Why I start the Colorado Trail a month early in a year with little snow

The drought in the West weighs heavily on my mind this year, especially as I sit down to plan my Colorado Trail (CT) hike. Most CT hikers hike for 3-6 days before venturing off trail to resupply. This means that between cities, hikers must carry the supplies they need or find them along the way. One of the most essential resources turns out to be one of the heaviest: water.

Most hikers try to reduce the base weight of their backpack to avoid overuse injuries, increase daily hiking mileage, and for added comfort. They do this by packing only the essentials and investing in lightweight or ultralight (UL) gear. For example, UL tents and sleeping bags typically weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. Water, on the other hand, does not come in an ultralight variety. Two liters of water are equal to 4.4 pounds and four liters are equal to 8.8 pounds. In an attempt to avoid carrying these extra pounds, hikers typically carry 1 to 2 liters of water and filter water from streams or lakes as needed. However, there needs to be water in streams and lakes for this to be an option.

A water filtration device, attached to a reusable bottle; Photo courtesy of: https://thetrek.co/author/robin-hopkins/

The 2026 draft will affect the amount of water available to hikers this year and will also result in an increased risk of wildfires.

Why hikers usually start later

Many CT hikers begin their hikes in June, July, or August. Starting too early may mean punching through the snow at higher elevations, but starting too late may result in limited water availability at lower elevations.

One of the main timing considerations is snow coverage in mountainous areas such as the Collegiate West and San Juan sections. Snowless conditions typically occur in mid-July. Regardless of the direction of the hike (northbound (NOBO) from Durango or southbound (SOBO) from Littleton), hikers generally time their hikes through these sections to achieve snow-free or near-snow conditions.

Water availability at lower elevations is another issue to consider. Once peak snowmelt passes, many small streams and rivers fade quickly, often becoming unreliable by mid to late summer in “normal years.”

Why 2026 is not a normal year

Water concerns

A severe drought is in full effect in Colorado. Snow cover usually peaks in early April; As of April 1, 2026, the Colorado Climate Center, along with data from the USDA, reported that the snowpack is essentially melted.

Statewide snow water equivalent (SWE) in the state of Colorado. The black line is the current SWE compared to other years (1987-2026). Source: https://climate.colostate.edu/blog/

According to the Colorado Climate Center, river flow in 2026 will likely increase peak in Apriland small streams may not be available starting in June. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) also reported that the majority of its “flow forecast points” in the Colorado River Basin “produce less than 30% of the average runoff.”

It seems everyone agrees. Less snow + higher spring temperatures = less water and drier conditions earlier in the year, which will likely require hikers to carry extra liters of water along the trail.

The Colorado Trail Foundation has published a update for hikers with considerations for 2026, including:

• Pack a collapsible water bladder to increase water carrying during drier sections, specifically on Buffalo Creek and Sargent’s Mesa.
• Using Farout App to Get Real Time Water Availability Data
• Join the CT 2026 Hikers facebook group for real time information
• Starting earlier, noting that “mid or late June would not be out of the question”

I have used the USDA plotting system to automatically generate the snow water equivalent for Sargent’s Mesa, as shown below. Readers can use this too. tool to evaluate other areas throughout Colorado.

Sargent’s Mesa Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). The black line is the current SWE compared to other years (2009-2026). Source: https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/site-plots/?state=CO

Wildfire concerns

The Colorado Trail Foundation notes that wildfires will be their number one concern in 2026. They reviewed that wildfires themselves are dangerous, but even if wildfires are distant, their effect on air quality results in more difficult hiking conditions, especially for hikers with lung conditions.

The National Interagency Fire Center also released its bulletinwhose states see record March heat and snow drought are major contributors to wildfire risk. It also predicts that most of central and western Colorado will have “significant wildfire potential” in June and July. It also says a monsoon is likely in July and August, with increased rainfall but also thunderstorms and thunderstorms.

The CTF recommends checking the Watch Duty app for the latest wildfire updates.

US Drought Monitor for March 31, 2026 for Colorado, with the Colorado Trail overlaid. The entire state has at least D0 conditions, with extensive extreme to exceptional drought in the western half, including areas through which the Colorado Trail passes. From https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ and the Colorado Climate Center blog. CT trail overlay produced by Britt S. with help from Google Gemini.

How my plans have changed

My original plan was to start hiking in mid-July. Now I’m starting in mid to late June. I feel fortunate to have the flexibility to make this decision.

I have considered the above facts. While trail weather may be more «normal» next year, I have time now. I will probably be practicing medicine part- or full-time by summer 2027, and it will be much harder to set aside 4-6 consecutive weeks for hiking. I considered changing trails, but Colorado is perfect for my first hike since my husband and friends are available in Colorado to help me with resupplies. I’m sticking with this path.

Since I’m new to hiking, I assumed the weight of my backpack would be heavier than experienced hikers. With extra weight to carry water, my daily mileage may suffer. It may take me longer to do the trail than my 5 week goal. I am prepared for that reality.

In the time between writing this blog and starting the Colorado Trail, I will:

• Reduce price increases until May
• Consolidate equipment decisions by the end of May
• Increase my weekly mileage and strength training goals
• Learn to use recommended applications
• Invest in a Garmin inReach device with unlimited text messaging and unlimited live satellite tracking
• Praying for rain

Training for CO Trail with a weekend near Leadville, hike about 10,000′ with my dog ​​Rocky

Thankful for the miles,
Britt

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