Planning for the Colorado Trail in 7 steps
EASY TO FOLLOW STEPS TO GET YOU ON THE CTR.

Colorado Trail Planning Guide

So you’re planning to race or tour the Colorado Trail. In the past, organizing such a journey was time-consuming and complex, with essential information scattered all over the web. Understanding the challenges of planning long trips, I created this Colorado Trail Planning Guide to simplify the process for you.

A bikepacking trip and planning one raises many questions. What gear should you bring? How do you get to and from the trail? And perhaps the most frequently asked question: how do you resupply? Answers to these and many other questions can be found throughout this page and on our other CTR-focused pages. Follow these seven steps to plan your own race or tour of the Colorado Trail. Remember, this guide should supplement your own research to maximize your chances of success.

Planning is the single most critical factor that can affect the outcome of your Colorado Trail Race or Tour. More information means more options, which equates to a better chance at success. Knowing key details like the route and resupply points is essential. The bottom line is: “DO YOUR HOMEWORK!” Read on to plan your own race or tour of the CTR with this comprehensive Colorado Trail Planning Guide.

Table of Contents:

Step 1: Race or Tour?

Step 2: Pick a Date

Step 3: Which Direction To Go?

Step 4: Setting Up An Itinerary / Resupply Schedule

Step 5: Gear

Step 6: Training

Step 7: The Shakedown Ride

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STEP 1: RACE OR TOUR

Racing Pros:

Challenge and Achievement: Racing offers a unique physical and mental challenge, pushing your limits and providing a significant sense of accomplishment upon completion.
Community and Camaraderie: Racing alongside other competitors can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
Test Your Abilities: Racing allows you to test your abilities against like-minded individuals, providing a competitive edge and motivation.
Structured Timeline: Racing provides a clear start and end date, helping with time management and logistics.
Competitive Spirit: For those who thrive on competition, racing offers an opportunity to test yourself against others.

Touring Pros:

Flexibility and Freedom: Touring allows you to set your own pace, take breaks, and enjoy the trail without the pressure of competition.
Scenic Enjoyment: More time to appreciate the beautiful landscapes, take photos, and explore interesting spots along the way.
Reduced Physical Stress: Touring at a slower pace reduces physical stress and lowers the risk of overuse injuries.
Opportunities for Interaction: More chances to interact with locals and other travelers, enriching the overall experience.
Rest and Recovery: Ability to take rest days and recover as needed, making the journey more enjoyable and less strenuous.

Racing Cons:

Intense Physical and Mental Demands: Racing is physically and mentally demanding, requiring excellent fitness, endurance, and mental resilience.
Limited Time for Exploration: The focus on speed means less time to explore, enjoy scenic spots, and take in the surroundings.
Higher Risk of Injury: Pushing hard to stay competitive increases the risk of injuries and accidents.
Minimal Rest and Recovery: Racing involves long days with little rest, which can be exhausting and stressful.
Logistical Challenges: Planning for resupply, navigation, and bike maintenance on a tight schedule can be complex and stressful. Not to mention you don’t have a choice of direction or starting time.

Touring Cons:

Longer Time Commitment: Touring takes more time, which may be a constraint for those with limited vacation days or tight schedules.
Logistical Complexity: Managing food, water, and gear over a longer period can be more challenging.
Weather Exposure: Spending more time on the trail increases exposure to variable weather conditions.
Heavier Gear Load: Touring often requires carrying more gear for comfort and self-sufficiency, which can slow you down.
Potential for Loneliness: Depending on the season and route popularity, touring can sometimes feel lonely without the constant presence of other racers.

Both racing and touring the Colorado Trail offer unique and rewarding experiences. Your choice depends on your personal goals, physical conditioning, available time, and preference for either a competitive challenge or a leisurely adventure. Whether you choose to race or tour, thorough planning and preparation are key to a successful and enjoyable journey.

STEP 2: PICK A DATE

Race

The race is on Aug. 11, 2024 at 4am at Waterton Canyon.

Touring

Racing is not for everyone. For a successful tour, consider planning your trip between July and September. Keep in mind, this window coincides with monsoon season, so aim to get over high passes and down to lower elevations by early afternoon to avoid afternoon storms.

Snow can still linger on higher passes and north-facing slopes in early July. August is generally the best month for touring, as snow has melted and temperatures are more stable. By September, snow and cold temperatures become an issue once again.

STEP 3: WHICH DIRECTION TO GO?

Before 2015, the Colorado Trail Race always traveled north to south. Starting in 2015, the direction alternates yearly: on odd years, the race runs south to north, and on even years, it runs north to south. When touring the Colorado Trail, you must consider several factors in choosing your direction of travel, as each direction has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore these below.

Northbound (NOBO) – Durango to Denver

Pros:

Physically Easier Progression: The terrain generally becomes less challenging as you head north, making the latter part of the journey physically easier.
Scenic Start: The trail starts in the stunning San Juan Mountains, offering immediate breathtaking views.
Less Crowded: Fewer hikers and bikers start in Durango compared to Denver, leading to a less crowded trail experience initially.

Cons:

Challenging Terrain Early: The San Juan Mountains are rugged and challenging, with a significant elevation gain of 4,000 feet in the first 20 miles.
Snow and Weather: Snow lingers longer in the southern section of the trail due to its higher average elevation, which can affect early season conditions.
Logistics: Reaching Durango can be more logistically challenging than Denver for some travelers.

Southbound (SOBO) – Denver to Durango

Pros:

Easier Start: Starting in Denver allows for a more gradual introduction to the trail, with less challenging terrain initially.
Logistics: Denver is a major city with better access and more amenities for starting your journey.
Finishing in Durango: Finishing in the scenic San Juan Mountains can be a rewarding and picturesque conclusion to your trip.
Seasonal Benefits: Starting in Denver later can avoid lingering snow in the southern sections.

Cons:

More Crowded: The trail can be more crowded initially, as more hikers and bikers start in Denver.
Longer Season Snow: Snow lingers longer in the southern sections, potentially delaying a start if there’s a heavy snow year.
Logistics: Getting home from Durango can be more challenging as it’s a much smaller city than Denver and has less travel options available.

Both directions offer unique advantages and challenges. Your choice should be guided by your logistical preferences, desired start time, and personal conditioning. Proper planning and consideration of these factors will help ensure a successful and enjoyable journey on the Colorado Trail.

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STEP 4: SETTING UP AN ITINERARY / RESUPPLY SCHEDULE

Racing

Even if you’re racing, having a general plan of where you want to be and how long it should take you to get there is crucial. Consider creating a chart or PDF that shows resupply spots along the route, including mileages, hours of operation, and distances between them. Include when you should ideally reach each spot based on the number of days you hope to finish in. To account for variations in conditions or your own performance, provide data for a range of days. Keep this information on your phone for easy access.

If this sounds too time-consuming, you can purchase one of The Project’s Planning Aids instead.

Touring

Like racing, having a loose plan of where and when you want to be at certain locations is beneficial when touring. Knowing your resupply options, distances between food and water sources, and key spots you want to visit will help in planning your trip.

Make note of any particular locations you definitely want to stop at or any side trips you might want to take. Don’t forget to plan for travel time to and from the trailhead. If you’re touring, consider planning a zero day for rest and recovery.

Whether you’re racing or touring the CTR, having a basic itinerary is beneficial. You don’t need to stick to it rigidly, but creating one helps you familiarize yourself with the route. An itinerary keeps you focused and reminds you of your goals.

For more details on itineraries, check out the “Bikepacking: Pre-Trip Considerations” post. It covers a wide array of subjects, including planning, gear, health and personal considerations, and dealing with electronics.

The Colorado Trail Foundation and the jwookieone.com are good reference points.

To the right, you’ll find an example itinerary, with a link to make a copy. This link also provides access to Gear Lists, a Planning Checklist, a Mail Drop Sheet, and a Food Planner.

This spreed sheet is available on Google Docs, Please go to “Edit”, then select, ” Copy”. When pasting use Control(Command) – Shift – Paste or it won’t work. You’ll have to adjust column sizes. Then make all the changes you like! Happy planning and trails.

Pro-Tip

A big part of setting up an Itinerary is knowing what’s available and how difficult something is. Do you due diligence and collect all the information you can.

The above maps are meant to compliment our Planning Aids, and help riders plan their resupply before they leave and while on trail. You can also use them as GPX back ups on your phone.

Colorado Trail Race Rider Survey

The Project conducts an ongoing rider survey to assist new riders in selecting the right gear for the Colorado Trail Race. Embarking on an adventure like the CTR can be daunting, and the planning process overwhelming. We hope this survey will aid new riders in their preparation and execution of their Colorado Trail ride, ensuring they are better equipped for their adventure.

If you haven’t taken the Colorado Trail Race Rider Survey yet, we encourage you to participate through the links below.

***Please pay close attention to the examples provided for questions requiring typed answers. If responses are not entered exactly as shown in the examples, I will need to correct them, which can skew the results. Thank you in advance!

TAKE SURVEY 1

Covers: bikes, suspension, tires & wheels, drivetrain, and Components.

SURVEY 1 RESULTS

TAKE SURVEY 2

Covers: navigation planning, camping, logistic/travel, clothes, and more.

SURVEY 2 RESULTS

COLORADO TRAIL RACE PLANNING AIDS

Welcome to The Project’s Planning Aids, designed to bridge the gap left by the lack of high-quality planning tools within bikepacking. As a Triple Crown thru-hiker, I’m accustomed to comprehensive planning resources, and I noticed that bikepacking needed similar quality tools. That’s why I developed these resources to make your Colorado Trail adventure as smooth and well-prepared as possible.

Our planning aids include four distinct styles to help you plan your ride:

The Data Sheet offers the most detailed information, including distance, elevation +/-, resupply options, notes and more for key POI.
Town List provides cumulative distances between POI, and does the math so you don’t have to.
Mileage Chart and Elevation Gain Chart are simple graphs showing cumulative mileage and elevation gain between POI.

Each tool serves a unique purpose to support your planning and navigation needs.

Explore our offerings to find the perfect combination for your needs and get ready to conquer the CTR! Don’t forget to checkout our online Colorado Trail Resources as well.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The race runs southbound/westbound on years ending in an even number and those planning aids have a BLUE band.
The race runs northbound/eastbound on years ending in an odd number and those planning aids have an RED band.
All planning aids are based off the 10k GPX file.

BUNDLES DATA SHEET / TOWN LIST MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

BUNDLES

Small Bundles:

Big Bundles:

1 2

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

One package including our two most popular planning aids.

Data Sheet
Town List

1 2

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

One package including all of our planning aids.

Data Sheet
Town List
Mileage Chart
Elevation Gain Chart

Available in both SOBO and NOBO versions and ONLY in US Standard units.

Small Bundle – $40.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $10 when you bundle!

Big Bundle – $60.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $20 when you bundle!

Buy Now »

DATA SHEETS / TOWN LISTS

Data Sheets:

Town Lists:

1 2 3

Gives you the most information of any planning aid.

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Key POI.
Elevation / Pop of POI.
Mileage numbers.
Distance to next.
Elevation +/-.
Max & Min. elevation between POI.
Pavement sections.
Key water sources.
Shows bike shops.
Resupply options.
Important notes.
Elevation profile.
Finish Target Times.

1 2 3

Similar to the Data Sheet, with slightly less information, but displayed showing cumulative mileage and elevation gain.

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Key POI.
Mileage.
Distance on/off trail.
Important notes about POI.
Cumulative distances to up coming POI.
Elevation Gain to reach up coming POI.
Key water sources.
Shows bike shops.
Finish Target Times added.

All versions of the Town Lists are ONLY available as part of the Small or Big Bundles.

Available in both SOBO and NOBO versions and ONLY in US Standard units.

Data Sheet – $25 + Tax (CO only)

Buy Now »

MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

Mileage Charts:

Elevation Gain Charts:

1 2 3

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Quickly find the total mileage between any two POI along the route.

Shows bike shops.
Works for both directions.
Key water sources.

1 2 3

Click “Buy Now” button below to visit 1/7 Store with larger examples and more details.

Quickly find the total elevation gain between any two POI along the route.
- Shows bike shops.
- Works for both directions.
- Key water sources.

The Mileage and Elevation Gain Charts are ONLY available as part of the Big Bundle.

Big Bundle – $60.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $20 when you bundle!

Buy Now »

STEP 5: GEAR

Choosing the right gear is crucial before embarking on the trail. Depending on your pace, you could spend two weeks or more on the CTR, encountering every type of weather imaginable. With countless hours in the saddle, it’s essential to have gear that is reliable, thoroughly tested, and comfortable. Be sure that you thoroughly test your set up with multiple Shakedown Rides.

Under the gear section in the menu, you’ll find two gear lists for the AZTR: one detailing what I initially brought, found in my post “My Proven Triple Crown Bikepacking Gear,” and another with updates on what I took and what I would change if I Rode the CTR Again, along with the reasons why. You can also check out our CTR Rider Survey to see what others have used on their rides.

Bikepacking Gear List / Photo - Tour Divide Planning Guide - Arizona Trail Planning Guide - tour divide guide

STEP 6: TRAINING

When preparing for a race or tour as demanding as the CTR, training goes beyond just physical conditioning. As the old adage goes, “It’s 90% mental and 10% physical.” To tackle the CTR, you’ll need to focus on both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Everyone’s training approach is unique, so the list below is just a foundation to start with. It’s based on my own experience, highlighting what made the CTR challenging for me and how you can prepare effectively.

Here’s how to get ready:

Build Endurance: Focus on long rides to mimic the sustained effort required. Aim for back-to-back long rides on weekends, gradually increasing your mileage. Incorporate multi-day rides to simulate the back-to-back days of cycling.
Strengthen Your Core: A strong core is crucial for handling rough terrain and long hours in the saddle. Include exercises like planks, Russian twists, and leg raises in your routine.I signed up for a conditioning class and it was the best decision I made pre-race.
Practice HAB: With an average of 70 total miles of HAB, the CTR requires strong hiking legs, great HAB system (HAB bars inside your controls and a balanced load), and good MTB shoes that one can comfortable walk miles in.
Ride on Similar Terrain: Train on trails and rugged terrain that resembles the CTR’s conditions. This helps you adapt to the technical aspects, improves your bike handling skills, and will toughen you up.
Practice Bikepacking: Get accustomed to riding with a loaded bike. Practice with the gear you plan to use, ensuring your setup is comfortable and functional over long distances. Practice packing and unpacking, and get efficient at both, it will save you a lot of time and teach you what works and what doesn’t.
Nutrition and Hydration: Experiment with different foods and hydration strategies during training to find what works best for you. Proper fueling is key to maintaining energy and stamina. Remember that you might be resupply from gas stations or small camp stores. Learn how to find the nutrition your body needs from these kinds of locations.
Mental Preparation: The CTR is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Train your mind by setting small goals, managing discomfort, and developing strategies to stay motivated during tough stretches.
Rest and Recovery: Incorporate rest days and recovery periods into your training plan to avoid burnout and injuries. Listen to your body and allow time for adequate recovery.

By focusing on these key areas, you’ll build the endurance, strength, and mental resilience needed to tackle the Colorado Trail successfully.

STEP 7: Do a Shakedown Ride

Testing your setup is crucial. Don’t assume that just packing your gear and checking the tightness will suffice. Take your loaded bike out for a ride. This will help you understand how it handles, identify any rattles or rubs, and, most importantly, discover what doesn’t work.

An untested setup can lead to unnecessary stress during your race or tour. Invest time in a thorough Shakedown Ride to eliminate potential issues and become accustomed to riding with a loaded bike.

Consider these tips when testing your setup:

Iterate and Adjust: Perfection doesn’t come on the first try. Experiment with different configurations to find what works best for you.
Balance Your Load: Ensure your gear is evenly distributed to maintain stability and control.
Address Uncertainties: If you’re unsure whether a component or setup will work, resolve these doubts before heading out.
Test Electronics: Thoroughly check your GPS and other electronics to ensure they function reliably. Know how to trouble shoot issues that might arise.
Secure Bottles: Bottles mounted on forks and down tubes are prone to falling off and rubbing. Verify that they’re securely attached to avoid losing essential water-carrying capacity.

By thoroughly testing and refining your setup, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Support the Colorado Trail Foundation

Although the Colorado Trail Foundation is not affiliated with the race, they are the dedicated stewards responsible for managing and maintaining the trail. Thanks to their efforts and the support of their members, we have the privilege of enjoying this incredible trail. Please consider donating, become a member, or joining a work crew of the Colorado Trail Foundation to support their ongoing work and ensure the trail remains in excellent condition.

More Helpful CTR Resources

Everything you need to plan a bikepacking trip on the CTR.

Colorado Trail Guide Bikepacking

Your ultimate bikepacking guide to the CTR.

MY GEAR LIST FROM THE CTR

COLORADO TRAIL RACE

A detailed look at what I used on the CTR, what worked and what didn’t.

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the CTR again.

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.

Bikepacking Resources

CHECKOUT ALL OUR GUIDES

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Planning for the Colorado Trail in 7 steps

Colorado Trail Planning Guide

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STEP 1: RACE OR TOUR

Racing Pros:

Touring Pros:

Racing Cons:

Touring Cons:

STEP 2: PICK A DATE

Race

Touring

STEP 3: WHICH DIRECTION TO GO?

Northbound (NOBO) – Durango to Denver

Pros:

Cons:

Southbound (SOBO) – Denver to Durango

Pros:

Cons:

STEP 4: SETTING UP AN ITINERARY / RESUPPLY SCHEDULE

Racing

Touring

Colorado Trail Race Rider Survey

COLORADO TRAIL RACE PLANNING AIDS

BUNDLES

Small Bundles:

Big Bundles:

DATA SHEETS / TOWN LISTS

Data Sheets:

Town Lists:

MILEAGE / ELEVATION GAIN CHARTS

Mileage Charts:

Elevation Gain Charts:

STEP 5: GEAR

STEP 6: TRAINING

STEP 7: Do a Shakedown Ride

Support the Colorado Trail Foundation

More Helpful CTR Resources

MY GEAR LIST FROM THE CTR

COLORADO TRAIL RACE

“IF I RODE…” SERIES

CTR

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help.

CHECKOUT ALL OUR GUIDES

Support the Project