Bikepacking the Colorado Trail - Day 1 - The Start. No turning back!

Waterton Canyon to Wellington Lake
Featuring a thunderstorm 5 minutes before we got the tents up.

In 2021, four roadies attempted to ride the Colorado Trail with van support. After seven long, miserable days, we had to pull the plug in Silverton exhausted and devastated. Three of us returned in 2023 with improved mountain bike and bikepacking skills to attempt the trail again, this time choosing to bikepack unsupported. This is our revenge trip.

The Colorado Trail bikepacking route goes from Denver to Durango and includes 539 miles, 72,500 ft of climbing, and an average elevation over 10,000 ft. The high point is 13,270 ft and is part of a 20 mile section of trail that does not drop below 12,000 ft a single time. Bikepacking.com rates the difficulty as a 9.

Despite the rugged terrain, altitude, remoteness, and logistical difficulties, the views and experiences along the way make for an truly memorable trip.

https://bikepacking.com/routes/bikepa...

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