Walk-Up7/10
Collegiate Loop
160-mile loop combining the Colorado Trail's Collegiate East and West routes thr...
View Collegiate Loop permit details and availability
Walk-UpThru-HikeModerate Demand
Colorado Trail Thru-Hike Permit
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.”
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CT Thru-Hike Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate6/10
CostFree (self-register at wilderness boundaries)
Max Group Size12 people
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level6/10
LocationTHRU
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
486 miles
Elevation Gain
89,000 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
4-6 weeks
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
5,520 - 13,271 ft
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)
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.
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
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 Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment5/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
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.
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 Experience
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 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.
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.
Trailhead Information
Waterton Canyon (Denver)
5,520 ft elevationNorthern terminus. Easy access from Denver metro area.
Restrooms
Water Available
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.
Junction Creek (Durango)
7,000 ft elevationSouthern terminus. Near historic downtown Durango.
Restrooms
Water Available
Moderate
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •No advance permits required—free self-registration at wilderness boundaries
- •Six wilderness areas: Lost Creek, Mount Massive, Collegiate Peaks, La Garita, Weminuche, South San Juan
- •Maximum group size of 12 people in wilderness areas
- •Mountain bikes allowed on trail except within wilderness areas (must use detours)
- •No campfires above treeline; fire bans common during summer—use stoves only
- •Pack out all waste; LNT principles required
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
- 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
Key Landmarks
↑
89,000ft
Gain↓
89,000ft
Loss⛰️
13,271ft
High📏
486.0mi
Distance📐
0.3%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•11 landmarks
Landmarks (11)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for CT Thru-Hike.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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CT Thru-Hike FAQ
How do I get a CT Thru-Hike permit?
CT Thru-Hike 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 CT Thru-Hike?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally 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?
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 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
Can't Get a CT Thru-Hike Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Colorado Trail Section Hikes
Easier AlternativeTackle the CT in sections over multiple trips. Popular sections include Kenosha Pass and the San Juan Mountains.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Sample the best without full commitment. Requires multiple trips and logistics.
Continental Divide Trail (Colorado)
Similar ExperienceThe CDT shares some routing with the CT and offers a longer wilderness experience through Colorado.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
More remote and challenging but less developed infrastructure.
Collegiate Loop
Same Area160-mile loop combining Collegiate East and West routes with connector trails.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Complete loop without end-to-end logistics. Captures the CT's finest alpine terrain.