2 friends of mine had to get off the trail last night and got an ATV ride into Lake City due to weather. They would have to repeat much of their segment to continue on to Silverton. Instead, they are hoping to figure out transportation go Silverton so they can hop back on there. Does anyone have suggestions for how they can access a ride share/carpool to Silverton? I used to use the carpool feature on Craigslist, but that was 10 years ago. I am going to search other subreddits too

I’m planning to start hiking from Lake City to Durango on Thursday 7/23. I’m a bit nervous about the monsoon season starting — this is the itinerary I have penciled down for Lake City to Silverton. How does this look with exposure? I’m worried about sections where there just may not be treeline to hide in when a storm comes. Ty!!

Day 1 - 9.3 half day from spring creek pass to just past the yurt
Day 2 - 19.7 yurt to minnie gulch (exposed)
Day 3 - 17.3 minnie gulch to stream 2.4 miles before elk park turnoff
Day 4 - 2.4 to elk park turnoff for silverton

I've got 30 days starting August 11th to hike. I'm currently deciding between the CT & the NH & Maine section of the AT... CT would be my preference due to alpine views, remoteness, & I enjoy getting a lot of miles in more than traversing tough terrain.

I'm just curious about the fires/smoke & potential lack of water sources. My current plan is to make a game-time call based on whether the fires are dying down or not. If you were in my trail shoes, what's your take?

Open to suggestions. Starting to also consider Anaconda to Glacier

The fire has burned ~5 miles of trail so far and the closure is ~34 miles so unsure if non burned trail could open before then but I wouldn’t count on it.

Sad post, but I had to cancel my trip from Molas lake to Durango due to an achilles injury. Last Sunday I was on a run and had some shooting pain in my achilles but stupidly decided to finish my route. After consulting 2 doctors and a physical therapist I have decided to cancel my trip. I had been planning this for 2 months and it was going to be my “last summer hurrah” before starting a new job. Hopefully I’ll be able to take some time off later this season or get out there early next year. Good luck to everyone else on trail this year!

My wife is getting prepared to do the collegiate loop in a few weeks and we are going through her packing list. What are some things you wish you had taken on the CT or loop, and what are some things you wish you had nit brought? Also, whats some ideas for meals and snacks? Curious to see what is or is not necessary.

I am going to back pack the Collegiate Loop in a few weeks (fires pending). Does anyone know if there is free overnight parking (for about 11 days) at the Interlaken Trailhead lot? thanks!

First time on the Colorado Trail in about a week. What is the camping etiquette when it comes to setting up camp in common camp areas on the segments? If I come in late, do I set up as quietly as I can if there are people there already or is the etiquette to keep going a little bit? Any other camp etiquette advice would be great.

Just completed 12-13. Great condition plenty of water and besides the last 2+ miles of asphalt and dirt road hiking a great few days. So far completed 1-8, 12-13. Little smoky on 5 and 8 just depended on whether it rained the day before or not. Have fun and FarOut app was indispensable.

Hi all, I’m looking for somewhere to park my car from the evening of the 17th until the evening of the 22nd. Does anyone know of anywhere I can park for those days? I’d love to find something inexpensive but I’m happy to pay some to park outside of someone’s house or something!

If only segments 9-10 are closed where do I start again? I was under the impressive that the Mount Massive trailhead at section 11 was closed. How do I get back on trail quickest AFTER the closure? Where would I hitch to?

Hey Everyone,

My friends and I are hoping to do western half of the Collegiate loop starting on 07/25 (AKA sections 11-15). Been seeing a lot about these fires, I suppose right now I'm just hoping they calm down by then.

But that's not what this post is about: we are intending to fly in/out from Denver, take the Bustang to/from the general vicinity of the trail. Right now the plan is to Start at southern end of the loop (about Rt 50), and head North to Twin Lakes. Just looking for some advice on the best way to get:

- (07/25) FROM Salida TO Trail head (around Route 50)

- (08/01) FROM Twin Lakes TO Buena Vista

Let me know if you have any advice! Or if you happen to be someone who offers shuttles in the area, even better

Hi all! I’m starting the Colorado trail next week and have to skip the first few segments due to time constraints. I’m debating between 1) starting in breck, hiking segments 7&8, hitching to Leadville/twin lakes to avoid the trail closure, and resuming hiking SOBO from Twjn Lakes, OR 2) getting from Denver to Leadville/twin lakes somehow and just starting from there. Looking for input on if one of these seems logistically easier (I’ll be flying in) and if segments 7&8 are beautiful/worth the hitching hassle!

I’m trying to do a side quest to go hit mt. Elbert and knock out a 14er! The first question I have is, is it still possible to do it one with the fires and two if it is still possible does anyone know any good ways of getting there? Will I need to get off trail and hitch somewhere or is it walkable from the CT to make that happen? Thanks in advance.

Flying in and landing around 530pm. Looking for a ride to Fairplay. Alone, or with one other hiker.

I just completed section 7 and it was Smokey enough that I have a cough today. Considering whether or not to do section 8 or jump down past Twin Lakes. Thoughts?

Posting in case anyone local is in the market. I don’t know if or when it’ll go to the garage sale or will be returned to NEMO, but I exchanged a few moments ago. Bought new early June and then used 4 nights on the CT recently. There was a small (3/4”?) slice cut in the rainfly from the factory that can be easily patched. Great tent otherwise!!

The first few dozen miles off the northern terminus will be toasty (100* by the end of the week), and the Durango area is slightly warmer than usual, but most of the trail is high up enough to be fairly pleasant temperature-wise.

My longtrailsweather.net site is free and open source with no ads, no tracking, no sign ups, etc etc. It gives an eight day forecast every ~25 miles along some of the long trails, including the CT.

• https://www.longtrailsweather.net/ct/forecast.html

Hey everybody, I’m finally beginning my section hike of the CT tomorrow, starting at segment 22. I’m seeing the forecast is looking like some big thunderstorms tomorrow. Anybody know some really good camping spots to avoid danger? Should I stop at mile 10 for the day or try to make it to segment 23? What are some good spots once I get to 23?

Any advice would be helpful, thank you all and I hope to see some of you out there!

a significant, possible historic heat wave is expected across the state this weekend, lasting several days.

in this case. what trail wisdom do you have? get off trail and ride it out? power through and go slow?

I just finished 1-6 and have a place to stay in Breckenridge so I was considering reverse hiking segment 7-8 back to Breckenridge. Is it still possible to be dropped off at Tennessee Pass to hike north?

Hi all, I'm planning to start the Colorado Trail on Tuesday July 7th. I've done lots of backpacking and completed the JMT, but this is my first time backpacking alone and as a woman I'm a bit nervous! I had planned all of my resupplies to avoid hitchhiking but with the trail closure at Tennessee Pass, that'll likely have to change. I'm looking for any info/tips on shuttles going from Tennessee Pass (or Breck area) to Twin Lakes (assuming the trail south of there is still open in a couple of weeks), whether that be organized shuttles, trail angels, or just hitching. Also, same as others, I'm trying to assess how bad the smoke is -- I know it changes fast, but if it's looking like it'll be rough all around, I may just call it on the whole trip and try another year. Any thoughts or advice is appreciated!!