Colorado's high-altitude trails are legendary, but planning a thru-hike takes more than just a good pair of boots. These five resources will help you map, navigate, and conquer the state's most epic routes.
The State of Long-Distance Hiking in Colorado
Colorado is a mecca for thru-hikers, with routes that traverse everything from alpine tundra to dense forests. The classic Colorado Trail runs nearly 500 miles from Denver to Durango, while newer routes like the Northern Colorado Trail are expanding the possibilities. Hikers need reliable, up-to-date information on trail conditions, water sources, and permits. The resources below range from official trail organizations to personal journals, each offering a unique lens on planning and executing a successful trek.
How We Evaluated These Trail Resources
We looked at each resource for its depth of trail information, usability of maps and GPS data, and how well it serves hikers at different experience levels. We also considered the freshness of updates and the community features that help hikers stay safe and connected. Each resource brings something different to the table, from official route management to personal storytelling.
Here's a quick look at the five resources we're covering, from the official Colorado Trail site to the new Northern Colorado Trail.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Colorado Trail | Official trail info and community support |
| Northern Colorado Trail | Exploring a new, less-traveled route |
| Outdoor Pilgrim - Colorado Trail | Real-world thru-hike insights and inspiration |
| Rebecca Mezoff - Colorado Trail Thru-Hike | Personal narrative and mental preparation |
| AllTrails - Colorado Trail | Interactive maps and community updates |
The Detailed Breakdown
#1 Colorado Trail
The official Colorado Trail Foundation site is the go-to for anyone tackling the 486-mile route from Denver to Durango. It provides comprehensive trail guides, segment-by-segment maps, and critical permit information. You'll also find details on trail conditions, water sources, and resupply points, all maintained by volunteers who know the trail intimately. If you're planning a thru-hike or even a section hike, this is your authoritative source. The site's forums and updates are invaluable for real-time advice. Start here before you even think about your gear list.
#2 Northern Colorado Trail
A screenshot of the Northern Colorado Trail website.
This is the new kid on the block, a 300-mile route from Estes Park to Glenwood Springs that's perfect for hikers looking to explore beyond the classic Colorado Trail. The site offers detailed trail guides, GPS routes, and waypoints, plus a unique water report system and trail angel registry. You'll find segment breakdowns, elevation profiles, and a blog with tips on permits and resupply. It's a community-driven project that's still evolving, so you can be part of shaping it. If you want a fresh challenge with fewer crowds, this is your resource. Check out the trail alerts for the latest on route changes.
#3 Outdoor Pilgrim - Colorado Trail
A screenshot of the Outdoor Pilgrim website.
This personal thru-hike journal from 2024 gives you a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the Colorado Trail. The author shares daily mile-by-mile accounts, gear lists, and resupply strategies, all captured with photos. It's not an official resource, but it's packed with practical lessons learned on the trail. You'll get a feel for the physical and mental challenges, plus tips on timing and weather. If you're a visual learner, this is a goldmine. It's like having a friend who's already done it walk you through the experience.
#4 Rebecca Mezoff - Colorado Trail Thru-Hike
A screenshot of the Rebecca Mezoff website.
Rebecca's 2021 thru-hike journal is a thoughtful, personal account of walking 500 miles on the Colorado Trail. She weaves in practical details about daily mileage, campsites, and trail conditions with reflections on the experience. It's a great read for anyone wanting to understand the emotional journey of a long-distance hike. You won't find official maps here, but you'll gain a deep appreciation for what the trail demands. Her writing is engaging and honest, making it a valuable resource for mental preparation. If you're looking for inspiration, this is it.
#5 AllTrails - Colorado Trail
A screenshot of the AllTrails website.
AllTrails offers a digital platform with interactive maps, user reviews, and real-time trail conditions for the Colorado Trail. You can download offline maps, track your progress, and see recent photos from other hikers. It's a handy tool for on-the-go navigation, especially if you're using your phone. The community aspect is strong, with up-to-date reports on water sources and trail closures. While it's not a substitute for official guides, it's a great complement for daily planning. The user-generated content keeps it fresh and relevant.
How to Choose the Right Trail Resource for You
Start with the official trail organization for the route you're planning—they'll have the most accurate and current information. If you're a first-time thru-hiker, supplement that with personal journals to get a realistic sense of the challenges. For navigation on the trail, a digital tool like AllTrails is invaluable for its offline maps and community updates. Consider your own experience level and what you value most: official data, personal stories, or interactive features. Mix and match these resources to build a complete planning toolkit.
Streamline Your Trail Planning with These Workflows
Use the official trail site to download GPS routes and waypoints, then import them into AllTrails for offline use. Set up alerts on the trail organization's website for any updates on closures or water sources. Follow personal journals on social media or RSS to get real-time insights from current hikers. Combine these sources to create a personalized trail guide that's always up to date.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're eyeing the classic Colorado Trail or the emerging Northern Colorado Trail, these five resources cover every angle of planning and execution. From official data to personal stories, you have everything you need to hit the trail with confidence. Pick the ones that fit your style, and start your adventure.