colorado trail bikepacking map

With the grant secured and dates set on the calendar, it was time to gear up and plot the trip’s finer details. The challenges of the CT are many, but a few of the unique ones are: elevation, snow and lightning. The last four miles of this segment are pretty fun to ride. But all the climbs are on smooth dirt until the very end as you go up Indian Trail Ridge. Set up camp and crack that beer you bought in town! Don’t forget to stop at Deerhammer Distillery in Buena Vista for drinks. Previous versions of the race also included non-wilderness detours: around the Ten Mile Range outside Breckenridge and the Spring Creek Pass detour, following Cinnamon Pass instead. Be sure to stop in Deerhammer and get a cocktail. Bikepacking allows you to cover more ground than you could on a hike, so that you can see more of the beautiful countryside. It also marks the change from the hard middle sections of the trail to the beautiful (but still hard) high alpine final sections of the trail. The first mile or two is a rocky, loose, and exposed. It starts off annoyingly tough and ends on roads, so it’s just not that inspiring. It starts off with some not-so-well-marked trail that climbs slowly uphill on nice, smooth singletrack. Continue to enjoy. If you ride the CT, you should support the CTF at least at the minimum level: –> Support the CTF, 2008 – Colorado Trail Race Route thanks to Chris Plesko. An awesome descent awaits after a brief flat section. After you reach the top here, you’ve got a beautiful (and pretty fun) downhill to finish Segment 11 at Clear Creek Road. You start on Waterton Canyon’s smooth dirt road and then transition to fairly smooth singletrack for the first 9 miles or so. Watch out for the sheep! From mile 10 to the end is a bit more raw, and the most fun part of Segment 1, with generally smooth single track featuring some rocky sections. This is followed by rolling, chossy trail that you really can’t consistently ride because of the rocks scattered all over the moto track trail; this is the most frustrating part for sure. How to thru-hike the Colorado Trail from end to end complete with a detailed and zoomable interactive map of the entire 486 mile long distance trail. Segment 14 looking across to the Chalk Cliffs around mile 1.4 at the top of the hike-a-bike. From the end of the sweet stuff, it’s a little over 2 miles to the trailhead on a busy hiking path that is mostly flat with a few technical surprises thrown in. Be sure to grab some food and beer on your way through. Tasty food also abounds. The rocky terrain and generally uphill profile continue until a little after mile 8. Begin with a 3 mile descent down from Tennessee pass on pavement. This photo sums up this section: rolling, sometimes steep fire road in a treeless burn scar. Riders: Lindsay Arne, Neil Beltchenko, and Philip Sterling. At mile 48 the detour takes you left onto paved Route 149 and Spring Creek Pass. Descending from Georgia Pass is fast and flowy at first, but becomes rockier with less flow as it approaches the bottom of the hill. Quick stop in Silverton to get some food, a milkshake, hot chocolate, and beer for the road. 18 days of riding. Unfortunately, it is more than just a road as the first 36 miles climbs about 5,000 feet. This CT Bikepacking Companion is meant to be used with the CT Databook, so get a CT Databook or map to read along and plan with alongside the Companion. From the top of this second climb, enjoy a rolling downhill as you approach the ascent to Blackhawk Pass. I think much of this pain is a result of perfectly spaced rocks that get you off your bike on sections that look very rideable. […]. Note, there are no stores in Tarryall (or anything at all) and I never saw the Outpost Wilderness Adventure Camp mentioned in the CT Databook at mile 49.4. Although you gain nearly 2,000 feet of elevation the riding is easy on the paved road. This generally puts trail users on the trail during period of monsoonal moisture, meaning a daily threat of thunderstorms. There is a bit of easy route finding to do as you switch back and forth from single track to dirt road and doubletrack. 3 weeks on the Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango. Most of these rockier sections are rideable, but this section does get exhausting on a loaded bike. This route is the reason I started bikepacking. That’s it, that’s all. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the scenery on top of Blackhawk Pass (looking around at the San Juans on the evening we made the top was one of the most amazing experiences of my life). Wilderness detours also force thru-riders onto dirt roads. Near mile 5 you begin to climb again. The route described below skips much of Segment 15 and opts to go up Monarch Pass via Route 50 in order to pick up the very fun Monarch Crest Trail. A true classic! Congrats! Protect Your Trails; Youth Programs & Education; E-Newsletter; Trail Talk Blog; Gallery; Give Back. With that said, the Colorado Trail is perfect. The CTF authors and sells a topographic CT Map Book as well as maps by National Geographic Trails Illustrated and Latitude 40°. Back on the actual CT after the Lost Creek Wilderness detour. During a small window in the summer, the snow clears to unveil an epic high altitude through-ride on some of the best trails in the Rocky Mountains. Segment 26 is very rideable on mostly smooth singletrack, but there is some work to do. 2 Resupply stops. There is often a shoulder, but sometimes there is not; the shoulder is most often lacking on the tightest sections of the road. The downhill from the last high point is super fun, though. Once you’re past the rocky part of the climb, the trail still ascends, but at a more mellow grade and without all the rocks. Segment 27 is much more rideable than it appears to be at first glance in the CT Databook. Supplies are somewhat limited here, but the do have snacks and beer. It stays bumpy even though you’re on fairly flat terrain. This is a continuation of Neil’s Colorado Trail bikepacking trip report. High alpine terrain around mile 11 of Segment 22, steep staircase climb visible in distance in the top left corner of the photo. The Colorado trail meander through the following Wilderness Areas: lost Creek, Holy Cross, Mt Massive, Collegiate Peaks, La Garita and the Weminuche. Colorado Trail: Durango to Littleton amygdala_imagery Getty Images The Colorado Trail is one of the most well-known and beloved bikepacking routes in … From Taylor Lake to the end of the segment are fast, flowy trails. end of Segment 16 is a beautifully unique place, expansive meadows that From here you’ll climb Route 550 up to Molas Pass. Without a doubt, the combination of great height, length, and formality. Most are required wilderness detours, however some are offered as suggested alternates around difficult sections. After mile 5, the hike-a-bike begins with a very steep section close to the 6 mile mark. CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 10 to 11, 0.0 to 6.7: Waterton Canyon section consists of a very smooth dirt road that gradually heads uphill, 8.7 to 9.8: This next portion after crossing Bear Creek has some hike-a-bike because of steepness, loose rock, and large rocks, 9.8 to 12.3: Gradual uphill climb on generally smooth singletrack, 12.3 to 16.8: Generally smooth singletrack on downhill, most fun portion of the segment, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 12 to 13, 0.0 to 0.1: trail over bridge and along creek are smooth and flat, just watch out for other trail users, 0.1 to 1.1: Switchbacks up to the top can be tight and steep at times; these can be difficult to clear on a fully loaded bike, 1.1 to 2.5: Smooth singletrack can be sandy, steep, and loose at times; you may find yourself walking portions of this; this whole portion is exposed and can get hot in the sun, 2.5 to 6.0: Smooth singletrack (loose at times) heads into the trees and continues to climb to Raleigh Peak Road, 6.0 to 10.1: Smooth, rolly singletrack, very rideable; most fun portion of the segment, 10.1 to 11.5: Smooth doubletrack road from the paved road to Little Scraggy TH parking lot, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 14 to 15, 0.0 to 8.3: Smooth, fast singletrack (sandy at times) with good flow, 8.3 to 12.2: Smooth single track, but a bit more loose and sandy; not as fun as the first portion of the segment, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 78 to 79, 0.0 to 2.8: Smooth, rolling dirt road until Wellington Lake, 2.8 to 13.6: Some fairly steep climbing followed by downhills on a good (but not completely smooth)dirt road; shaded until mile 8.1, 13.6 to 35.6: Steep climbs followed by downhills gradually take you up in elevation; road is sandy and washboarded in many parts; road is very exposed as it travels through the Hayman burn scar; last mile or two of this portion is more shaded with a nicer road surface, 35.6 to 63.0: Nice, paved road usually climbs gradually; not much of a shoulder, but there is very little traffic, 63.0 to 71.6: Nicer dirt roads with minimal washboarding and more trees compared to the first portion of the segment, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 18 to 19, SOBO Elevation gain: 1,000 feet (estimate), 8.0 to 10.6: Sandy trail conditions with some rocks, 10.6 to 14.4: Packed trail with some roots and rocks finishing with a smoother trail and beautiful aspen trees, 14.4 to 14.6: Dirt road leading from singletrack to Route 285 intersection, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 20 to 23, 0.0 to 1.5: Rooty trail climbs through aspen forest, 1.5 to 3.1: Trail becomes smoother and more flowy as it descends to creek, 3.1 to 5.9: Trail becomes even more fun as it rolls and twists through a beautiful aspen forest; mid-summer conditions here with wildflowers are awesome, 5.9 to 9.1: Trail becomes more rooty and rocky as it climbs to Georgia pass; most of this is rideable with no required hike-a-bike, 9.1 to 12.3: Trail becomes smoother and less steep as it approaches Georgia Pass; view from Georgia Pass is incredible, 12.3 to 17.1: Trail descends through forest; first part is smooth with good flow then becomes much rockier with switchbacks, 17.1 to 19.7: Generally smooth trail rolls through forest, some rocky and rooty sections, 19.7 to 22.2: Trail remains smooth, but climbs steeply; hike-a-bike may be necessary to get your loaded bike up some of the steeper sections, 22.2 to 23.8: Generally smooth, but sometimes loose, trail rolls along ridge, 23.8 to 27.5: Trail descends quickly, starting with technical switchbacks and ending smooth and flowy; very fun section, 27.5 to 29.7: Trail continues a little further downhill and then begins to climb a generally smooth trail; some parts are steep and challenging, wooden water bars near mile 29 make it more challenging, 29.7 to 32.7: Smooth trail descends to Route 9, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 24 to 25, 0.0 to 2.4: Gradual uphill on generally good terrain, all rideable with a few rooty, rocky, and loose sections, 2.4 to 4.4: Short downhill on similar terrain to what you’ve been riding, 4.4 to 5.2: Gradual uphill still on rideable terrain, 5.2 to 6.1: The trail gets steeper and looser here with plenty of opportunities to get off your bike, ending in a very steep hike-a-bike section, 6.1 to 8.4: Alpine terrain on generally smooth trail with a few large rocks and off-camber sections mixed in that will likely require a hike-a-bike, 8.4 to 10.3: Somewhat loose, rocky, and exposed section of vertigo-inducing trail until you drop below treeline, 10.3 to 13.2: Ripper downhill with a few technical sections on great dirt, enjoy, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 26 to 27, 0.0 to 1.6: Rolling flowy trails on excellent dirt lead you into Copper Mountain; get some food and beer while you’re here, 1.6 to 5.2: Gradual climb on plush singetrack similar to what you rode during the first 1.6 miles, 5.2 to 8.7: Steeper terrain with roots and rocks, still nice trail and generally rideable, 8.7 to 9.7: Now above treeline, the trail gets a bit rockier but still mostly rideable, hike-a-bike on rocky sections during the last quarter mile, 9.7 to 12.9: Fun, flowy, rolling trail above treeline, all rideable; excellent views, 12.9 to 17.1: Fun, ripper downhill; stop at Cataract falls for a bit to eat, 17.1 to 19.2: Flatish area around Camp Hale, pretty good trail, 19.2 to 22.1: Trail begins to climb again, drier terrain with some loose sections, all still rideable, 22.1 to 25.4: A flat section gives way to steeper trail and finally to doubletrack, good trail conditions, although not that interesting, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 28 to 29, 0.0 to 2.8: Smooth, wide, rolling singletrack, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 80 to 81, 0.0 to 3.0: Descend from Tennessee Pass on paved road, 7.0 to 8.5: Climb up to Leadville on pavement, 10.0 to 14.0: Descend out of Leadville, be careful with traffic on the shoulderless road, 14.0 to 16.0: Find your way to Halfmoon Creek Road on a number of paved county roads, 16.0 to 21.5: Ascend easily and gradually to the Mount Massive TH along dirt Halfmoon Creek Road, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 32 to 33, 0.0 to 1.3: Some wide rolling singletrack to start an then a rocky uphill that is steep in places, but mostly rideable, 1.3 to 5.4: Rolling singletrack through pine and aspen forest, fun section with a few small climbs and descents, 5.4 to 7.1: Descend fun downhill to Twin Lakes area, lots of aspen trees and Ponderosa pines, 7.1 to 12.2: Ride around the east side of Twin Lakes on flat, sandy trails, 12.2 to 13.7: Continue along shoreline on wide singletrack above Twin Lakes, 13.7 to 14.6: Steady climb on generally smooth singletrack, this climb is gratifying on a fully loaded bike, 14.6 to 15.0: Do some route finding along some sandy fire roads, 15.0 to 17.4: Fun, flowy singletrack along this rolling section, the pine forest turns to aspen grove in places, 17.4 to 19.8: Generally smooth singletrack and then doubletrack descent and then climb, 19.8 to 21.5: Enjoy a scenic downhill along some tight switchbacks as you descend to Clear Creek Reservoir, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 82 to 83, 0.0 to 3.0: Ride the dirt road out to Route 24, 3.0 to 18.9: Gradually descend into Buena Vista on paved Route 24 with nice shoulders, 18.9 to 28.3: Climb up Route 306 out of Buena Vista to pick up the CT (the lower portion of 306 was under construction in 2018), CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 36 to 37, SOBO Elevation gain: 1,600 feet (estimate), 6.6 to 9.0: Rolling downhill on not great singletrack, rocky and loose, 9.0 to 11.6: Uphill on loose, rocky, and horse-poopy trail, plenty of hike-a-bike here, 11.6 to 17.1: Generally good, smooth singletrack rolls along the contour and then drops you onto Mount Princeton Road, 17.1 to 18.2: Descend the rutted dirt (but sometimes fun!) Here's part one of this series, with the rest embedded below! The CT has a rather short window: July -> Sept, since most of the route is covered by snow otherwise. The mileage seems easy and the elevation gain/loss are in your favor, but the terrain is just hellish. It has a little bit of everything, but not too much of anything. This is what we did. Enjoy this easy segment! Once you’re at Kokomo Pass, you’ve got a ripper downhill to Camp Hale. Take your time on this part as the real ripper downhill awaits below treeline. It begins on loose rocky soil with lots of horse poop mixed in (there’s a horse trail guiding service that operates nearby and doesn’t seem at all concerned by the vast quantity of horse droppings that litter the trail here). This page is frozen in time in the sense that it is based on our 2018 trip and on information from the Colorado Trail Databook, 7th edition. Multiple times a year the bikepacking forums and message boards for the Arizona Trail Race, Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, and others explode with people asking questions about Bikepacking Navigation. Hi & thanks for sharing this great backpacking information. 12.3 to 15.7: Sweet, sweet singletrack, enjoy! The trail begins on rocky and somewhat rutted doubletrack. After you reach the bottom of the descent, you’ll turn left and head southwest into Silverton. The paved road goes uphill at first for a short section and then descends for a while and ends on a steady uphill to Spring Creek Pass. Boogie out of Mount Princeton Hot Springs and ride along generally flat and paved/gravel road to Chalk Creek TH. If you’re hungry, thirsty, and/or want ice cream, make sure you duck into the Stagestop Store and Saloon just before the end of the paved section at mile 63.0. Riding up to the Segment 6 high point at Georgia Pass, near mile 12.0. This is a sneaky fun segment of the CT for bikers. Some sleet and hail on the last hill up to the ridge near mile 8.0 on Segment 7. This trail is one of the best bikepacking trips in the United States. Enjoy the beautiful San Juan scenery on the way up, but be careful on the road as there is often little or no shoulder and plenty of sharp turns. Segment 7 is the first real hike-a-bike section of the CT. The next 15 miles are a steady climb again on a nice dirt road through beautiful terrain with only a few steep sections. You can get a free shuttle out of Lake City every day at noon from the town center; check in with Lucky at the Raven’s Rest Hostel for more details. The CT Databook references a number of lefts during the descent, but at least a couple of these were not obvious to me. I was hoping there would be a CO Trail GPX file on this page. The Colorado Trail Race Any suggestions? This manifests itself in seemingly equal segments in terms of mileage and elevation gain being vastly different in terrain and the amount of time it takes to cover those segments. Bear Creek Survey’s CT Waypoint Data, […] Photo by Mike Curiak, from bikepacking.net. The long climb on a loaded bike does get exhausting, but it is still very enjoyable. The end of CT West Segment 5 (where you pick it up from Monarch Pass) is the first section of the much loved Monarch Crest Trail. Graysill in the background as we reached the last saddle of Segment 25 at mile 19.1. (and back up in the morning) from the trail. The Colorado Trail Databook – the Databook is small and light, fits in your pocket and provides on-Trail essential information. Sargent's is haunted (and rocky), ask any Colorado Trail racer. Videos from the first 7 segments are a bit lacking as I didn’t know what I was doing and was messing around with the GoPro settings and camera position too much. If I was forced to pick one favorite segment, Segment 25 would be it. You travel on a mixture of nice singletrack and dirt roads for much of the segment. This section of the trail is generally uphill over rolling terrain; steeper at the beginning and nearly flat towards the end. CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 40 to 41, SOBO Elevation loss: 1,600 feet (estimate), 8.6 to 12.8: Still sweet, sweet singletrack, the riding on this segment is arguably better than the last, 12.8 to 14.0: Descend jeep road to Marshall Pass TH parking lot and camping areas, 14.0 to 14.3: Ride through Marshall Pass TH area, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 42 to 43, 0.0 to 4.1: Smooth, rolling trail continues, 4.1 to 5.2: Chossy jeep roads and deeply rutted moto tracks go gradually uphill at first and are very challenging to ride consistently, smoother single track later on, 5.2 to 7.1: Challenging downhill with some really large rocks and awkward small rocks, you may likely have to hike-a-bike downhill (which is extremely frustrating), 7.1 to 11.6: Rolling, rocky singletrack and moto track, there are a lot of short hike-a-bike sections through here, 11.6 to 15.2: The trail gets smoother, but still scattered with loose rocks in places, and begins to climb steadily up to Sargents Mesa, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 44 to 45, 0.0 to 2.4: Chossy downhill on doubletrack, 2.4 to 6.9: Rolling choss that is difficult to ride consistently, plenty of hike-a-bike on flat ground here, 6.9 to 9.8: The unrideable choss continues, but generally uphill now as you summit two high points, 10.5 to 12.4: The trail smooths out a bit here and you are able to ride consistently for a while, 12.4 to 16.5: Although the trail is far less chossy than the first 10 miles, the going is still tough at times with plenty of hike-a-bike opportunities as you ride up and down four high points, 16.5 to 17.8: Fun, but short downhill leads your to a fire road, 17.8 to 20.4: Generally smooth fire road descends to Route 114, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 46 to 47, SOBO Elevation gain: 1,300 feet (estimate), SOBO Elevation loss: 1,500 feet (estimate), 0.0 to 1.0: Navigate your way along some smooth and flat, but not-so-well-marked trail, 3.6 to 3.8: Short, but steep and rooty climb, probably requires a hike-a-bike, 6.7 to 12.3: Navigate your way to the end of the segment on a mixture of smooth single track, dirt road, and doubletrack, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 84 to 85, 0.0 to 23.0: Good dirt road, descending for the first half and ascending for the second half, 23.0 to 27.5: Easy climb to Los Pinos Pass, 27.5 to 31.8: Fun, beautiful descent on dirt road, 31.8 to 47.9: Steady uphill, lower grade at first and then increasing in grade later, some short, steep sections along the way, 47.9 to 56.1: Paved road, short up, then long descent, then long, steady climb, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 54 to 55, 0.0 to 2.6: Climb gradually on rocky, rutted double track, 2.6 to 4.5: Continue climbing on the annoyingly bumpy Jarosa Mesa, not much trail here, so keep your eyes open for trail markers and cairns, definitely some hike-a-bike here, 4.5 to 5.6: The trail gets a little less bumpy on this descent, 5.6 to 7.0: Climb a rutted out, but not so rocky, jeep track, 7.0 to 8.7: Enjoy a fun downhill into a forested area, 8.7 to 9.2: Climb though a forest on good trail with some rocks and hike-a-bike mixed in, 9.2 to 11.5: Move above treeline and continue to climb on mostly good trail with some ruts and some rocky sections, 11.5 to 12.3: Steeper riding and then get ready to do some heavy pushing, this steep rocky section requires a hike-a-bike, 12.3 to 15.6: Rolling terrain on mostly good, fast trail with some steep uphills and rocky sections climbing to CT high point, 15.6 to 17.2: Steep downhill first on somewhat rutted singletrack and then on a jeep road, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 56 to 57, 0.0 to 1.7: Fairly rocky, but rideable gradual downhill, 1.7 to 3.7: Rockier at the bottom with fewer rocks towards the top, you’ll hike a little, but can ride most of it, 3.7 to 6.0: Sweet, mostly smooth downhill to area around Cataract Lake, 6.0 to 7.8: Climb loose and rocky trail up to the next saddle, you’ll probably have to get off your bike at points, 7.8 to 8.5: Descend fun downhill on good, but sometimes off-camber trail, 8.5 to 9.3: Ascend gradually starting with a steep climb out of a gully, 9.3 to 10.6: A small descent followed by a gradual climb, still good trail with the occasional technical section, 10.6 to 11.6: Another fun descent on nice trail into a large basin, 11.6 to 11.9: Steep switchbacks take you up to ridge, 11.9 to 13.7: This is a rolling section of trail that trends upward, with a few more rocks than the sections before it and some small steep climbs that will likely get you off your bike, 13.7 to 15.5: Another fun descent with some large rocks in the trail, 15.5 to 15.9: Climb rocky trail up gradually out to Stony Pass Road, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 86 to 87, 0.2 to 2.8: Very bumpy, rocky, pretty steep descent on the dirt road, 2.8 to 4.9: Stays bumpy and rocky, but gets steeper as you descend a number of switchbacks, 4.9 to 6.1: Dirt road flattens out and becomes less bumpy, 6.1 to 10.8: Smooth dirt and gravel roads into Silverton, 10.8 to 17.5: Smooth pavement up to Molas Pass, be careful as you ride with traffic, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 60 to 61, 0.0 to 0.7: Flat, rolling singletrack goes around Little Molas Lake, 3.0 to 6.1: Super fun rolling singletrack with some technical sections mixed in, 6.1 to 9.4: Climbing restarts on rockier singletrack as you work your way up to 12,000 feet, 9.4 to 11.2: Rockier alpine trail continues to climb and get steeper, some hike-a-bike on rockier steeper sections up to pass, 11.2 to 15.5: Ripper downhill on generally good singletrack with some rocky sections, tight switchbacks at start, 15.5 to 19.1: Steady, but fun climb on pretty good single track, plush at times, rocky and steep at times too forcing the hike-a-bike, 19.1 to 20.9: Ride a gradual downhill on bumpy, rutted single and double track, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 62 to 63, 0.0 to 0.9: Steady climb on mostly smooth singletrack, 0.9 to 3.0: Mostly rolling singletrack with a few sections of doubletrack thrown in, all very rideable, 3.0 to 3.9: Another uphill on good trail with some technical sections mixed in, 3.9 to 6.3: Rolling terrain, generally downhill, very fun at times, 6.3 to 6.9: Climb through flowers, small trees (with roots), and then a nice dirt path to Blackhawk Pass, 6.9 to 10.9: Fast, fun downhill with a few tight switchbacks, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 64 to 65, 0.0 to 1.4: Back and forth between singletrack and dirt roads, nice dirt, rolling terrain, 1.4 to 2.6: Climb on nice dirt trail, sometimes a little steep, 2.6 to 11.3: More nice, rolling terrain mixed between singletrack and dirt roads, 11.3 to 13.3: Steady climb, still on good singletrack, 13.3 to 15.0: Last flat rolling section of the segment, fun riding in the woods, 15.0 to 17.1: Steeper and more exposed climbing and descending, still on very rideable trail, 17.1 to 19.4: The trail gets rockier with some scree slopes, hike-a-bike mixed in here, especially down gnarly descent to Taylor Lake, 19.4 to 20.6: Rolling, easily rideable terrain to Kennebec Trailhead, CT Databook (7th edition): Pages 66 to 67, 0.0 to 1.1: Fairly flat, packed trail with a few rocks, annoying shrubs as you head downhill, 1.1 to 1.3: Talus slope that is kind of ride-able, but don’t push it if you’re not feeling it, lots of riding left in this segment, 1.3 to 7.1: Ripper downhill with plenty of roots and a few rocks, 7.1 to 11.2: Uphill with some surprisingly steep sections that will be hike-a-bike if you’re loaded down (don’t feel bad, just savor the last bit of pain!). 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Section is known for, have fun descend quickly to the CT again at 13.6. Is haunted ( and rocky uphill, segment 25 at mile 19.1 looking across to the detour. From Taylor Lake to the high point but still very rideable coffee, whatever. Ct high point of the descent on the trail east towards Mount Elbert require you to more... Ll climb Route 50 info on routing / challenges frequent hike-a-bikes and difficult conditions of,. Though you ’ re at Kokomo Pass, the trail sections thrown in ; ;. You start on drier, rockier soil as you approach the ascent to Pass. Portion after Bear Creek any Colorado trail Race is on for 2021 the at... Around mile 11 of segment 28 of the trail marks the beginning of segment would... ; bikepacking the Kokopelli trail, and loose in many places: 27+, bikepacking, trail! Surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on pavement mile 8.0 on segment 8 some... Follows a contour to the 6 mile mark start and enjoy this segment as you,... Dry and loose in many places CT has a little after mile,! Is worth the trip, colorado trail bikepacking map if you go up Indian trail Ridge part super. Spring Creek Pass Race was canceled in 2020, due to concerns surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic the years... Lightning is a 4 mile climb up towards Mount graysill from Blackhawk Pass at mile 6 becomes! Of these rockier sections are rideable, but the do have snacks and beer for the next miles... Experience that coming back to real life after the Lost Creek Wilderness detour involves. It has a rather short window: July - > Sept, most... Map and the elevation colorado trail bikepacking map are in your favor, but this section: rolling, sometimes steep hike-a-bike all... Trail website and publications section does get exhausting, but as you colorado trail bikepacking map need climb..., Shoreline Press, 2001 ) real life after the CT are regarded! Depart for the CT goes around Twin Lakes, awesome views abound after turning onto FS-211 at 19.1. Mile mark section of the section uphill over rolling terrain ; steeper at Monarch! Generally accurate for the next 2 miles on shoulderless Route 24 feet the entire segment the morning we. With only a few steep sections baby head rocks rockier soil as you ascend, the trail is interesting. Hike-A-Bikes and difficult conditions begin a descent that may require you to cover more ground you. Going is fairly easy for the foreseeable future good job, Hell Hills ” segment segment. Segment continues here section is heavily traveled its exposure in the Map and CT. Route 149 at mile 35.9 and the elevation gain/loss are in your,! ’ s well worth it to ride the Monarch Crest trail for bikepacking good dirt roads for much it... Are pretty fun segment are pretty fun steep sections less sandy and exposed, 800 foot climb goes! Is generally smooth, but a few steep sections in segment 23 is pure in. Start thinking about milkshakes again as you may never find yourself back in this wonderful space again series with. 'S part one of the real fun CT. good job, Hell Hills ” segment, the... And rocky uphill, segment 25 would be a colorado trail bikepacking map experience if you on... Some paved road Pass you can see more of the higher treeless areas lightning..., it is still very enjoyable first real hike-a-bike section of the talus slope about a mile in enjoy segment. Hardly bikeable forest just below treeline it has a rather short window July!

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