Tag Archives: day hiking

CT Segment 5: Rock Creek Trailhead Westbound

While this trailhead is a great find, offering plenty of parking and access to great views, both hikes that depart from here start by heading downhill (thereby breaking one of our rules – never start out by hiking downhill!) Just make sure to conserve enough energy for the hike back uphill, back to your car!Continue reading “CT Segment 5: Rock Creek Trailhead Westbound”

CT Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Guller Creek

The Colorado Trail has a symbiotic relationship with some of Colorado’s ski resorts. It comes within view of several resorts, and a couple of resorts provide access to the CT, but at a couple of resorts the CT gets up close. At both Copper Mountain and Monarch Mountain, the trail goes right across the skiContinue reading “CT Segment 8: Copper Mountain to Guller Creek”

CT Segment 1: South Platte River Trailhead to the Segment High Point

This hike is a delightful get-away from the city but just about 30 miles from C-470. Along the trail you’ll find wildflowers in the spring and summer, and views at any time. Because this is a lower-elevation hike, it can get really warm, particularly in the afternoon, so consider this hike in the spring orContinue reading “CT Segment 1: South Platte River Trailhead to the Segment High Point”

CT Segment 4: North Fork TH/Brookside McCurdy

While this trailhead is a bit of a drive from the Front Range of Colorado, choosing this hike can make for a lovely day trip. The drive on Highway 285 and then on Lost Park Road is pleasant, and the hike is a very easy stroll through a wide valley. You might even spot aContinue reading “CT Segment 4: North Fork TH/Brookside McCurdy”

CT Segment 27: Kennebec Pass to Taylor Lake

If you have a high clearance AWD/4WD vehicle and enough four-wheeling skill to get to Kennebec Pass (west of Durango), then this hike is worth the journey. The drive up La Plata Canyon to Kennebec Pass offers gold and silver mining history, cows along the road, and progressively more impressive views the further you getContinue reading “CT Segment 27: Kennebec Pass to Taylor Lake”

CT Segment 25: Bolam Pass East

While staying in the Telluride or Rico area (or even Dolores or Cortez), you can easily access this hike to the east of Cayton Campground, if you have an SUV or other vehicle with a little clearance. The drive itself is pretty and there are some amazing views to the north. The hike includes aContinue reading “CT Segment 25: Bolam Pass East”

CT Segment 10: Three Bridges

When in the Leadville area, you can find numerous access points for the Colorado Trail, including this easy hike, at the west end of Turquoise Lake, that takes you over three bridges and includes a picturesque creek. The trailhead is popular, so avoid weekends and holidays, or at least arrive early (or late) on thoseContinue reading “CT Segment 10: Three Bridges”

The day hiker’s credo

As a day hiker you are different than overnight backpackers in many ways. Some are obvious – your pack is smaller and lighter for example. Or that you get to sleep in a real bed every night! Some are less noticeable – you never find yourself carrying trash for multiple days. Or that you canContinue reading “The day hiker’s credo”