Fast and Light: A Recipe for Thru-Hiking the Colorado Trail in Under 30 Days

Embarking on a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail is a daunting but exhilarating challenge. Covering 486 miles from Denver to Durango, this legendary trail winds through the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. While the traditional pace for completing the trail is around 4-6 weeks, some thru-hikers aim for a more aggressive goal: finishing in under 30 days. Achieving this requires careful planning, physical preparedness, and a commitment to the "fast and light" philosophy. Here's your recipe for a successful sub-30 day thru-hike.

Ingredients:

Thorough Planning:

Before hitting the trail, create a detailed itinerary, identifying key resupply points and water sources (the FarOut App can help with water). Familiarize yourself with the terrain, elevation changes, and potential weather conditions. A well-thought-out plan is your roadmap to success.

Ultralight Gear:

Invest in lightweight and compact gear to minimize your pack weight. A high-quality, lightweight backpack, ultralight shelter, and compact sleeping bag are essential. Research and select gear with durability and functionality in mind to withstand the trail's challenges. Make sure your choices are appropriate for your chosen season.

Streamlined Clothing:

Pack versatile, quick-drying clothing suitable for various weather conditions. Focus on layers and choose moisture-wicking fabrics to stay comfortable. A lightweight rain jacket is a must, as Colorado's weather can change rapidly. Additionally, some hikers choose to take an umbrella for both sun and rain.

Calorie-Dense Nutrition:

Opt for calorie-dense, lightweight food options to fuel your body efficiently. Plan a balanced diet that meets the demands of long-distance hiking. Dehydrated meals, energy bars, and trail mix are great choices. Keep in mind the need for a mix of macronutrients to sustain energy. Aim for foods with a minimum of 125 calories per oz. Choices like olive oil, which can be added to dinners and some lunches, comes in at an astonishing 180 cal/oz.

Strategic Resupply:

Plan resupply points strategically, considering the distance between them and the availability of essential resources. Sending resupply boxes to key points can save time and ensure you have the necessary supplies without unnecessary detours. If you have friends or relatives along the trail corridor, they can meet you with resupply boxes so you never have to leave the trail.

Physical Training:

Prioritize physical conditioning to tackle the demanding terrain. Incorporate long-distance hikes, elevation training, and strength exercises into your routine. Building endurance and strength is crucial for sustained performance over the weeks. Walks in your neighborhood with a fully packed backpack will give you much needed training and experience.

Mindset:

Cultivate a positive and determined mindset. Thru-hiking is not just a physical challenge but a mental one as well. Stay focused on your goal, embrace the inevitable challenges, and maintain a resilient attitude throughout the journey.

Instructions:

Start Early and Maintain Consistency:

Begin each day early to maximize daylight hours. Maintain a consistent pace to cover more ground without overexerting yourself. Balance pushing your limits with listening to your body to prevent injuries.

Night Hiking:

Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures and hike during the late evening and early morning hours. This not only helps you avoid the heat but also adds extra hours to your hiking day. Longer days = more miles.

Limit Downtime:

Minimize time spent in towns during resupplies. Plan your stops efficiently, restock quickly, and get back on the trail. The more time you spend hiking, the closer you are to your sub-30 day goal.

Embrace the Minimalist Lifestyle:

Adopt a minimalist approach to camp setup and daily routines. Streamline tasks to save time and energy. Focus on the essentials, and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail in under 30 days requires a combination of meticulous planning, ultralight gear, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude. By following this recipe and embracing the fast and light philosophy, you can turn your ambitious goal into a reality. As you traverse the diverse landscapes of the Rockies, remember that the journey is not just about the destination but also the experiences and personal growth along the way. Happy trails!