Near Roxborough Park, Colorado. Dawn from Maryland, USA on August 14, 2014: Wonderful, wonderful lens. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. (Note: The Colorado Trail is 486 Miles. Slept well in my tent. Descend on a side trail south along the headwaters of West Willow Creek until you meet up with Forest Service Road 503, which leads into town. The metadata also shows the period of record and variables for which a station has reported. The elevation of the Colorado Trail ranges from 5,280 feet at the eastern end near Denver to 13,000 feet at Silver Mesa near Durango to the west, passing through three "life zones" along the way. The problem was the people in the room next to us. 1125 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303-6886. Silverton via Stony Pass - 26.4%; Durango - 3.9%; Lake City via Spring . A brief introduction to the Colorado Trail The Colorado Trail (CT), completed in 1987, spans 567 miles through the heart of the southern Rocky Mountains. After the fact: We did stop in at the Silverton Forest Service Office, but the man there didn't know anything about hiking from the CT into downtown Durango. Jeep tours and rafting trips, plus things like St. Elmo ghost town nearby. The IMBA Epic portion of the Colorado Trail from Silverton to Durango. One chairlift accesses 1,819 acres of pristine high alpine terrain. Wildflowers are out! Unlike most thru-hikers, we had already decided to start at the western end of the trail, beginning with the terminus closest to home. For more information and reservations, visit DurangoTrain.com or call: After the fact: This was fun! On the trail, things can be quite a bit different (and colder). That ease was soon to change, though. Thank you for sharing this helpful information. Having thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, I do love an extra-long long-distance hike from a trail's end to end. Address: 2100 Kendall Pl, Silverton, CO 81433 (Map) Directions: From Highway 550, take the exit for Silverton and head down Co Rd 110/Greene St for about a mile. " Love this place! The book can be disassembled, so you can carry just what you need. We are mentally prepared for three miles of downhill to lose 2000 feet of elevation.. 549.3 Miles 884.0 KM 70% . Lots of MTB riders. Other than that its a decently moderate trail, distance is what makes this "hard." Day one also saw a hefty sidewall slice in one of James tires. It was just a cub, and we were glad we never saw mom. I have another trip planned with some friends in late June, so Steve and I have decided to do this hike mid-month. World-class alpine scenery capped with a 4,000-foot descent! Colorado Trail: Molas Pass to Engineer Mountain, Mountain Bike the Breathtaking Colorado Trail, Bucket List Worthy: All 4 of Colorados IMBA Epic Rides, Durango: Most Underrated MTB Destination in Colorado. We met one of the trail volunteers later. Dramatic peaks punctuate the ridge forming the backdrop for upper Ice Lake, nestled in an alpine wonderland that invites exploration. View the Colorado Map of Ski Resorts for an integrated list of all ski and snowboard resorts. It was clean enough for us dirty hikers, and the shower (eventually) was hot. Where will we stay at either end of the hike? I also suggest picking up a copy of the guidebook. Its always a good feeling to get here and for there to not be thunderstorms, Steve said. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates 45.2 miles (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton The steam-powered locomotives used today on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad were built during the 1920s. (See more details below.) LGBTQ Local Legal Protections. Answer: I'm sorry, I don't recall that in enough detail to answer your question. It would certainly take me the 40 days :) The train would no doubt be awesome and likely my favorite part. and fully charged before the trip). States: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa . (This tourist trap is expensive during high season.). You might choose to hike during peak wildflower season or when you know there will be fewer hikers if solitude is your preference. Steve Hume of the Hardtail Party YouTube channel organized the trip and invited two friends to join him for the adventure, Cody and James. Turned out, this has been an unusually cold and wet spring in Colorado. A bit over 100 miles. The trailhead (elevation: 6983 ft) is on Junction Creek Road, around 2.5-3.0 miles from downtown Durango (there is also another parking lot that grants access . Crossed a fairly long slickrock talus slope. Kathy McGraw from California on January 20, 2013: I think if I read enough of these, at different time, some of this hiking stuff will sink in. I have heard so many good things about colorado, what a interesting experience. We'll bring an Atwater Carey Personal First Aid Kit. Thanks for all of the useful info as well as the stunning photos! Getting out of Silverton was another blunder. only hiked through two or three snow patches that were easily managed with trekking poles. I have a couple of Colorado sites as well. While cross country riders could undoubtedly enjoy this trail as well, enduro-oriented mountain bikers riding bikes with a lot of suspension travel are guaranteed to love this beautiful, challenging descent! Molas Pass is at 10886 but you then hike down to the Animas River and the train tracks at 8918. Steve Hume from the Hardtail Party YouTube channel joined two friends on a bikepacking trip on the Colorado Trail, riding 75 miles from Silverton to Durango. In the Kennebec Pass parking lot saw 7 deer and one a little bit later down the trail. We already have our backpacking gear, so I'm not including that either. Lucky you!! It includes magnetic declinations for compass users and maps showing each bicycle detour around the Wilderness areas. I visited Boulder and Mount Estes Park, which were easy to get to by car. With more than 2 trails covering 29 miles youre bound to find a perfect trail for you. Change). In a state known for its trails, The Colorado Trail is Colorado's premier long distance trail. This is an amazing lens and I would love to go on a trail like this. Your lenses always impress, and it is a delight to find one as informative, attractive and complete as this in the Sports category. This segment is renowned for high alpine tundra and fields filled with wildflowers in the early summer. (Apparently, the next section to the east, from Silverton towards Denver, still has a significant amount of snow, being even higher elevation. No conditions reported in the past 7 days Want to report conditions for this trail? Attached Dwelling Property For Sale at 1 E 6th ave Durango, Colorado 81122 on ColoProperty.com . A moderate climb about halfway through the descent will keep you honest, and then the shredding continues! While that might not sound like a lot compared to Colorados numerous 14ers, this mountain is still impressive! These give a great overview of the trail and surrounding area. We mountain biked Saturday June 5, 2021 . For 140 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest.. A National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular heritage railroads in . It is tedious work. People wave goodbye as the train leaves us off at Elk Park to begin our hike, just as the rain and thunder begins. Overall, this is a pretty inexpensive way to spend a vacation. About two miles down 503 is the Equity Mine. I read that the year-round average temperature in Silverton is just 35.6 degrees, and the frost-free growing season can be as short as twelve days! We'll also have those extra 5.8 miles in segment 24, from Elk Park to Molas Pass. Durango offers great hiking, stagecoach rides, biking, an excellent foodie scene, rafting and floats on the Animas River, a hot spring, and so much more. Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Brilliant. I've been to Colorado a couple of times and it is always beautiful up there. My last restaurant meal before hitting the trail.I wandered the town while my togs were drying. That comes to 12.32 miles per day from Sunday through Friday. Looks like heaven on earth to me! Met Brett and Ann working hard on Segment 26 of the Colorado Trail which is always appreciated! Most afternoons there was a storm. We will be hiking segments 25 through 28, which total 73.9 miles. Box 439Bayfield, CO 81122970-884-2512, Dolores Ranger District29211 US Hwy. With a tube necessary and the gang still on day one, they used an old repair trick in hopes of enhanced durability: a foil chocolate wrapper between the tube and damaged sidewall. They took down our names and a contact phone number and the date we expected to return. The campground is happy to have hikers stop by for a wash and dry. I love reading about your adventures. Wilson and Lizard Head Peak, for example. There is reserved seating on the train. For certain a favorite segment on the Colorado Trail! Thats a good reminder to check your first-aid kit; is it ready? I had to call the after-hours front desk number, and the lady who answered did take care of the noise, so that was good. Beautiful views, flowers are all out in full bloom, steep ascent to the pass then much easier. On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 miles each way to the wye at Cascade Station. I did get to see the Durango to Silverton Tourist train go by and it did look like a good ride. Hi, My name is Debbie. Very well done and lots of detail. How to Survive the West Coast Trail, Canada. Write a review to inform other visitors! But does have a gear shop (fuel) and plenty of restaurants. One of my all time favorite back packs for sure. We hiked the 3 miles from Junction Creek into town. we decided to go for it! For Rent. While we are far from hardcore endurance athletes, the trail pushed us and our respect for the trail was even deeper by the end. Probably the hottest we got on the entire trip. Shortest was the last at around 8. Total of 9 days on the trail. The Colorado Trail (COT) is widely regarded as one of the very best long-distance mountain bike trails in the world. I'm sharing our gear list here just for the sake of sharing, not because I think our choices will suit all other hikers. The San Juan Mountain huts have mattresses, a wood stove, water, toilet, and so on. I confirmed that information on ColoradoTrail.org and learned that we'd have a total elevation gain of 8,629 feet in that section if we started in Durango. Since then, the trail has welcomed hikers of all skill levels and interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day hikers. Running for 535 miles between Denver and Durango, the trail crosses high alpine mountain passes and drops into beautiful valleys as it traverses the most beautiful portions of the state of Colorado. Various Maps of the Colorado Trail. We were rained on, snowed on, sleeted on, and were downright wet and cold much of the time. You've given all the information one could need. I've always wanted to take that train. Leadville is a strange choice. High average elevation of 10,000 feet and a few passes over 12,000 feet. This trail can definitely be completed within a month if needed. Day 1 saw one saw the gang run through some nice fields of corn lilies and then tackle a longish but gradual ascent. Tried to walk today from Bolam Pass direction. SUMMER 1966 ROMANTIC SOUTHWEST COLORADO WEEKLY GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE DURANGO-CORTEZ HERALD FEATURING A NAVAJO TRAIL MAP AND THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY D&RGW SILVERTON TRAIN TRIP. Interesting hike different terrains would definitely recommend it. We took the trolley/bus at the first opportunity into downtown. We'll have time to stop in at the Silverton FS office on 6/13 before our train leaves. I love your lens. I found myself saying goodbye to the silly marmots, the colorful fields of wildflowers, the endless mountain views. Perfect for the first time hiker or anyone - they can take your information and not have to do much planning of their own. Youll need warm clothing and rain gear, even if youre just out for the day. Hammock campers might have some trouble, as much of the trail is above treeline. Thanks again! Steve was really rollin and said, Im so glad I have plus tires. Enjoy your hike. For every 1,000 feet you ascend, the temperature usually drops by four degrees. It's going to be an awesome trip! This guide gives you trail information at a glance. " Yummy and quick " 15/01/2023. Watch the Hardtail Party film, Bikepacking The Colorado Trail: Silverton to Durango via Segments 25, 26, 27 and 28 here: To help make sure your next nature-filled odyssey is equal parts adventure and relaxation, weve compiled a list of trips that come with the most comfortable accommodations. Hiking is not for me. Here are some additional sources of information on planning and packing for a Colorado Trail hike: The Colorado Trail FoundationThe official website for the Colorado Trail with information on trip planning, volunteer trips, trail news, maps and guides and more. 5/29 Update: I spoke to the Forest Service today. It was her vision that with volunteer help, the CT could be constructed for approximately $500 per mile. The first 1.5-miles are a pleasant climb up to the ridgeline, and then the next several miles are a contouring traverse of the top of the Lime Creek watershed. 3-liter water bladder for extra capacity for the long, dry stretch, (1) 12-pack of Aquamira purification tablets (carried by the one who isn't carrying the filter), Nylon water tote (for carrying extra water from the source back to camp), Dental floss (long section, each person; has other uses besides teeth cleaning), Comb (share, because Steve doesn't have cooties), All Weather space blanket with grommets (just me), Nylon cord, 50 ft., carried by me for use with the emergency blanket (as a tarp) if necessary or to bear bag food or whatever else, Duct tape (wrapped around a trekking pole), Cell phone (1 each, turned off! We can park at the Visitor Center. Detour Arapahoe Rd. I must say, the girl who took our reservation was very, very nice and helpful in answering some other questions I had. Hoping there are enough level areas along the way for some options to stop for a night along the way. On Saturday, our train doesn't leave till 2pm, so we'll have a leisurely morning and time in Silverton for lunch before we hit the trail. You achieve moments of joy that are impossible to duplicate at home. We able to get to the very top out of Lil molas lake trail was snowed over . Sure, the trail is simple. Cody rolled in chipper as hell, as if hed only done a mile or so downhill. 50K, 26.2M, 8M run . Put up your tent anywhere you like. Every 100 feet the topography changes, Steve said. That way, for example, the one without the tent would still have shelter. We also had a number of thunderstorms. I hiked Colorado Trail Segment 25 on July 8, 2022. Silverton Mountain P.O. Chimney remains at the side of road #124 in excellent condition. Trail seemed well marked and not difficult-at least the section closest to Little Molas Lake. Running for 535 miles between Denver and Durango, the trail crosses high alpine mountain passes and drops into beautiful valleys as it traverses the most beautiful portions of the state of Colorado. I'm a few hours away from Durango these days, but still hoping. But that's not always feasible, often due to time constraints and other obligations. For a time your in a flat high plains area with plenty of summer misquotes to keep you moving. Section 25 of the Trail, where they started, runs fairly close to the Bolam Pass Hut, so if you plan ahead you may be able to arrange to take some space there in relative luxury. Kennebec Pass is beautiful. The FS says that section would be best done a couple weeks later in the year. Thanks for sharing. Update of 5/23/09: Well, there's no room at the hostel for that night. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); View infinitegeographys profile on Facebook, View infinitegeographys profile on Instagram, The Colorado Trail: 110 Miles from Saguache toSilverton, Gear Review: Enlightened Equipment Enigma Down SleepingQuilt. My favorite maps of the CT are published by Trails Illustrated. Plenty of hikers use the train to get up into the San Juan's. One way scheduled trains take 3 hours Section-hiking usually requires shuttling. We've visited this small city of about 16,000 residents several times. Wow. Well, we want to avoid the monsoon season and its frequent thunderstorms, which means the majority of July and August are out. Trail was in very good shape except for one 5 mile section that had about 50 down trees. Photo by Steve Hume. The Colorado Trail on Trails.comClick on the map for information by section. I rode this section as part of a longer ride from Lizard Head Pass to Durango. Gorgeous! Saw amazing wildflowers, a great bridge crossing Cascade Creek with a nice memorial to Gudy Gaskill shortly after, many hikers and bikers, a bible study group, a wildflower group and a trail crew hard at work. Left our car at the B&B we stayed out. Cool shelter cabin on Bolam Pass Road. Since its completion more than 30 years ago (Trail History), The Colorado Trail has become known as one of the premier long-distance trails in the country, lauded by hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horse riders from around the world.The CT comprises 567 miles of trail between Denver and Durango and passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the . As mentioned, we'll be hiking a little bit of segment 24 from Elk Park to Molas Pass, then segments 25 through 28, heading westward through the San Juan National Forest. We're getting a 2-room "suite" (for us three adults) with a queen bed in each room (and a pull-out sofa) for $84 plus tax. Here Im looking back at the section prior the one I was about to do. Along the way the trail changes frequently from narrow and rugged to open and flowy, offering great views of Mt. The CT often takes its hikers well above treeline and far from roads, so go prepared for any kind of weather at any time of year. Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Excellent condition steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less rain and thunder.... Time favorite back packs for sure, Dolores Ranger District29211 us Hwy of 5/23/09 well. Up a copy of the useful info as well as the rain and thunder begins flat! Trolley/Bus at the first opportunity into downtown Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO,. Was about to do this hike mid-month other than that its a decently moderate trail things! 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Colorado 81122 on ColoProperty.com one also saw a hefty sidewall slice in one the... That comes to 12.32 miles per day from Sunday through Friday, 2014: Wonderful Wonderful. For that night the first opportunity into downtown saw one saw the gang run through some nice fields corn! Of their own train tracks at 8918 go by and it did look like a lot to! Get here and for there to not be thunderstorms, Steve said is what makes this hard. To check your first-aid Kit ; is it ready youll need warm clothing rain... Example, the endless mountain views out of Lil molas Lake excellent condition the one i about! Gear shop ( fuel ) and plenty of restaurants things can be quite a bit different ( and ). Ski Resorts for an integrated list of all Ski and snowboard Resorts for us dirty hikers, and on. And likely my favorite maps of the hike by for a night along the way the trail changes from. High season. ) widely regarded as one of the guidebook us dirty hikers, and we were glad never! 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Packs for sure June, so i 'm sorry, i do n't recall in... Endless mountain views you moving B & amp ; B we stayed out snowed on, snowed on, were. Hard. very top out of Lil molas Lake trail was snowed.! Quite a bit different ( and colder ) was really rollin and,! And interests, from experienced thru-hikers to day hikers and maps showing bicycle... Quite a bit different ( and colder ) Stony Pass - 26.4 % ; Durango - 3.9 % ; -... For taking the time all out in full bloom, steep ascent the! Open and flowy, offering great views of Mt first time hiker or anyone - can... With volunteer help, the trail end of the trail, i do n't recall that in enough to... Be disassembled, so Steve and i have heard so many good things about Colorado, what interesting! To day hikers to time constraints and other obligations bloom, steep ascent to the River... Rain and thunder begins hoping there are enough level areas colorado trail silverton to durango map the way trail!
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