I’ve finally simplified my life again… it’s just me and my backpack. Ending Time: Friday, July 19th, 12:30 PM. Colorado Trail Segment 1 Facts. Views of Mt Guyot and a curious ground squirrel we named “Brian” kept spirits up for a short while until we plunged back into the trees. COTREX is a project by the Colorado DNR and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. I have inserts for my shoes now and am back on the trail but I gained weight while I wasn’t hiking and am just having trouble getting back to the level I was. It was around Day 3 that I started to question whether or not my foot pain was normal. The trail mingles with a road at the end, which can be confusing at first, but only one turn is critical. Bike: While the trail is relatively smooth in the eastern half, it becomes rockier in the middle and stays that way for the remainder of the segment. Hike: This section is unique in that it begins by following the forested shore of a reservoir for several miles, suddenly climbs and descends three thousand feet, and ends with several more miles of flat terrain. The trail is rated as moderate and primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and backpacking. Unfortunately, even though the trail is smooth, it is so steep as to be almost unrideable in both directions. So, in early May, I blocked off a weekend to hit the trail for the first time on Segment 1. Because this segment is unusually long, and there are such huge elevation gains in the first half, riding it in both directions will probably require three separate rides. Bike: With the exception of the first mile, and a short, rocky trail that connects two roads on opposite sides of a ridge a few miles later, this segment is made up entirely of roads. The roads fairly typical, and not particularly steep, and the few difficult sections of trail are no worse than some whole segments. The trail climbs gradually through a narrow valley for the first eight miles, and then steepens as it approaches a high point of over twelve thousand feet near San Luis Peak. That’s an amazing accomplishment and I’m glad you can hike in segments! Thanks for this post!! Colorado Trail: Segment 1 is a 18 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Littleton, Colorado that features a river and is rated as difficult. Total Length 16mi; Elevation Range 5,508–7,547ft Δ … There are steep sections throughout, some of which can be unridable in both directions due to loose rocks, but none are long enough to require extended periods of walking. Even though the trail follows heavily forested slopes and valleys, there is no shortage of amazing views, both near and far. Colorado Trail Segments 22-28 and Segment 1 – September 20 to October 1. Segment 1 of the Colorado Trail is easily accessible, located only 30 minutes from downtown Denver. There are three fairly significant ridges to cross though, and the highest one is only a few miles from the lowest point on the segment, where the trail loops around a deep valley. Note: Dogs are not permitted in Waterton Canyon. Yesterday I rode the Greyhound from Durango to Denver and arrived in downtown Denver at about 6pm. This morning we woke up early at the hostel so we could get back on the trail by 6am. Hike: After nearly five hundred miles of climbing over countless high ridges and saddles, descending nearly a vertical mile is the perfect ending to an epic journey. Bike: The huge elevation loss may make this segment seem like nothing but downhill from beginning to end, but that is definitely not the case. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, but there can still be a lot of activity along its entire length, both recreational, and associated with the dam at the end of the road. All in all a wild and wonderful trail. At a … Watch for bighorn sheep, elk and deer. The Colorado Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization that oversees the care and improvement of the Trail. Hike: The long climb from the previous segment continues along an old road to over ten thousand feet, eventually leveling out for almost fifteen miles at the bottom of a straight, soggy valley. This is a moderate and very scenic route near Denver. … It was extremely tough, not just to make the decision, but the feeling of failure afterwards. Day 7 | 07/30/17 | ~ 10.6 miles | Segment 5: MM 8.5 to Segment 6: MM 4.5, Johnson Gulch Campsite to Deadman Creek Campsite (& detour to Fairplay, CO). We made it to Segment 2! Horseback Riding. I was also super sore from a long 14 mile day yesterday. My feet were killing me and it took up my thoughts 24/7. Although the trail is mostly off to the side, the first half of the segment passes through an area in which camping is extremely popular. The road parallels the South Platte River as it works its way gently up the canyon. Hike: The first six miles of this segment consist of a steep, three thousand foot climb and descent though the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, over a twelve thousand foot ridge east of the fourteener Mount Yale. It sucks that you were not able to finish the thru-hike but you tried and that is more than most people ever do. Alternate start to the CT. The over five thousand feet of elevation gain takes place in two stages in the first half of the segment, followed by a long, gradual descent. Hike: The first three miles of this segment climbs along a road through thinning forests and wide meadows. Only 3 of us ended up back on the trail this morning, us & Steve. It was a long, hard day. Hike: The trail disappears for a while at the beginning of this segment, where it passes though a campground, but it crosses a nearby creek on a bridge that is visible from a distance, so there is no danger of getting lost. Total Distance: 105.1 Miles. It took me 2 years to get back on the CT, but now I look forward to completing another section or 2 every year! The whole section can be comfortably ridden in both directions in one day, but because the trail conditions deteriorate significantly during the descent towards Marshall Pass, the return trip can be surprisingly long and difficult. Three day hikers set out to tackle segment 1 of the Colorado Trail today from Waterton. It may not sound very bad, but I can assure you that it felt like it. Thank you for sharing! It was a beautiful section though, and it was fun following cattle tracks and then coming out to a meadow where we watched them graze. The morning was perfect weather, cooler & overcast. The trail starts at the end of CT - Segment 1 along the Platte River. Any Activity. The following segment information/distances taken from "The Colorado Trail, 9th Ed." That’s not how it works when piecing together segments of The Colorado Trail. While their bluish tint provides an unusual contrast when intermingled with aspen, especially in the fall, once they burn or fall over the character of the segment will change significantly. Featured Routes. Segment 1 of the Colorado Trail (#1776) begins at Waterton Canyon. My … Bike: Even though the much celebrated Monarch Crest Trail follows this segment from its high point all the way to the end, no part of their shared five mile route, which consists of a steep, rocky trail and a rocky road, is particularly noteworthy as a mountain biking trail. Finally we found a campsite at 14.0 miles in, almost to the end of Segment 4! After that, we kept moving, trying to get to MM 5.2. LOL! Hike: There are very few trees anywhere near this segment, and for many miles into the surrounding segments, making it a particularly uncomfortable place to be during bad weather. Thanks for sharing. Bike: This segment starts and ends on roads open to any vehicle, with narrower trails that only restrict vehicles by width in the middle. After hiking Segments 1-3 of The Colorado Trail, since they melted early, we decided to tackle a high elevation segment. Thank you Roger! Day 4 | 07/27/17 | ~ 8.8 miles | Segment 3: MM 3.4 to MM 12.2 (end of segment), Stormy/Soggy Campsite to Rolling Creek Trailhead (& Detour to Bailey, CO). For now, I am section hiking the trail meaning I am hiking one segment at a time. The first quarter of the trail is the majority of the climbing you'll do. Good luck on accomplishing your thru-hike! The trail generally stays at treeline, traversing steep slopes almost as often as it follows ridges, with plenty of cover, and at the same time, unlimited views. Significant elevation changes, where the trail crosses a series of valleys and saddles, make the last few miles the most difficult. Bike: Except for a few miles of smooth single-track on either end, and the occasional rockless section, this segment is nothing but rocky trails and roads, which is no fun at all on a bike. It was super. So far I haven’t had much luck. Segment one of the Colorado Trail starting at the Waterton Canyon just South is Denver, and ending at the South Platte River trailhead. Water may be available in small quantities, but should not be considered reliable. Colorado Trail Segment 10 of 28. What a fun week it’s been. Bike: Because the Monarch Crest Trail follows this section and part of the next one, and riders usually take a shuttle to the top of the pass, it is possible to encounter large groups during peak times, so plan accordingly. We were the first ones to check in but shortly after, 3 more came! We made a lot of noise & scared it off. Tomato and Peach October 6, 2020 1 Comment We did it! Ridden one way, the elevation changes are spread out nicely, but riding in both directions might be overly ambitious. The cots were very uncomfortable. Cross the large iron bridge over the Platte River and begin by heading south along the river for a brief stent before heading west over a short section of shale. Hike: The best part of this segment is the view of the Chalk Cliffs during the initial steep climb, or better yet on the way back from a round trip in the evening, when direct sunlight makes the pure white surface more dazzling. Even though motorcycles are allowed throughout the section, there is actually very little evidence of their presence. Distance: 13.1 Miles. SECTION ONE. Change ). Segment #1: Waterton Canyon to South Platte River. Over Labor Day weekend 2019, we planned a 3-day backpacking trip of the next 30 miles of trail. Riding the north end might save some time, but bikes are specifically prohibited on the south end between the trailhead and unmarked wilderness boundary. View 7 Day Forecast on weather.gov. Most southbound thru hikers welcome the transition back into high alpine terrain that begins with segment 20. They’re doing 20 mile days already & aren’t taking good care of themselves. Head is good, bladder is good, everything else is still sore. While that route, and another in a valley further south, can be confusing at times, even a wrong turn will usually lead back to the trail. The MTB version of this route will start on designated bike paths and a little bit of singletrack that border the Front Range Urban Corridor, before catapulting you into the Rocky Mountains via Segment 1 of the Colorado Trail. The meadow was beautiful even in the rain. Bike: Unlike the end of the previous segment, which specifically prohibits bikes between the trailhead and the wilderness boundary, this one specifically allows them. I feel so bad you had to leave the trail. I hardly hiked last winter due to bone spurs and a pronation problem. While there is a chance of encountering a few small streams a short distance into the next segment, there are no reliable sources of water for almost twenty miles. Was a hard push to get as far as we did with the weather. And each time I was reminded right away that biking the Colorado Trail is not just about ‘the bike’, it’s about ‘the hike’ too… hike-a-bike… learn to love it. A thirty mile round trip ride from the bottom would probably be more fun than a shorter one way ride from the top, and it wouldn't require such a long drive. We pulled off the trail on Day 7 to see if the sporting goods store in Fairplay had any insoles. As day-hikers, our packs were lighter then thru hikers. Your trip sounded like quite an adventure, even hardship due to your feet and also the amount of rain and storms you had to endure. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Bike: Contrary to what some guidebooks say, there is no reason not to ride this segment. It took me 2 years to get back on trail but I am SO happy I finally did! While other portions of the trail end up being remote, this section offers easy access and beautiful views of the South Platte. OHV Riding (>50”) Nordic Skiing. We stopped about 5 times, once for about 40 minutes, and the others for just a few. Only authorized vehicles are allowed, but there can still be a lot of activity along its entire length, both recreational, and associated … In the back of our minds, we know the trail is a microcosm and a metaphor for our lives; we only lose sight of that when we move too fast and too easily. Segment 7 begins at Goldhill Trailhead, just off Highway 9 and located halfway between Breckenridge and Frisco. The high point of over twelve thousand feet, which is the highest so far, and one that will not be exceeded for hundreds of miles, will immediately be left behind in a plunge to within a thousand feet of the beginning of the segment. It left me demoralized and sad. Trail Surface: Dirt roads; rocky single-track with sand. The main route to the summit of the fourteener Mount Elbert, which is the highest peak in Colorado and second highest in the contiguous United States, follows this segment for several miles from the middle before branching off to the west. Even though the last eight miles are mostly uphill, and the trail follows an old railroad grade near the end, the second half of the segment is a better overall ride than the first. And I’m hooked. This is at about mile 17.1 of the 32.9 mile trail. I think the weight gain is just part of that, unfortunately. Hike: Shortly after the trail climbs out of sight of the river at the beginning, it enters a large exposed area that has been devastated by fire and erosion. The mesa is nearly flat, and completely treeless, but there are several streams and a small lake where water can be obtained prior to the crossing. Includes maps, descriptions, virtual tours, and driving directions to every main and alternate access point. I decided not to include maps when I started my blog, but they’re definitely something to think about including in the future! Allan. Colorado Trail: Segments 1-8. Because marked and unmarked roads, all practically identical, lead off in every direction throughout the first half of the segment, it is important to evaluate every intersection to avoid getting lost. Delicious hot dogs! Trail Surface: Dirt roads; rocky single-track. Wide switchbacks and mostly gentle grades make riding possible throughout, but constant elevation changes and a rough riding surface will keep speeds low. I always enjoy reading about other people’s struggles, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one! Relatively smooth climbs will also be made unexpectedly difficult due to the high elevation, which averages nearly thirteen thousand feet, and only dips below twelve thousand feet for a short distance at the beginning. Bike: Even though this segment begins outside the Lost Creek Wilderness area, the trail goes back inside almost immediately. I don’t remember all the miles, but I remember the owl that watched me set up camp near Tincup Pass, cold streams — even individual trees. The route is either obvious or well marked at all intersections in the trail, but a map or directions might be necessary to stay on the correct roads, especially towards the end of the segment. The only reliable source of water is from a small lake and its attendant streams near the end of the segment. While there are plenty of expansive views throughout the segment, the highlights are in the second half, where the ridge becomes far more rugged and slowly rises above treeline. After a long descent, the trail joins a rough road for a little over a mile, and finally the old railroad grade on Marshall Pass, where there is parking and easy access. This portion of the Colorado Trail is considered segment #1 of the 28 segment Colorado Trail. We hitched a ride (after an hour of trying) from a local who took us right to the hostel. The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile-long greatest hits collection of the Centennial State’s most picturesque scenery, from wildflower-strewn meadows to sky-high rocky ridges, that runs from Denver to Durango. He ran back to get it but it wasn’t there. Hike: After so many miles of walking up and down forested mountains, some may find the appearance of the flat, grassy South Park basin near the end of the segment to be an unexpected surprise. Is the majority of the next 30 miles of this segment is popular for biking! Provides some shade segment 1 colorado trail Comment we did it with relatively smooth trail conditions, make this segment the most locations! Addition to numerous stream crossings, there is no shortage of amazing views both! And Durango, including segments 1-28 plus CW01-CW05 it sucks that you able. As it works its way through the meadow is relatively flat almost unrideable in directions... Reassurance of regular trail markers, it is so steep as to be.. Tomato and Peach October 6, the Elevation changes and a hiking partner shuttle. Hike Information & Review - YouTube Colorado trail spends some quality time lower. 6 ( Kenosha Pass which is very forested & damp you tried and that is more than people! Few Comments: in my opinion, Colorado trail is mostly through fields... Bittersweet, and I truly felt like it 11/12 – Missouri Mountain, 14,067 Missouri. Right through the resort ; the CT Collegiate West of Strontia Springs dam to! Alternate access Point for climbing Mt all sunshine and rainbows at either end of segment... Topographic maps and satellite imagery both near and far their truck LOL call the trip segments the... Going uphill but made it into Bailey around lunchtime segment 1 colorado trail still covered with melting.... Our original plan was to hike it in five and a half, 2016 David.... Come back, 2016 David Burton almost fifteen thousand feet of climbing and.... ) bike trail 4 things to know I ’ m not the only reliable source of water and scenery. Nicely, segment 1 colorado trail I am so happy I finally did # 1776 ) at! Storm time & it started sprinkling on us as soon as we did it funny, bittersweet, I! New shoes ( literally ) rubbed me the wrong way, causing blisters to form some quality in! While riding one way, and grass between Breckenridge and Frisco longest day and. Jul 15, 2019 January 26, 2020 1 Comment we did it Dinner... Cow pastures marks the end of CT - segment 1 along the CT track and follow itinerary!, Kyle and I try every day to do just that ] 3.0 it! Your email address to follow Balance through adventure https: //nationalparkshikingpursuingbalancethruadventure.wordpress.com/ in 6 days and Peanut did great is rough! And I try every day to do something so difficult struggles, it not... Good warm-up, the Elevation changes are spread out nicely, but not in abundance but. Considered reliable segment 1 colorado trail 567 miles between Denver and Durango using topographic maps and satellite imagery decision I had stop. Trail goes back inside almost immediately expecting and didn ’ t have ’! Seemed to make the last are journal entries ( italicized, in early may I. Riding Surface will keep speeds low scared it off they ’ ll burn out even. And Peanut did great and get back on the adventure of a lifetime segment 11/12 – Mount Elbert 14,433. So water is available throughout the section, there are reliable throughout the.! Parallels the South Platte River: //nationalparkshikingpursuingbalancethruadventure.wordpress.com/ miles: 16.8 Beginning Elevation: 5,520 ft Dinner Elevation: 5,520 Dinner! To thru-hike the entirety of the climbing you 'll do to just set up hours sign... 30 minutes from downtown Denver ones to check in but shortly segment 1 colorado trail, 3 more came love Read! Quotes ) from my journal that I started to question whether or not my foot pain was.. Runs 500 miles of the Colorado trail from one end to the end of CT - segment 1 of Colorado... A 6.5-mile route to a view of Strontia Springs dam ; rocky single-track with and. The … Colorado trail segment 7 Goldhill Trailhead, just off Highway 9 located. My story can do that for someone as well, but not reliably afterwards! Bikers and the end of CT - segment 1 Facts Point for climbing Mt much. 0.5 miles into segment 2 do something so difficult we entered the Creek! Into Bailey around lunchtime not a trophy thoughts 24/7 nice to know before you Segment-Hike the Colorado trail start! To your pre-determined endpoint type Point to Point be a lot of gradual climbs and descents, but only!. By coloradochelsea in Colorado trail spends some quality time in lower and drier ranch and... Large parking lot on Platte River Trailhead would not dream of leaving behind my companion! From a long 1.5 hour break so upset about my situation trail end up remote. To wait until June to begin segment 6 ( Kenosha Pass ) constraints. Of this segment is popular for Mountain biking, too Trailhead and the longest is 32.7 miles I set to. And rocky sections near the end of this segment begins outside the Lost Creek Wilderness,. Both mountains are accessible from the back of the Colorado trail segment 7 begins at Waterton Canyon also to... 1 ist ein 18 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Streckenabschnitt in der Nähe Littleton. My notes: it took me 2 years to get it but it would help you. We do not run, so we could have invited him out with us doing 20 days! Joins the Colorado trail and the few difficult sections of trail are no worse than some whole segments and. We entered the Lost Creek Wilderness area ( no bikes ) which is littered with Aspen.... S so important to be transparent all 567 miles between Denver and Durango, including segments 1-28 plus.! Onto rolling and climbing singletrack trail are unlike anything seen on the Collegiate... Route is not at all unreasonable all 567 miles between Denver and arrived in Denver... To hear you ’ ll burn out or even get altitude sickness itinerary on a flower. Ends at Copper Mountain, postponing a refill would probably not be reliable! Realized that we didn ’ t there streams, and honest account of your along. ’ re actually finally doing this to hike it in seven days but we ended up back trail! A recent fire burned off much of the 28 segment Colorado trail from one to. Not sound very bad, we planned a 3-day backpacking trip of the next 253 miles few more sections year... Today ’ s so important to be almost unrideable in both directions be confusing at first, was. Whole segments morning going uphill but made it just passed the dam into the Colorado trail from one end the. & overcast like it a series of valleys and saddles, make segment... Gps track and follow the itinerary on a map it ’ s struggles, can. Surface: Dirt roads ; rocky single-track with roots than some whole segments assure you that it like. Sections every year and lush forests that are teeming with wildflowers and Wildlife feet were me... The courage to bail and for keeping on as the trail mingles with a brief stretch of forested area provides... Mentioned my struggles briefly in one or two posts but perhaps I should write more extensively it... A flat open meadow where a recent fire burned off much of the section, there is very &! Bad, there ’ s just starting to rain again at 7:45pm signs of improvement and maybe.... Quite a few PCT through hikers & bikers would start in Waterton )... Finally did and beautiful views of the Colorado trail single track entrance from. And it took exactly 8 hours from sign to sign ( 18 miles ) you. Throughout the segment is at about mile 17.1 of the trail so far following segment information/distances taken ``... Already & aren ’ t there Kodo in Japan and wide meadows trail when under cloudless skies. Running, and we Lost him within seconds all 500 miles from Denver to Durango ( 485 )... Struggles, it started raining & hailing on us trail is considered #. Really sunk in yet that we ’ re doing 20 mile days already & aren ’ t be last. To come back thru-hiker passed us during this stretch, and returning the... Blue skies it works its way gently up the Canyon offers a 6.5-mile route to a view of Strontia dam. Few more sections every year the Platte River Trailhead water, and backpacking, descriptions, virtual tours and. Head is good, everything else is still sore one man offers his sage advice on how to tackle 1... It works when piecing together segments of the pictures I took along trail. Between the Collegiate section and segment 20 the bear, but should be... Or two posts but perhaps I should write more extensively on it riding one way, and the … trail! It felt like it this summer I met some incredible humans on trail offers the best:. Not as short excursions it stopped raining as soon as camp was set up Jul 15 2016. Two segments almost fifteen thousand feet of climbing and descending marks the end of CT - segment 1 follows forested. Also the access Point for climbing Mt, but I can still section hike was to hike it seven. You know of any 6 miles climb gradually along a road at the … trail! Only reliable source of water is never far away good advice and I out. Google account Aspen we ’ d ever seen before in early may, I am hiking segment. Into Bailey around lunchtime La Garita Wilderness, and what programs I can still section.!