COLORADO TRAIL RACE RESUPPLY GUIDE

Colorado Trail Resupply Guide

Resupplying on the Colorado Trail is fairly easy. The Project has made it even easier with our CTR Planning Aid. Food is readily available throughout the entire Colorado Trail (CT). With the exception of one area. Finding water shouldn’t be an issue as there’s very few dry sections. Logistically speaking the Colorado Trail Race (CTR) is probably the easiest of the three trails in the Triple Crown of Bikepacking (Arizona Trail, Tour Divide and Colorado Trail). That didn’t stop me from making this Colorado Trail Resupply Guide, to make your life even easier.

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TOWN RESUPPLY OPTIONS

This guide provides essential information on food resupply points, meal planning, and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished on your journey from Denver to Durango, Colorado. Proper nutrition is critical for maintaining energy and stamina throughout the challenging Colorado Trail Race (CTR). Knowing where to find food and how to manage your supplies can significantly impact your CTR experience. Use our Colorado Trail planning aids to enhance your preparation and ensure you have all the necessary information for a successful ride.

Key Areas with Limited Food Availability

While the Colorado Trail Race route includes several towns and resupply points, certain sections have sparse food options. Here are some key areas where you need to be particularly prepared:

Silverton to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs:
This segment is around 181 miles with only one resupply option. Silverton and Mt. Princeton Hot Springs are the primary on-trail resupply points. However, there are six additional off-trail resupply options within this stretch. Most of these off-trail options involve many extra miles and thousands of feet of elevation loss, making them less ideal. For those touring who don’t want to carry extensive food supplies, these off-trail resupplies might be necessary despite the added challenge.
NOBO (Northbound) Challenges:
Northbound riders looking to reach Silverton before stores close have to cover approximately 85 miles and 15k of climbing. It’s crucial to plan your pace and energy output to ensure you arrive during business hours for resupply.
SOBO (Southbound) Challenges:
Southbound riders face a significant push of 145 miles to reach Route 9 in Breckenridge, the first on-trail resupply point other than Stage Stop Saloon which is just a bar. Proper planning and rationing of food supplies are essential to avoid running out before reaching this point.

Planning Your Food Strategy

To effectively manage your food needs on the Colorado Trail Race (CTR), consider the following tips:

Research Resupply Points: Use the detailed information in our Colorado Trail Planning Aids to identify towns and stores along the route where you can restock your supplies. Knowing where and when to resupply can help you avoid running low on food.
Stock Up Early: Ensure you carry enough non-perishable, high-calorie foods when starting from Denver or Durango, depending on your direction and time goals.
Plan for Off-Trail Resupplies: If you plan to use off-trail resupply points, map out the additional distances and elevation changes to incorporate them into your decision process.
Timing is Crucial: For NOBO riders, timing your arrival in Silverton is critical. For SOBO riders, prepare for the long stretch to Breckenridge with sufficient food supplies.
Pack Efficiently: Prioritize foods that are lightweight, non-perishable, and high in calories. Proper packing can help you make the most of your limited storage space.
Stay Flexible: Since many resupply locations are small and offer limited healthy options, be prepared to adjust your food strategy based on availability and conditions. Carry extra snacks for emergencies and be adaptable if your planned resupply point is closed or out of stock.

Meal Planning and Resupply Tips

Effective meal planning for the Colorado Trail Race involves balancing convenience, nutritional value, and weight. Here are some tips and strategies to ensure you stay well-nourished throughout your journey:

High-Calorie, Lightweight Foods: Opt for foods that provide a high calorie-to-weight ratio. Nuts, dehydrated meals, energy bars, and jerky are excellent choices. Pack efficient, lightweight, and non-perishable items to make the most of your limited storage space.
Regular Resupply: Plan to restock your food supplies at major towns along the route. Use our Colorado Trail Planning Aids to identify key resupply points and avoid running low on food. Research and plan your stops in advance to ensure you have access to necessary supplies.
Variety: Incorporate a variety of foods to prevent menu fatigue and ensure a balanced diet. Include sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Mixing up your meals can help maintain morale and energy levels.
Meal Frequency: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Snacking regularly and having more substantial meals at resupply points can keep you fueled and prevent energy dips.
Cooking vs. Non-Cooking: While some riders carry small stoves for cooking, most rely on ready-to-eat foods to save time and reduce the need for additional gear.

By following these tips and utilizing our Colorado Trail Planning Aids, you can effectively manage your food supplies and stay well-nourished on your Colorado Trail Race adventure. Proper meal planning and resupply strategies are crucial for maintaining energy and stamina throughout this challenging route.

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.

To the right, you’ll find our free resource with essential tools for your Tour Divide adventure, including a Mileage Difference Chart, Gear List, Bike Shop List, Planning Checklist, Itinerary, Mail Drop Planner, and Food Planner. This free version offers a solid starting point to kick off your planning.

For those seeking comprehensive and in-depth guidance, our full Colorado Trail Race Planning Aids are your go-to resource. These detailed tools provide the most complete information available, helping you to plan and execute your ride with precision. Check them out for a thorough preparation and maximize your chances of success. Best of luck on your journey!

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.

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!

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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 »

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WATER RESUPPLY OPTIONS

Hydration on the Colorado Trail Race

Proper hydration is crucial for a successful and safe Colorado Trail Race experience. The route, spanning from Denver to Durango, covers diverse terrains and climates, each presenting unique challenges in sourcing and managing water. There are numerous small streams along the entirety of the route. Reliability of these change from season to season and year to year. This guide aims to provide you with essential information about water sources, filtration methods, and best practices for carrying water.

Key Areas with Limited Water Availability

Several stretches of the Colorado Trail Race are notorious for their lack of reliable water sources. Here are some areas where you need to be particularly vigilant:

Stony Pass to Spring Creek Pass:
This section is above the tree line and often lacks reliable water sources. Plan to carry extra water and know your resupply points in advance.
Other Above Tree Line Areas:
Other sections above the tree line can also have limited water availability. Be prepared by carrying sufficient water and identifying potential water sources beforehand.

Insights on Water Carrying Capacity and Delivery Systems

Use your best judgement, filter unknown sources, do your research before you go (The CTF Data Book and the FarOut App are both great resources for water sources). According to the responses from the Colorado Trail Survey, riders use various strategies to manage their water needs:

Water Carrying Capacity: The majority of riders carry between 2 to 4 liters of water. Those touring might consider having a larger capacity due to lower mileage per day.
Preferred Delivery Systems: Hydration Bladders on the bike and Bottles / Hydration Pack and Bottles: These two combinations were tied as the top delivery system. Both offer convenience and simplicity. Hydration Packs allow for easy sipping without stopping and take some weight off one’s bike, which in turns makes all the HAB a bit easier.

Hydration Strategies

To effectively manage your water needs, consider the following tips:

Carry Sufficient Water: Ensure you have enough water for long stretches, especially in areas with limited availability. It’s better to carry extra water to avoid running out.
Use Reliable Filtration Methods: Always filter or treat water from natural sources to prevent waterborne illnesses. Carry a reliable water filter or purification tablets.
Plan Ahead: Use our Colorado Trail Planning Aids to identify water sources along the route. Knowing where and when to resupply can help you avoid dehydration.
Monitor Your Intake: Keep track of your water intake and ensure you’re drinking enough, especially in hot or high-altitude conditions.
Include Electrolytes: Ensure you have a strategy for replenishing electrolytes, especially during hot or strenuous sections. Electrolyte tablets or powders can help maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration.

By following these tips and utilizing our Colorado Trail Planning Aids, you can effectively manage your water supplies and stay hydrated throughout your

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

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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COLORADO TRAIL RACE RESUPPLY GUIDE

Colorado Trail Resupply Guide

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TOWN RESUPPLY OPTIONS

Key Areas with Limited Food Availability

Planning Your Food Strategy

Meal Planning and Resupply Tips

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:

WATER RESUPPLY OPTIONS

Hydration on the Colorado Trail Race

Key Areas with Limited Water Availability

Insights on Water Carrying Capacity and Delivery Systems

Hydration Strategies

Colorado Trail Race Rider Survey

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