Favorite Colorado Trail Section?

[WVMountaineer]

I have a friend who's working on hiking all sections of the Colorado trail (non continuously) and asked me to join him for Sections 4 and 5 the last 2 Sundays and help with the carpooling situation. I work at Lockheed Martin right next to the beginning of Section 1 and have walked and biked up that section before but haven't hiked any other sections of the trail not connected to a 14er trail. Sections 4 and 5 were pretty enjoyable hikes with good views. Both sections were in snow conditions most of the way and sub freezing so I bet these are even better when the forest is a little more lush and lively. We didn't see any other hikers the entire way until the last mile to Kenosha Pass. I believe my friend is waiting until spring before hiking any more sections.

The CO trail has 33 sections. Anyone on here have a favorite section+direction you'd recommend hiking that have fantastic views? Attached some maps/profiles below for additional referencing and info.

I really enjoyed all the San Juan and Lake City 14ers so I'm hopeful the trail is as enjoyable down there as the 14ers.

Thanks for you suggestions!

WV

[Klad24]

The whole trail is incredible, but the section from Creede to Silverton was probably the 70 most beautiful miles of backpacking I've ever done. It's unreal. I believe that corresponds to sections 21-24.

Runner up was the entire Collegiate West alternative.

[WVMountaineer]

Correction: according to this map there are 28 sections and some alt routes... I regurgitated the 33 number from memory in my original post.

[blazintoes]

This is such a hard question to answer because each section is unique. The hiking section that is most memorable for many reasons was Stony Pass to Molas Pass near the intersection of the CDT and CT and also Hunchback Pass. You are near the most remote area and peaks of Colorado and they are plentiful. From Stony Pass I hiked over to White Dome then connected to Peak One and scrambled down to Elk Creek then reconnected back to segment 24. It was a long 22 mile day with a lot of vertical gain. Molas Pass is long, steep and seems never ending. But the geology, wildflowers, mushrooms, eye candy and solitude are what I remember most. Also this was the first time I had seen Vestal and Arrow where a lifelong love affair of rock climbing ensued.

Runner up for me is segment 20 and if you need a partner this is a segment that has been on my re to-do list since 2012 because it rained the entire time and I know the La Garita's are unmatched in their geologic wonders. I could see bits of volcanic tuft poking out here and there and wished Mother Nature would have been more kind. I would imagine an out and back hiking trip from Spring Creek Pass would suffice.

[Wish I lived in CO]

I've done very little, but the part along Twin Lakes / Dexter's cabin was very scenic. Would be interesting to hear more responses.

[HunkyDunk]

My wife and I backpacked the entire CT and we took our time and completed it in 6 summers, with 75 to 80 miles each summer. We remember every part of it and actually made a book for our memories. Segment 21 was a favorite! Segment 8 is also a good memory. But we hiked 21 in a day after having a shuttle from Lake City to Creede, then we hiked back to Spring Creek Pass to our waiting car. Beautiful day at altitude and saw no one for 20 miles. We then spent the evening in Lake City pub crawling and closing down places as we were so pumped up from our day! Great memory, summer of 2015.

[SkaredShtles]

Segment 23.

[Jakomait]

I've been across it 5 times and all of it is amazing! Segment 23 and 24 are my favorite but you cant go wrong on anything from Segment 20 to 28. Enjoy!

[England]

My fellow Mountaineer. If you have not experienced the San Juan's then you must go see!

[WVMountaineer]

My fellow Mountaineer. If you have not experienced the San Juan's then you must go see!

Cheers, Beers, and Mountaineers! I finished the 14ers last year so I've seen my share of the San Juans and absolutely love being in those mountains.

This is such a hard question to answer because each section is unique.

Thanks for the variation suggestion!

Thank you all for your responses so far! It sounds like the Trail only gets better than what I've seen so far. Please keep the suggestions and variations coming.

WV

[WVMountaineer]

I've been across it 5 times and all of it is amazing!

That's seriously impressive! All as continuous through hiking for segment(s) at a time?

[Colorado dreaming]

I've been across it 5 times and all of it is amazing!

That's seriously impressive! All as continuous through hiking for segment(s) at a time?

Jesse is very impressive! Check out his results from the CTR:

http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/#results