Colorado Trail: Collegiate West Traverse
Details
Total Miles: 70
Group Size: 8 (including myself)
Meet Time: 8 AM
Meeting / Ending Point:
Monarch Pass – Monarch at the Crest Visitor Center
24500 US-50, Salida, CO 81201
Starting Point:
Sheep Gulch Trailhead, San Isabel National Forest, Buena Vista, CO 81211
## Description:
Join us for a 5-day traverse of the Colorado Trail through the stunning Collegiate Peaks West. This stretch is high, rugged, and wildly scenic — alpine basins, sweeping ridgelines, crystalline lakes, and long views across the Sawatch Range.
This is not a beginner-friendly trip. Expect sustained elevation and long days. Some sections involve long stretches between road access points. Most of this route remains above 10,000 feet, with several extended stretches above treeline.
The reward? Some of the most dramatic terrain on the entire Colorado Trail.
## Plan:
- Target mileage: ~15 miles per day
- We will start early and hike steadily.
- Expect to carry 8–10+ lbs of food.
We will coordinate a shuttle either:
- Internally within the group (preferred), or
- Through the Colorado Trail volunteer shuttle network.
Planning sessions will be scheduled over Google Meet to review:
- Detailed water breakdown
- Daily mileage
- Transportation logistics
- Gear checks
Requirements:
- Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/VkERmkk7ChV3f4c27.
- Complete a qualifying hike - we do this to ensure everyone's safety and to make sure everyone is able to respect others. See calendar for upcoming hikes.
- Additionally, to join this trip, you must have been on at least one previous Colorado Springs Backpackers outing.
Resources:
The 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
## Background:
Members of the Colorado Springs Backpackers continue our long-term goal of hiking the entire Colorado Trail. We began this project in 2024 and will continue tackling segments over extended weekends and holidays.
The CT is a 28-segment, 500-mile trail stretching from Denver to Durango. Most segments are point-to-point, requiring thoughtful logistics and car coordination.
Planning is based on AllTrails, The Colorado Trail Databook, and community reports from experienced section hikers.