im planning a backpacking trip on the Colorado Trail. its going to be around 12-15 days. i have family at both denver and durango. i have bought guidebooks and other information regarding this trail and it looks pretty cool. can anyone suggest anywhere i should i check out and help me begin my adeventure? thanks
You're probably aware that the CT is really high in elevation (average over 10000), and whenever that happens, you need to be extremely cautious for the first couple of days when planning your hike with regard to having adequate water and not trying to go quickly. Additionally, the odds are that snow could stick around until early July in some places, and the weather in CO is always unpredictable.
I've only done a couple of small sections of the CT, but my experience has been:
Close to Denver: dealing with foothills and pretty dry, but busy. I'd try to steer clear of the first couple of sections.
West of Leadville: Pretty good water sources, really high, but spectacular views (some of the best hiking I've ever done). Camping and wildlife seem to be the best/most abundant in this area.
Closer to Durango: Decent hiking, but you might could do better.
If I was going to plan two weeks for myself, I'd probably try to start near Breckenridge/Copper Mountain and head west. I can't really break it down into daily mileages, but starting at section 8 (http://www.coloradotrail.org/segments.html) I'd probably try to get through about section 14. Ideally, you could arrange a drop-off and pick-up from family or friends, but you could do well with an out & back as well.
And in general, and I speak from a great deal of personal backpacking experience, you'll enjoy the trip a lot more if you have someone with you.
Great thanks a lot. Yeh i will be bringing someone with me. i am looking for for mroe remote areas, I dont want to be seeing a ton of peope. thanks tho!
Consider taking the train out of Durango toward Silverton. A little over halfway it makes a stop at the trailhead for the Chicago Basin. Get off there, hike approximately 5 miles and set up a base camp. It is very scenic and you will not see many people. From there you have three short day hikes up three different 14ers. Many people complete all three in the same day. Hike back to catch the train, ride to see Silverton and catch some lunch, ride back to Durango. It is important to get train tickets organized and bought ahead of time to coordinate with your hike. The train ride is quite scenic also.
This guy (a former Duke miler, pretty good too if I remember correctly) has done it several times and here is his website with 3 or 4 trip reports and quiet a few photos of the trail. Have fun OP, sounds like a fun trip! I also second the train ride idea.
Thanks that guys website is very inspiring and makes me want to get out there even more!