I spent the first couple of miles trying to convince myself that my rain jacket was a great insulator (not true) and that my bare legs would regain feeling once I started the serious climbs of this segment (mildly true). It’s about protecting what sustains us. It is not for the faint-hearted. Start: Copper Mountain. It’s a shirt. The trail begins by climbing through a clear cut forest. Gold Hill Trailhead to Copper Mountain Pics of Segment 7: From the Back of the Pack Date: Aug 28, 2011 Total Distance: 15.3 mi Hike-a-Bike: 7.5 mi Total Time / Moving Time / Stopped Time: 6 hrs 17 … I’m also perfecting the art of balancing them against my body when I take pictures – nearly every mile on this segment. Osprey Celeste 29L:  It’s always a nice reprieve to carry a daypack after a couple weekends of backpacking. This pack definitely could have fit my puffy and a pair of long pants to keep me warmer at the start of this hike. The following devotion that I recently came across struck a chord with me: There is something embedded in us that draws us to the horizon. The rain jacket that I tried to force into being a puffy in the pre-sunrise hour of this hike. It’s a good rain jacket and shell layer, but certainly not an 800-fill-power down jacket. Nate Hills rides Segment 7.4 of The Colorado Trail with Botsy Phillips and James Weingarten. Some portions were pretty steep. Horseshoe Gulch, Hay Trail, Red Trail + Colorado Trail. This was my favorite section of this segment: a gentle downslope with 360 degree views. Hike the whole thing or take it in these suggested hiking-trail segments over mountains, lakes and towns. Colorado Trail Segment 7 – Copper to Breckenridge. It’s about nourishment and learning. Colorado Trail: Segment 7 | White River National Forest Breckenridge to Copper Mountain, CO | 08/31/19 | 13.78 miles | 3,760 gain I was finally ready to get back on the CT after more than 2 years. Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,600 feet. Endpoints: Gold Hill Trailhead to Copper Mountain Colorado Trail — Segment 7. With about three and a half miles above treeline, I treated this hike as I would any Colorado 14er - start early and get back below treeline by noon. Type: day hike. The views from here are spectacular and stretch for miles in every direction. Yep, we're slackers, slack-packers that is. I'm a Minnesota native currently living in Denver. August 18, 2019 Anthony Backpacking Trip, Colorado Trail, Photo Gallery. Distance: 13.2 miles Elevation gain: 3674 feet Elevation loss: 3053 feet Open to bikes: yes. Honestly, I had a hard time getting used to these at first. It was way colder than I expected for an early morning midsummer (below 40! ), so I wore all my layers to start. Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles Review, 19 Things 2021 Appalachian Trail Hikers Need to Know, Hiking Fanny Packs: The Ultimate Thru-Hiking Accessory, 5 Things You Should Know About the Lone Star Hiking Trail, 5 Books You Need to Read to Better Appreciate the Outdoors, Best Deals from the Backcountry Post-Cyber Sale. Marmot PreCip: The rain jacket that I tried to force into being a puffy in the pre-sunrise hour of this hike. It is amazing. The Breckenridge / Frisco area has a unique situation that allowed for us to hike segment 7 at a more leisurely pace, if that were possible. But, I like the lighter weight and knowing they’ll dry out fast if they ever get soaked. Segments of the CT. Segment 7 begins at Goldhill Trailhead, just off Highway 9 and located halfway between Breckenridge and Frisco. After the high point, the trail follows the top of the ridge along the ski area boundary. Please enjoy responsibly, with beverage in hand. My New Yeti- https://bit.ly/YetiSB150spec2020 The Colorado Trail never disappoints. What a fun week it’s been. Credit: Nate Hills We believe good things come from people spending time outside. What saved me was an alternate shoe-tying method: the heel-lock method prevents my feet from moving around so much. Dogs: Colorado Trail segment 7 is dog friendly hike, but be sure to pack lots of water for your pup as the miles do get hot and long, especially in the summer. The trail follows this ridge for a short distance before beginning the long descent to Copper Mountain. After the stream, the major uphill began. I made it all the way down to the base of Copper Mountain around 12:30 with unexpectedly sore legs from the steepness of the climbs and declines. MAP: Trails Illustrated PERMITS: none (easy self-registration for wilderness areas) DESIGNATION: primarily 7 different National Forests BEST SEASONS: July, August, September DISTANCE: 485 miles from Denver to Durango WATER: I thru-hiked with 4 liters capacity. Here are the photos from my recent section hike of the Colorado Trail. Shortly after, I reached the high point of the trail and an excellent snack break location. The segment starts off with a large climb on miles 3-7, works through a beautiful 5 mile field with endless views and ends in a valley. Get Here. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. You’ll reach a junction with the Wheeler Trail and follow it down all the way to the highway. The full stretch is divided into 28 segments of 11-31 miles. Colorado Trail: Segments 1-8. It’s a shirt. At the high point of Segment 7, you’re not far from a Breckenridge chairlift. Colorado Trail (Segment 7) is a hiking, mountain biking, road biking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Summit County, CO. Trees lie strewn and mangled throughout a valley, showcasing the incredible power of this natural phenomenon. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Distance: 13.2 Miles. This planning guide covers when to go, which direction, navigation, dangers, section highlights, elevation, wildlife, terrain difficulty, how long it takes and more. Like. Segment 7: Gold Hill Trailhead to Copper Mountain. A very old athletic t-shirt I wear instead of tank tops to prevent my backpacks from chafing my shoulders. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Hello,McFly, McFly, anybody home? Distance: 12.5 miles, depending on variations. Total Length 13mi; Elevation Range All rights reserved. The Breckenridge / Frisco area has a unique situation that allowed for us to hike segment 7 at a more leisurely pace, if that were possible. Now until further notice. But, I like the lighter weight and knowing they’ll dry out fast if they ever get soaked. Yep, we’re slackers, slack-packers that is. It took me just over five days to hike from the Waterton Canyon trailhead all the way to Breckenridge. The Colorado Trail is one of the longest, more arduous, yet most rewarding bikepacking routes in the US. I started to see some more hikers on this side. From here, the west side of the range becomes visible and the Copper Mountain ski resort comes into view as well. I somehow overlooked section 7. End: Gold Hill TH. Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail is 32.7 miles long; it runs from Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge. Obviously, Alex did not join me. Enjoy & research Summit County, Colorado with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. This pack definitely could have fit my puffy and a pair of long pants to keep me warmer at the start of this hike. I would definitely go back and hike more of that trail in the future. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? La Sportiva Ultra-Raptor Trail Runners: I got these on somewhat of a whim back in January. Segment Six of the Colorado Trail. I could see the point where I was heading, many thousands of feet below. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Virtual Tour of CT - Segment 7: Goldhill to Copper Mountain. With about three and a half miles above treeline, I treated this hike as I would any Colorado 14er – start early and get back below treeline by noon. They were all walking (read: pushing) their bikes uphill, not appearing to be having wild amounts of fun. We are not entirely at home here. Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail is the longest of the 28 segments that make up the trail, but it's certainly beautiful, every step of the way. Colorado Trail: The Entire MTB Route - IMBA EPIC; Description Warning: this is a difficult trail at extremely high altitude. End: Gold Hill TH. WOW! My family did the first 3 segments last summer in four days, 3 nights camping. The 500-mile Colorado Trail is one of the nation's premier long-distance hiking trail and runs from Denver to Durango. Starting from Tennessee Pass at US Hwy 24, this segment of the Colorado Trail tracks southwest with a gentle, mostly level, path through the forest. I got a larger size than normal at every article about thru-hiking shoes’ advice, but got blisters at first with my heels moving all over the place. Colorado Trail Segment 3 . The trail is divided into 28 different segments, each beginning at a trailhead accessible by vehicle. Trail on Redskin Creek, Morrison Creek, Buffalo Creek, and Tramway Creek in Pike National Forest. I’m also perfecting the art of balancing them against my body when I take pictures – nearly every mile on this segment. I got these on somewhat of a whim back in January. Segment 7 (and its logical companion, segment 8) are, in my opinion, the best and most scenic segments on the Colorado Trail … Backpacking Mile 0-19.7. Virtual Tour of CT - Segment 7: Goldhill to Copper Mountain. (Read about our 2017 journey on Segments 1-6 … I completed segments 7-11 in 6 days and 5 nights. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. ELEVATION: average ~10,300 feet ROUTE: well maintained, popular trail, signed junctions GUIDEBOOK: Colorado Trail 9th Edition DATA BOOK: 7th Edition I regret now, after reading your post and seeing pictures. There is also abundant wildlife along the Colorado Trail, ranging in size from small pika and marmot, to bear and moose. Although, I do find that I need to re-tie the shoes a couple times over a day of hiking. Who We Are. It’s a good rain jacket and shell layer, but certainly not an 800-fill-power down jacket. Segment 7 begins at Goldhill Trailhead, just off Highway 9 and located halfway between Breckenridge and Frisco. NOTE: The end of CT - Segment 8 and the start (southbound) of Segment 9 are both at that parking lot so make sure you are on the right trail! I took frequent breaks and reminded myself to slow down. The parts of the trail that I did hike were absolutely breathtaking. Hello,McFly, McFly, anybody home? While parking is available, a free shuttle system runs daily between many of the local towns and is a convenient option for those looking to avoid driving (or looking to get back to their vehicle after a hike). Thanks for your support! As always, please keep your dog on a leash whenever possible during this hike since it can be heavily trafficked with day use hiking and biking. It is not necessarily a hard trail, but between the distance and the elevation at Georgia Pass, it … I saw several bikers in this area, though none were actually backing. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. Nate's #followcamfriday social distancing alpine tour 2020 continues with this 3000ft classic descent. Colorado Trail – Segments 7-11. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. I drove from Florida and would leave my car at the various trailheads of the particular sections that I hiked. I saw much of the Breckenridge ski resort from above. These boys came in extra handy on this section, which was really steep! The sunrise over the mountains was spectacular, including a rainbow of colors and views of the Dillon Reservoir. I've been gradually leveling up my hiking game from short day hikes to backcountry overnighters. I got a larger size than normal at every article about thru-hiking shoes’ advice, but got blisters at first with my heels moving all over the place. Segment 7 of the Colorado Trail links Breckenridge to Copper Mountain – a twenty minute drive along the highway, but a six hour trek that gains more than 3,600 feet (and loses most of that too). Champion Tshirt: A very old athletic t-shirt I wear instead of tank tops to prevent my backpacks from chafing my shoulders. Eventually, after one last steep climb, the trail comes to an incredible vista with views of nearby Dillon Reservoir, and of course the ever nearing Ten Mile Range. As you near the end of this segment, keep an eye out for the remnants of a recent avalanche. Segment 7 of the Colorado Trail links Breckenridge to Copper Mountain - a twenty minute drive along the highway, but a six hour trek that gains more than 3,600 feet (and loses most of that too). Shortly thereafter you’ll reach Highway 91 and the end of segment 7. Day hikers and section hikers can easily find their way to new segments of trail, while thru hikers can still enjoy a wild and rugged four to six week journey. Leaving my bed in Denver at 4am was less than pleasant, but I arrived at the Gold Hill Trailhead  and started hiking by 6am. I’d expected a much busier trail, but very few people witnessed my wheezing. What saved me was an alternate shoe-tying method: the heel-lock method prevents my feet from moving around so much. Now it's time to step it up again: I'm section hiking the Colorado Trail. Colorado Trail Segment 7 Goldhill Trailhead to Copper Mountain . The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. One of the best segments of the Colorado Trail, Segment Six is best enjoyed as a point-to-point backpacking trip. The trail then dips steeply back towards and into the trees. How to thru-hike the Colorado Trail from end to end complete with a detailed and zoomable interactive map of the entire 486 mile long distance trail. It passes through 8 major mountain ranges, 7 national forests, and 6 wilderness areas. Highlights include the Collegiate Range, where multiple 14ers are just off trail and can easily be climbed, and the San Juan Mountains, where the trail remains above tree line for days at a time and climbs to elevations of over 13,000’. Steep climb and descent. The trail climbed for the first couple of miles through open trees, then declined through a logged area to a stream. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. So, we look beyond the oceans and deserts and mountains to the stars, and we wonder why. Busy on weekends. For 485 miles between Denver and Durango, the Colorado Trail (CT) winds over rocky, 13,000-foot peaks and passes, through wildflower-filled meadows, in and out of dusty mining towns, and past snow-clad vistas as it draws a line through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. So I decided to ride it with my friend John Bissert, from Copper to Breckenridge. © 2020 Outdoor Project. Below is a description for Colorado Trail Segment 7. Distance: 13.2 Miles. The Colorado Trail is divided into 33 segments which includes a choice of two routes in the middle, Collegiate East and Collegiate West.See the map on our maps page for a quick look at the segments.. Colorado Trail Segment 7 of 28. Total Length 12mi; Elevation Range Although, I do find that I need to re-tie the shoes a couple times over a day of hiking. Colorado Trail Segment 7 of 28. Segment 7 of the Colorado Trail starts near Tiger Road off highway nine on the west side of the road. A good estimate for the whole thing might be 40 days although some great hikers can do it much faster. Even better, I could fully enjoy that view since the trail leveled out for the next mile or so. This area has recently been decimated by beetle-kill, sadly a common sight along the Colorado Trail. During a small window in the summer, the snow clears to unveil an epic high altitude through-ride on some of the best trails in the Rocky Mountains. Just before treeline, there is a set of steep switchbacks. After a brief descent, the trail continues to climb, often steeply, as it heads through a burn area and towards Miners Creek. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. From this point onward segment 7 is simply stunning. If you hike or ride the entire segment, it is 32.9 miles. The Colorado Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization that oversees the care and improvement of the Trail. As an alternate, continue on the Colorado Trail for about a mile to reach the Center Village at Copper Mountain with many restaurants, a small grocery store, and shopping. Interactively explore all 500 miles of The Colorado Trail between Denver and Durango using topographic maps and satellite imagery. A Board of Directors and three full-time employees oversee the work of hundreds of volunteers who devote thousands of hours each year to keep the Trail in good condition. Do not ride this if there is any chance of thunderstorms. At This Time (my pandemic catchphrase), the plan is to section hike the first undefined chunk, and thru-hike another large chunk over a couple weeks. This accessibility is what makes the Colorado Trail special. It traverses eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas and stays above 10,000’ for the majority of the trail. In addition to being able to see the rest of the Ten Mile Range stretching to the south, you can also see the ski resorts of Breckenridge to the east and Copper Mountain to the west. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. I met some incredible humans on trail, and have found myself a wonderful little tramily. The cool thing about Segment 7, however, is that it would be very easy to section hike solo, since the Summit County shuttle can take you between Copper and Breckenridge, albeit more slowly than a car. A friend, who’d happened to camp nearby over the weekend, picked me up and drove me back to my car. I'm just as curious as you to see how that plan will go, so stay tuned! Colorado Trail Segment 4 is by far the most pretty of the first 4 segments while working through 16.6 miles of hiking and 3,330 feet of elevation gain. Colorado Trail Challenge – Segment 7. Completed in 1987, the Colorado Trail stretches 485 magnificent miles from Denver to Durango. Segment: 7 Miles: 13.2 Includes maps, descriptions, virtual tours, and driving directions to every main and alternate access point. hike; ride; Last year when my son Kyle and I did the Colorado Trail, we had to route around Segment 7 because of wildfire. Along the way it meanders through high alpine mountains and valleys, offering a glimpse at some of the finest terrain Colorado has to offer. It was an amazing trip … It's one of my favorites--incredibly scenic, but also challenging, with 5,196 ft of elevation change (up) and 5,968 feet of elevation change (down). Once I made it up, the trail opened up to an awesome view. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. It’s always a nice reprieve to carry a daypack after a couple weekends of backpacking. Hiking Poles: These boys came in extra handy on this section, which was really steep! Honestly, I had a hard time getting used to these at first. Start: Copper Mountain. I hiked sections of the CT this past summer. 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