Colorado Trail
~35 days · 512.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Colorado Trail is known for
Colorado Trail is a 28-42 (thru)-day backpacking route in Colorado.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 21,440 ft to 42,185 ft over 512.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 218.3 mi · 43%
- Downhill 191.0 mi · 38%
- Flat 94.3 mi · 19%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Colorado Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Colorado Trail scores 80/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Colorado Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Colorado Trail in about 35 days (34 nights out) over its 512.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Colorado Trail?
The Colorado Trail climbs roughly 93,041 ft total — about 181 ft per mile, topping out near 13,264 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.