Colorado Trail: Collegiate West Traverse

Total Miles: 70
Group Size: 5 (including myself)
Meet Time: 8 AM

Join us for a 5-day traverse of the Colorado Trail through the stunning Collegiate Peaks West. This stretch is high, rugged, and wildly scenic — alpine basins, sweeping ridgelines, crystalline lakes, and long views across the Sawatch Range.

This is not a beginner-friendly trip. Expect sustained elevation and long days. Some sections involve long stretches between road access points. Most of this route remains above 10,000 feet, with several extended stretches above treeline.
The reward? Some of the most dramatic terrain on the entire Colorado Trail.

## Plan:

Target mileage: ~15 miles per day
We will start early and hike steadily.
Expect to carry 8–10+ lbs of food.
We will coordinate a shuttle either:

Internally within the group (preferred), or
Through the Colorado Trail volunteer shuttle network.
Planning sessions will be scheduled over Google Meet to review:

Detailed water breakdown
Daily mileage
Transportation logistics
Gear checks
Requirements:

Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/VkERmkk7ChV3f4c27.
Complete a qualifying hike – we do this to ensure everyone’s safety and to make sure everyone is able to respect others. See calendar for upcoming hikes.
Additionally, to join this trip, you must have been on at least one previous Colorado Springs Backpackers outing.

Resources:
The 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html