10 Reasons Why Colorado is a Thru-Hiker’s Paradise

As a former thru-hiker living in Colorado, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Here are 10 reasons why colorful Colorado is a thru-hikers paradise…

1. BEER

GD-287-Home-Page_carousel-03

Something for everyone… Unless you’re under 21. Then you get nothing.

Ever since the mid 90’s, craft breweries have been popping up around the state at a rapid rate. I’m 20 years old and cannot yet drink, but word on the street is that many of these breweries make damn good beer. Notable breweries include Great Divide, Left Hand Brewing, New Belgium, and Upslope.

2. BIG CITIES

Denver-1

If you’re a city person, you’ll be able to find paradise in front range cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins.

3. Mountain Towns

K1a304-DowntownSpring_650

If you’re a mountain person, you’ll be able to find paradise in towns like Breckenridge, Vail, Durango, and Buena Vista, among many others.

4. SPORTS 

SP30BRONCOSRAIDERS_2JL3662

As a life long suffering South Florida sports fan, it has been refreshing to live somewhere where people actually enjoy their sports teams.

5. OUTDOORSY STUFF 

IMG_2571

Just to name a few: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Hiking, Running, Rafting, and Biking.

6. LONG DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS

IMG_3843

Colorado is such a paradise that it is home to 2 amazing long distance hiking trails. The Colorado Trail runs 500 miles from Denver to Durango. The Continental Divide Trail passes through the state from the New Mexico border to Wyoming.

7. 14ers

IMG_3820

These 53 peaks are the tallest and most glorious peaks in the country. Good luck breathing on top of one.

8. Other thru-hikers

10626275_10152677947833894_1897024419381097347_o

Colorado is a thru-hiker mecca. On the top of my head, I can think of at least 15 thru-hikers that live within an hour of me.

9. Sunshine

sunshine-1140x370

Sunshine = Happiness. Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine a year, more than any other state.

10. Legal Weed

140326182049-large

Although I do not partake as it is illegal recreationally for people under 21, I feel like I have to include the legalization of weed when talking about Colorado. If you’re into weed, like many thru-hikers I experienced on the trail were, then Colorado is the place to be.

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 1

  • Brad Lane : Jun 7th

    Colorado is number 1 on my places to live. Moving there this fall can’t wait. tinasioutdoor.weebly.com

    Reply

What Do You Think?