COLORADO TRAIL TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
No hassle travel to and from the CTR.

Colorado Trail Transportation Guide

So you’ve made the decision to race or tour the Colorado Trail, planned your resupplies, and picked out your gear. Now it’s time to get to the trailhead. The Colorado Trail is fairly easy to access on either end since the race starts in towns. With our Colorado Trail Transportation Guide, getting there is even easier. However, like any travel, there are some small hurdles. Compared to the Tour Divide or the Arizona Trail, transportation for the CTR is a snap.

The only real challenges are parking, limited airline options at the Durango airport, and getting from Durango back to Denver. None of these are hard to overcome. Keep reading, and this Colorado Trail Transportation Guide will lead you right to the trail.

Note: Almost all data has been collected from third-party sites and could change without notice. Be sure to do your own research.

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The race is on August 11th, 2024. It will start in Waterton Canyon (Denver) at 4 am.*

*The race is typically always on the second Sunday of August and travels NOBO on odd number years, and SOBO on even number years.

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WHICH AIRPORT TO FLY INTO?

For the Colorado Trail Race (CTR), the two best airports to fly into are Denver International Airport (DEN) or Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) depending on your start/finish. The beauty of the CTR is if you’re in a pinch you can ride your bike from either airport to the start of the race or from the finish. Shuttles, train, and bus options can be found below.

Choosing these airports provides the most straightforward and convenient access to the Colorado Trail, minimizing travel time and hassle as you prepare to embark on your adventure.

CTR map - Colorado trail - Colorado Trail Transportation Guide - Colorado Trail Guide

Denver International Airport

For a Southbound SOBO start or NOBO finish of the Colorado Trail Race (CTR), the best airport to fly into/out of is Denver International Airport (DEN). This airport is the closest major airport to the Waterton Canyon Trailhead, with a travel time of approximately one hour by car. Denver International Airport offers a wide range of flights from numerous airlines, making it a convenient option for travelers.

You have a few options to get from DIA to Waterton Canyon. They include having a friend drive you, ride your bike, taxi, Uber, train, bus/shuttle, or any combination of any of these. You can find details on all these in the Transportation section below.

The full list of airlines that service DIA includes:

Durango

For a Northbound NOBO start or SOBO finish, the best airport to fly into/out of is Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO). This airport is the nearest to the Junction Creek Trailhead, the southern terminus of the Colorado Trail, with a travel time of approximately 35 minutes by car or 1 hour and 25 minutes by bike to downtown Durango. While Durango-La Plata County Airport has fewer airline options compared to Denver, it is the most convenient airport for accessing the trailhead. The short travel time from the airport to the trailhead makes it an ideal choice for starting your NOBO journey.

They do offer rental cars if you’re looking to drive back to Denver or else where after you finish (See the transportation section for more).

Getting to and from the airport is pretty straight forward. Google Maps directions are linked below for convenience in the Transportation Options section.

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

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Whether you’re heading northbound (NOBO) or southbound (SOBO), the Colorado Trail offers many options to get to the start or back from the finish. Both the starting and finishing points are conveniently located in towns, making access to public and private transportation straightforward. Your options include driving, riding your bike, taking a train, bus, or shuttle, or renting a car. Additionally, ride-sharing options can often be found through Facebook or Craigslist, providing even more flexibility for your journey.

DRIVING

DENVER – It’s a 50 minute drive and 47.9 miles to Waterton Canyon from DIA. Driving directions (Be aware some routes have tolls).

DURANGO – It’s a 25 minute drive and 14.7 miles to Durango from the DRO airport. Driving directions.

RIDING

DENVER – The ride from DIA to Waterton is 50 miles and takes abour 4.5 hours. Riding directions.

DURANGO – The ride from DRO to Durango is 14.4 miles and takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. Riding directions.

TRAIN

DENVER – Taking the train involves some logistics but think about it as “urban logistics” practice for the race itself. Here’s what you do:

Find your way to Level 1 by following signs for the “Transit Center”.
Take the RTD train to Denver’s Union Station. The cost is roughly $9.00, one way.
Once to Union Station make your way 1 block to the Light Rail Line and board the C line to Mineral Station, roughly $4.50 (multi regional pass). From here you have two options.
Option #1 – Ride your bike via the paved path at the end of the station, which is near the 7 Eleven store across the street to Chatfield State Park, and then finally a dirt road to the Waterton Canyon TH. This map will help you navigate the park.
Option #2 – Call a taxi or request an UBER (roughly $11-16)

DURANGO – N/A

BUS

SHUTTLE

TAXI

DENVER –

Transportation Providers	Information
Public Bus	Website
Shared Ride Service	Website
Taxi	Website
Mobil App Services	Website
Charter Buses	Website

DURANGO –

Transportation Providers	Phone
Animas Transportation	970-259-1315
Buck Horn Limousine	970-769-0933
Celerity Limo	970-640-7545
Durango Cab	970-259-4818
High Up Tours & Transportation	970-238-0136
Mountain Limo	888-546-6894
Wilderness Journeys	970-731-4081

RENTAL CARS

DENVER –

Company	Phone Number/Website
Alamo Rent A Car	(877) 222-9075 \| website
Avis Rent A Car	(303) 342-5500 \| website
Budget Rent A Car	(800) 527-0700 \| website
Dollar Rent A Car	(303) 317-0598 \| website
Enterprise Rent A Car	(800) 261-7331 \| website
Fox Rent A Car	(800) 225-4369 \| website
Hertz Rent A Car	(800) 654-3131 \| website
National Rent A Car	(877) 222-9058 \| website
Payless Rent A Car	(800) PAY-LESS \| website
Sixt Rent A Car	(888) 749-8227 \| website
Thrifty Car Rental	(800) 367-2277 \| website
York Car Rental	(720) 588-9968 \| website

DURANGO –

Rental Car Company	Reservations Phone Number	Local Branch Phone Number
Alamo	(800) 462-5266	(970) 247-3944
Avis	(800) 331-1212	(970) 375-7831
Enterprise	(800) 261-7331	(970) 385-8648
Hertz	(800) 654-3131	(970) 247-5288

Getting From Denver to Durango or Durango to Denver

Whether you’re heading northbound (NOBO) or southbound (SOBO), the Colorado Trail offers various transportation options to get to the start or back from the finish. Both the starting and finishing points are conveniently located in towns, making access to public and private transportation straightforward. Options include driving, riding your bike, taking a train, bus, or shuttle, or renting a car. Additionally, ride-sharing options can often be found through Facebook or Craigslist, providing even more flexibility for your journey.

Denver to Durango

– Bus

You can take the Ride Bustang to Grand Junction (GJ). The bus is the West Line and leaves Denver Union Station Gate B19 [DUS] at 7 am and arrives at the Grand Junction Airport 2828 Walker Field Dr. at 12:50pm. A ticket will cost you $43.00. From the Ride Bustang website about bikes:

“You may bring up to 3 pieces of luggage to stow underneath the bus. Bicycles, skis, or snowboards each count as one piece of luggage.“

Once to GJ you take Bustang to Durango. The bus leaves GJ at 1:30 pm and arrives in Durango at the Transit Center 250 W. 8th St. at 7:10 pm. A ticket will cost you $43.00. From the Bustang website about bikes:

“Customers may transport non-motorized and motorized bicycles, e-bikes and stand-up scooters on Bustang vehicles operated by ACE Express Coaches at any time without a permit subject to the following requirements:

May not exceed 80 inches in length or 40 inches in height

Not excessively muddy, dirty or greasy”

– Train

You can take Amtrak from Denver (Union Station) to Grand Junction (339 South 1st Street). A ticket will cost you about $125 not including your bike which should be another $20. From the Amtrak website:

“Each passenger can check up to 4 bags – 2 free of charge and 2 for $20 per bag, each not to exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg), 75 linear inches (length + width + height).”

The train ride is 7h 44m. Which means it’s longer than the bus, more expensive and you wouldn’t make the connecting bus to DGO. With that said the train ride is supposed to be beautiful!

– Ride Share

You can also try Facebook or Craigslist.

Durango to Denver

– Bus

Take the Bustang from above to Grand Junction (6:32am to 1:00 pm). The Bustang West Line #723 will take you from Grand Junction to Denver’s Union Station (3:00pm to 9:20pm).

– Train

The train leaves Grand Junction at 9:53 am and gets to Denver Union Station at 6:27 pm. Price is the same but slightly longer going eastbound, 8h 34m.

– Ride Share

Western Slope Craigslist

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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 »

PARKING OPTIONS

Parking can be a challenge no matter which trail you’re on, and the CTR is no different. You have some options, but it’s ultimately up to you to decide if you feel safe leaving your car unattended for the duration of your race or tour. The options below should help make the process a bit easier so you can focus on the trail and not your car.

Denver:

Waterton Canyon Trailhead: Parking is available, but you must inform Denver Water in advance. More information can be found on the Colorado Trail Foundation’s website. They also provide information on using local RV dealers as a parking option.
Park-n-Rides: There are multiple Park-n-Ride lots around the city. The two closest are:
- Ken Caryl & Shaffer Pkwy Park-n-Ride, 7450 Shaffer Pkwy., Littleton
- South Santa Fe & Mineral, 3203 West Mineral Avenue, Littleton
The first 24 hours are free, then it’s $2.00 per day, with a 30-day limit. These are public lots without security and should be used at your own risk.
Denver International Airport: Parking is available with various rates and details on their website.

Durango:

Street Parking: There is no rule against parking on the street in Durango, but there is an “Abandoned Vehicle” law. From the time someone reports your car, you have 10 days before it’s towed. Depending on how long it takes for someone to report it, you might have enough time to get back to your car.
Durango Transit Center: Call (970) 375-4960 to inquire about parking. Depending on availability and circumstances, they may sell you a 1-2 week pass for their day-use lot, but there is no guarantee as this is not an official program.
Durango Airport: Parking is available with various rates and details on their website.

The most reliable option is to use a shuttle service or arrange for a friend or family member to help with transportation. However, coordinating with someone who doesn’t know exactly when you’ll finish can be challenging.

Another option is to ride to or from the trailhead. Both trailheads are relatively close to the airports compared to the length of the race itself.

SHIPPING / FLYING YOUR BIKE

To ship or to check your bike on the plane, that’s the question. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, I’ll leave the decision up to you. What I will do is offer some helpful information about both options to make your decision easier. You only have two options. #1 carry your bike on the plane. #2 Ship it.

Plane

Charges range between $50 and $150 for most airlines. Don’t forget size limitation when boxing your bike. Most require your boxed bike be less than 62 inches in combined size (length plus width plus height) or charges may apply.

Just like with resupplying doing your homework pays off when flying. If you’re willing to look, there are “hacks” to get around paying for traveling with your bicycle. With so many airlines, there’s to many for me to research, but don’t hesitate to do some research yourself. You just might find a deal.

Ship

Shipping allows you some flexibility in how you get your bike to and from the race. Typically you have three options:

Personally box & ship (costs range but start around $70-200 for a cardboard box, but actual cost is determined on weight, size and location).
Outsource to your local bike shop.
- $50 to box (prices vary)
- Plus shipping cost (costs range but start around $70-200 for a cardboard box, but actual cost is determined on weight, size and location).
Use Bike Flights
- Boxes, Pick up, Delivery, Insurance, Tracking and more! Amazing service, worth checking out.
- Adventure Cycling Association – receive 10% discount on boxes and cases at Bike Flights, along with a list of other discounts from other companies.

Bike Flights is an affiliate partner. This means by clicking their logo above and booking your bike shipment you’ll be supporting the Project. Thanks!

Pro-Tip

Remember to remove any Co2 cartridges before shipping or flying with your bicycle. Also consider putting any lubes in a ziplock bag, just in chase the pressure makes them leak.

Shave time and tape by not fully taping up your box up at home. TSA will most likely go through it with you before they accept it or you’ll have to remove items to be under the weight restrictions.

BAILOUT OPTIONS

The CTR is an incredibly hard route and as statics show about only half of those who start it finish. This means bailing out off trail or in a small town. This section offers racers/riders transportation options to get to a major hub so they can get home. Knowledge of your route is important, for more CTR information checkout our CTR Resource page.

BRECKENRIDGE

Breck is probably the easiest place to get out of. GO Breck website has a whole list of options.

You can also rent a car here too. Breckenridge Rental Car

COPPER MTN

Some of the same options listed above in the Go Breck link above service Copper Mtn. That said, your best course of action is to jump on the free shuttle in Copper and take it to Breck. You’ll have more options for food, lodging, and travel. Use the Transit App for routes and schedules.

LEADVILLE

The Transit App works for Leadville as well. You can take a bus to Breckenridge from here.

BUENA VISTA

Amtrak offers a bus service once a day to Denver International Airport. It’s a third party bus and most likely does not allow bicycles. You’d have to ship your bike before you left town.

Bustang offers a bus service from here to Denver.

SALIDA

Amtrak offers a bus service once a day to Denver International Airport. It’s a third party bus and most likely does not allow bicycles. You’d have to ship your bike before you left town.

The same bus service from Bustang in Buena Vista makes a stop here as well.

SILVERTON

San Juan Backcountry has a bus that will get you to Durango.

The Colorado Trail Fountain has a shuttle list one can use as well. Another resource is the Farout App. If you look in the comments section under certain POI hikers/bikers will list trail angels / shuttles.

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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