Walk-Up6/10
CT Thru-Hike
Walk 486 miles from Denver to Durango through the heart of the Rocky Mountains—c...
View Colorado Trail Thru-Hike Permit permit details and availability
Walk-UpThru-HikeHigh Demand
Collegiate Loop
160-mile loop combining the Colorado Trail's Collegiate East and West routes through the heart of the Sawatch Range—14ers, alpine lakes, and some of the CT's finest terrain.
“Traverse CT on the Collegiate Loop.”
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Collegiate Loop Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level7/10
LocationTHRU
How to Get This Permit
1
Check availability requirements
Walk-up permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends.
2
Visit the ranger station
Go to the designated permit office or ranger station. Bring ID and know your planned itinerary.
3
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Collegiate Loop represents one of the great long-distance hiking experiences in CT. The permit system manages use across multiple trailheads and campsites, preserving the wilderness character that makes this trail special.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Collegiate Loop.
Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →
Collegiate Loop FAQ
How do I get a Collegiate Loop permit?
Collegiate Loop permits are obtained through a walk-up system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Collegiate Loop?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Collegiate Loop permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Collegiate Loop permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for landscape shots along the trail. Camp positioning matters for catching alpenglow.
Best Light
Early morning provides crisp air and fewer hikers in your shots. Midday sun can be harsh in exposed areas.
Beat the Crowds
Start early to photograph popular viewpoints without crowds. Weekdays see significantly fewer hikers.
Classic Shots
- 📍Trail marker or sign at Collegiate Loop trailhead
- 📍Panoramic views from high points
- 📍Campsite at golden hour
- 📍Trail winding through wilderness
- 📍Completion photo at trail end