The Colorado Trail is an exciting long-distance trail running continuously through the Rocky Mountains, from the suburbs of Denver to the outskirts of Durango. The trial was completed in 1987, making it a very young trail as far as long-distance hikes go. It is divided into 28 segments, with an average elevation of over 10,000 feet. Bikers should note that detours exist around wilderness areas. Total distance is 471 miles, not including short approach trails on either end.
Few people attempt thru-hikes of the entire trail, from end to end.
We only met ten other people attempting to do so in 1997. The large majority travel east to west, as the snowpack and altitude acclimation are gentler this way. The highest point on the trail is located over 350 miles into the hike, heading west from Denver. Coney Summit at 13,080 feet is surrounded by 12,000-footers and challenges the lungs to new depths. Information, guidebooks, maps, and tips can be accessed through the Colorado Trail Foundation, P.O. Box 260876, Lakewood, CO 80226.