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Is there a long distance hike on the Colorado Trail in your future?
Alpine Adventure Coaching is a time-tested and trail-proven program to empower future long distance backpackers with the critical skills and confidence to plan, prepare, and safely complete a journey filled with diverse outdoor challenges on the Colorado Trail.
Learn more about how my coaching services can help you.
The Colorado Trail is a long-distance hiking and multi-use trail that spans approximately 486 miles across the state of Colorado in the United States. It traverses through the scenic Rocky Mountains, starting near Denver and ending in Durango.
The trail offers a variety of landscapes and ecosystems, including high alpine terrain, rugged mountains, deep forests, and meandering valleys. Backpackers can enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife along the way.
The Colorado Trail is known for its challenging terrain, with steep climbs, high elevations, and rocky paths. It crosses several mountain ranges, including the Denver, Kenosha, Sawatch, and San Juan Mountains. The trail reaches its highest point at 13,271 feet atop Coney Summit.
The trail is divided into 28 segments, each ranging from 11 to 32 miles in length. It offers a wide range of camping and water sources along the route, making it accessible for both day hikes and extended backpacking trips. Many hikers complete the entire trail in multiple weeks or months, while others tackle individual segments or shorter sections.
The Colorado Trail Foundation manages and maintains the trail, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. The trail provides a unique opportunity to experience Colorado's natural beauty and wilderness, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.