All Aboard the Colorado Trail

Good morning and welcome to the Colorado Trail section of the Continental Divide Trail.  For the next 400 miles, these two wondrous trails become one to take you through the breathtaking mountains of Colorado.  Cruising altitude will be around 10,500 feet with intermittent descents into the valley, along with frequent climbs up to, and well above, 12,000 feet.  Portions of this trail are open to mountain and dirt bikes so keep an eye out for these vehicles. 

Beautiful trail and questionable clouds.

If you need oxygen, no help will come from above – have a rest to gain your breath before continuing on.  Afternoon storms are common at higher elevations so try to avoid hiking on exposed ridges when dark clouds are lingering above and descend below tree line if you hear thunder or see lightning.  Familiarize yourself with exit procedures and always have a plan. 

At the top of Hope Pass before descending into Twin Lakes.

Please keep your hip belt properly fastened and your pipe nearby.  Remember, marijuana is legal* here in the state of Colorado, so blaze that shit up!  The featured beverage for this trip is our very own, crisp, clear, cold Colorado stream water.  Snowpack at higher elevations continues to slowly melt in the warm summer sun as streams gush with Mother Nature’s finest.  

No vehicles on this section of trail.

When arriving upon water sources, be sure to look to your left and right; established campsites are located in these areas and can be a great place to enjoy a break, second breakfast, brunch, lunch, water break, sit-down, safety meeting, first dinner, second dinner, or even to set up your tent and spend the night.  

Sure are a lot of signs out here in Colorado.

Properly abide by Leave No Trace principles and keep electronic devices in airplane mode at all times.  Thank you for hiking with us today, and happy trails!

*Smoking of marijuana in any national forest is illegal.  Smoke at your own risk. 

Thanks for reading. Peace and love