Why I chose to hike the Colorado Trail

This summer, I plan to hike the nearly 500-mile-long Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango. The trail, which runs through the Rocky Mountains, is known for its stunning views and wildlife. While the views are one of the biggest reasons I chose this trail, some of the other reasons I do so go beyond the scenery. I’m using this trail as a learning experience for hiking in alpine climates, in preparation for a bigger trip next year. I’m also excited to share the adventure with my dad on his first hike.

Experiencing one of the most beautiful trails in America

The first reason is simple: I want to experience one of the most beautiful long trails in the United States. The Colorado Trail has a lot to see, from alpine lakes and high peaks to all kinds of wildflowers and wildlife. When I hiked the Appalachian Trail last year, I met many people who said the Colorado Trail was the most beautiful trail they had ever hiked. I’m excited to change the landscape, as I’ve hiked almost exclusively along the East Coast of the United States for most of my life.

Preparing for the Triple Crown of the Border to Border Calendar Year

The second reason is preparation. In 2027, I plan to attempt a border-to-border calendar year triple crown. Crossing the entire Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, there is plenty of alpine hiking to do. I’ve only had to hike a couple of times before in an alpine climate. I’ve been to Maroon Bells in Colorado and Glacier National Park, but both trips were at most five straight days of hiking. Hiking the Colorado Trail will give me a better understanding of what it’s like to be in an alpine climate for an extended period of time. Between altitude and climate acclimatization, I want to learn how my body responds to an area like the Colorado Trail. Deciding to hike the Colorado Trail seemed like an important step toward confidence in a border-to-border calendar-year triple crown.

Sharing my dad’s first walk

The last reason for this hike is that it is my dad’s first hike. I am very grateful that you are joining me on this trip, as in my opinion it makes it easier and much more enjoyable to walk with someone while hiking. I feel like the Colorado Trail is one of the best long distance trails to introduce someone to hiking. It has incredible scenery and the trail is difficult but also manageable for an amateur hiker. At the end of the day, hiking is more about the trip itself than getting from point A to B. It’s also a nice full circle moment where I can show my dad the ins and outs of hiking when he was the one who first taught me how to backpack.

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