking for help, and be sure to show up at the prearranged time for your shuttle.

Volunteer Shuttlers List

If you’re interested in becoming a Volunteer Shuttler, click below to submit all required information:

Become a Volunteer Shuttler

Trail Angels and Trail Magic

No matter how self-reliant and self-sufficient a long-distance Trail traveler might be, there are few who can resist the often serendipitous assistance of a “trail angel” or the enticement of  “trail magic” encountered along the way. For those unfamiliar with the terms, trail angels describe people who provide goods and services to travelers. Trail magic is, generally, what angels provide, such as a cooler full of cold soda.

Trail Angels come in many guises. It could be a day hiker who offers a candy bar or bottle of water, or a campground guest who offers a snack to those passing through. Some, like our shuttlers, provide transportation services. Others welcome out-of-state hikers into their homes for an overnight stay.

Our trail crew volunteers and trekking guides are often trail angels, too, inviting travelers to share a meal or spend the night.

For several years, one well-known angel set up camp at the end of Segment 17 near the beginning of the Cochetopa Hills. “Apple,” as he was known, not only provided snacks, water and soft drinks, but shelter, cooking facilities, and companionship to trail-weary travelers.

Those who experience trail magic often say it’s one of the most memorable parts of their journey.

The Colorado Trail Foundation neither encourages nor discourages trail angels, but we do offer some suggestions to those considering becoming one:

  • Keep it small. If you are contemplating setting up an angel camp along The Colorado Trail, consider keeping it small and for just a limited time. This enhances the serendipity that maximizes appreciation.
  • Keep it unexpected. Don’t advertise your plans. Keep it unexpected and magical.
  • Preserve the backcountry. Avoid degrading the backcountry atmosphere that’s so highly cherished. Set up near a trailhead or where the Trail crosses a major road. Encourage those taking advantage of your trail magic to properly dispose of wrappers and other containers.
  • A little trail magic goes a long way. Too many on-trail handouts and freebies depreciate the self-reliance that is fundamental to a quality backcountry experience.
  • Secure your goodies. Animals breaking into unsecured containers can quickly become habituated to human food, becoming problem animals.
  • Don’t leave food unattended. Food left unattended along the Trail often becomes unsightly trash. Containers and wrappers get left behind. Wind blows it around.
  • Consider volunteering instead. Maybe the best way of all to give back is to volunteer for a CTF trail crew or adopt a section of the Trail to maintain.

For more information on trail angels and trail magic, click on these links: