Landmark · Waterton Canyon – South Platte River
Waterton Canyon (Denver Terminus)
MI 0 · 5,520 ft
Starting point at 5,520 ft. Gentle gravel road with bighorn sheep.
Walk 486 miles from Denver to Durango through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, crossing eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas, and reaching heights above 13,000 feet.
“Cross the spine of the Rockies from the Mile High City to Durango: 486 miles of Colorado's finest mountain scenery with frequent town access for resupply.”
Plan your Colorado Trail trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get CT Thru-Hike
CT Thru-Hike is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
CT Thru-Hike permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 486mi
- elevation gain
- 89,000ft
- max group size
- 12people
The two passes of the CT Thru-Hike
486 miles from Waterton Canyon (Denver Terminus) to Junction Creek (Durango Terminus), over two passes.
Mile 0 at Waterton Canyon (Denver Terminus)
Pass
Kenosha Pass
- MILE
- 66
- ELEVATION
- 9,995 ft
From Waterton Canyon (Denver Terminus) · mi 0+4,475 ftover 66.0 mi
Famous aspen groves that turn golden in late September.
MILE 66 OF 486
CT Thru-Hike key landmarks
CT Thru-Hike elevation
MILES 0 TO 486 · 5,520 TO 13,271 FTMap of the Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Waterton Canyon (Denver Terminus) to Junction Creek (Durango Terminus)
1 of 1 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
87,525 ft of descent · 3.5% average grade
How to get a CT Thru-Hike permit
No reservation. You get the permit when you arrive.
Arrive in person
Fill in the permit
Free (self-register at wilderness boundaries)
Head out
CT trailheads and fees
- Waterton Canyon (Denver)
5,520 ft
- Junction Creek (Durango)
7,000 ft
Free (self-register at wilderness boundaries)
The two CT trailheads in full
Primary5,520 ft elevation
Waterton Canyon (Denver)Northern terminus. Easy access from Denver metro area.
- Restrooms
- Water on site
- Strong signal
Parking
Large paved lot. Free parking. Fills on busy weekends.
Getting there
From Denver, take Wadsworth Boulevard south to Waterton Road.
Nearest services
Denver metro has all services. Littleton is closest with full amenities.
Alternate7,000 ft elevation
Junction Creek (Durango)Southern terminus. Near historic downtown Durango.
- Restrooms
- No water
- Some signal
Parking
Small lot. Additional parking on road shoulder.
Getting there
From Durango, take Junction Street to County Road 204.
Nearest services
Downtown Durango (3 miles) has full services, breweries, and outdoor shops.
As of September 2026, CT Thru-Hike in Colorado Trail, Colorado requires a permit issued via walk-up. CT Thru-Hike rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The CT Thru-Hike route covers 486 miles with 89,000 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Rocky Mountains, CO
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at coloradotrail.org before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on CT Thru-Hike: Live availability activityColorado Trail Thru-Hike permit itinerary
How much a CT Thru-Hike permit costs
CT Thru-Hike permit fee: Free (self-register at wilderness boundaries).
The CT Thru-Hike hike
- Distance
- 486 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 89,000 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 4-6 weeks
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Elevation Range
- 5,520 - 13,271 ft
Cross the spine of the Rockies from the Mile High City to Durango: 486 miles of Colorado's finest mountain scenery with frequent town access for resupply.
About this permit
The Colorado Trail is a 486-mile continuous trail from Denver to Durango through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The trail traverses eight mountain ranges, crosses six wilderness areas, and maintains an average elevation of approximately 10,300 feet with a high point of 13,271 feet at Coney Summit.
The trail offers a Collegiate Split option adding flexibility between Twin Lakes and Cottonwood Pass. When combined with this alternate and the Collegiate Loop, the total system comprises 567 miles of trail.
The route
The CT begins at Waterton Canyon, a gentle gravel road populated by bighorn sheep. It's an easy start that belies what's to come. Through Lost Creek Wilderness and over Kenosha Pass, famous for its golden aspens, the trail works its way to the Collegiate Peaks.
At Twin Lakes, hikers choose: the Collegiate East follows the original trail at lower elevations, while the Collegiate West joins the CDT along the Continental Divide for more dramatic but more exposed terrain. Both routes rejoin at Cottonwood Pass.
The San Juan Mountains are the trail's crown jewels: over 80 miles of above-treeline travel, including Coney Summit at 13,271 feet, the trail's high point. The final descent into Durango feels like returning to civilization from another world.
Why it matters
The Colorado Trail is Colorado's premier long-distance hiking trail and one of America's great thru-hikes. Completed in 1987, it traverses the heart of the Rocky Mountains, crossing eight mountain ranges and six wilderness areas while averaging over 10,000 feet in elevation. Unlike more remote thru-hikes, the CT offers frequent town access, making it an accessible introduction to long-distance hiking.
The feeling
Colorado changes around you as you walk. Denver's front range gives way to rolling forests, then granite peaks, then the endless above-treeline expanse of the San Juans. You learn the rhythm of Colorado summer: hike hard in the morning, find shelter by noon when the thunderstorms roll in, dry out by dinner. By the time you descend into Durango, your legs are strong, your pack feels light, and you've walked through the entire geological history of the Rocky Mountains.
CT Thru-Hike hike highlights
- 486 miles over 4-6 weeks with approximately 89,000 feet of total elevation gain
- Average elevation of 10,300 feet: significant altitude exposure
- Six wilderness areas requiring free self-registration permits
- Frequent resupply opportunities at towns accessed via road crossings
- Multi-use trail: mountain bikers allowed on non-wilderness sections
- Daily afternoon thunderstorms July-August (monsoon season)
How hard the CT Thru-Hike hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential3/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route5/5
Best for: Fit hikers ready for a multi-week expedition. Good introduction to thru-hiking due to frequent town access.
Recommended experience: Should have completed multi-day backpacking trips and be comfortable hiking at elevation above 10,000 feet.
Not recommended for: Those without experience hiking at altitude or unable to commit 4-6 weeks.
When to hike CT Thru-Hike
Best time to visit
Late June through September. July and early August have the best weather but daily thunderstorms. Late August/September has fewer storms but shorter days and early snow possible in San Juans. Late September offers golden aspens at Kenosha Pass.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,520 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Expect 27°F colder at summit. Layer up.
- Today: Freezing temps at elevation. Bring insulation even if warm below.
- Tomorrow: Expect 27°F colder at summit. Layer up.
Today
☁️
71°
57°
Wed
🌧️
61°
55°
54%
Thu
☁️
69°
53°
34%
Fri
☁️
81°
53°
Sat
☁️
78°
58°
Sun
☁️
75°
53°
Mon
🌧️
83°
55°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
CT Thru-Hike photography guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from the San Juan ridgelines offers the most dramatic CT photography. Kenosha Pass golden aspens in late September are iconic.
Best Light
Above-treeline sections in the San Juans photograph best in early morning before afternoon clouds build.
Beat the Crowds
The CT sees steady traffic June-September. The San Juan section is the most popular. Weekday hiking there offers more solitude.
Classic Shots
- Golden aspens at Kenosha Pass (late September)
- Collegiate Peaks from the West route
- San Juan Mountains above treeline panoramas
- Coney Summit marker at the trail's high point
- Durango arrival with the CT terminus sign
CT Thru-Hike rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Rain gear (afternoon thunderstorms daily in summer)
- Warm layers (nights are cold even in August)
- Bear-resistant food storage (canisters recommended; hanging difficult in many areas)
- Water filter (sources generally abundant but require treatment)
- Sun protection (much of trail is above treeline)
Recommended gear
- Trekking poles (essential for the elevation changes)
- Lightning protection plan and emergency shelter
- Town clothes and resupply containers for mail drops
- Colorado Trail Databook or GPS app
- Cash for small-town resupplies
Rules & regulations
- 01No advance permits required: free self-registration at wilderness boundaries
- 02Six wilderness areas: Lost Creek, Mount Massive, Collegiate Peaks, La Garita, Weminuche, South San Juan
- 03Maximum group size of 12 people in wilderness areas
- 04Mountain bikes allowed on trail except within wilderness areas (must use detours)
- 05No campfires above treeline; fire bans common during summer: use stoves only
- 06Pack out all waste; LNT principles required
Hazards & considerations
- Lightning: daily afternoon thunderstorms; be below treeline by noon
- Altitude: average elevation over 10,000 ft; AMS is common
- Weather: hypothermia possible even in summer; rapid weather changes
- Water scarcity in some segments (Segment 2, parts of San Juans)
- Mountain bikers: stay alert on non-wilderness sections
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for CT Thru-Hike.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for CT Thru-Hike · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
CT Thru-Hike FAQ
How do I get a CT Thru-Hike permit?
CT Thru-Hike is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit CT Thru-Hike?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the CT Thru-Hike permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a CT Thru-Hike permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
CT Thru-Hike trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about CT Thru-Hike.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a CT Thru-Hike permit
- Easier AlternativePermit required
Colorado Trail Section Hikes
Tackle the CT in sections over multiple trips. Popular sections include Kenosha Pass and the San Juan Mountains.
Tradeoffs
Sample the best without full commitment. Requires multiple trips and logistics.
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Continental Divide Trail (Colorado)
The CDT shares some routing with the CT and offers a longer wilderness experience through Colorado.
Tradeoffs
More remote and challenging but less developed infrastructure.
- Same AreaPermit required
Collegiate Loop
160-mile loop combining Collegiate East and West routes with connector trails.
Tradeoffs
Complete loop without end-to-end logistics. Captures the CT's finest alpine terrain.
Where to stay near CT Thru-Hike
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