Since Waterton Canyon is closed this year, what alternate routes are you using? Looks like the Colorado Trail website has a couple of alternates. Which one are you taking?
Since Waterton Canyon is closed this year, what alternate routes are you using? Looks like the Colorado Trail website has a couple of alternates. Which one are you taking?
"So what if theres a mountain, get over it!!!" - Graywolf, 2010
Hello Graywolf,
My tentative start date is the last week of June and I was planning on contacting Trailguy to see if he is available to shuttle from Mineral Station to the nearest open section of the trail.
If he is not available this is my back-up plan using public transportation and hitching/walking. I have put together from online information and hope that it is accurate:
- Denver Rapid Transit Bus 63X: (pick up schedule at airport) From Mineral Station in Littleton take bus 63X south. Exit bus at junction South Plate Cyn Road and Waterton Road (nearest bus stop is Hwy 121 and Kassler Road). Walk/hitch south on Waterton Road c. 1.6 miles to junction Waterton Road and North Rampart Range Road. Turn right-south on N. Rampart Range c. 2.3 miles to North Roxboro Park Road. Turn left-east to entrance to Roxborough Park. Walk-hitch c. 3.2 miles on Carpenter Peak trail.
- Carpenter Peak Trail starts about 0.6 miles from the visitor center in Roxborough St Park. The distance to the top of Carpenter Peak is about 2.5 miles, and it is all uphill. Right before the summit, there is a turnoff with a sign that reads "Colorado Trail and Waterton Canyon". The mileage from the sign to the CT at Strontia Springs Dam is about 3 miles. The Roxborough trail is very well maintained, with good views, and much more shade -There is no water available on the Roxborough route.===approx 13 mile hike from bus stop to CT===
I would be interested to hear what others are planning.
Hike well,
Pacer
Pacer, thanks. I too am planning in June. I will be going to Colorado Springs first to visit a friend and hike to the top of Pikes Peak. I was thinking of the Roxbourgh route myself... Maybe we will meet up on the trail.. If you wouldlike a hiking partner let me know..
This trip is still pending. I am on a tep job now and if it ends sooner than expected, I may just hit the AT, so I will see.. I will keep everyone informed..I have to remember Trail Guy..
"So what if theres a mountain, get over it!!!" - Graywolf, 2010
I did a trip to Roxborough to check out this alt start. I think it is superior to the Waterton start (with the caveats of an entrance fee, can't leave cars there, no camping, etc.) and the Indian Creek trail.
http://www.pmags.com/november-foothills-hiking
This doc may help, too:
http://www.pmags.com/colorado-trail-end-to-end-guide
Paul "Mags" Magnanti
http://pmags.com
Twitter: @pmagsco
Facebook: pmagsblog
The true harvest of my life is intangible...a little stardust caught,a portion of the rainbow I have clutched -Thoreau
I assume you will be hiking the Barr Trail up Pike's Peak. If this year turns out to be "normal" there will still be snow covering the Barr Trail above Barr Camp.
I hiked it on July 4 a couple of years ago. By then, the trail was passable but there was still some snow. Take your microspikes or crampons.
Shutterbug
Shutterbug, yes, we will be hiking up Barr Trail. I just learned of this trail from my friend who lives in Colorado Springs. I have been reading the website and the Barr Camp website getting information and prep. Yes, Being Colorado, and over 13000 feet one must always be prepared for snow at all times of teh year.. I was caught in the July Blizzard of 1995 in the Collegiate Wilderness. I was prepared so had a great time, but if I didnt do my research, that could have turned into a dangerous situation..
I am looking at the possibility to just skip the first section of the CT and just use connetor trails to link me up with the CT out of Colorado Springs.. Outside of the Ring the Peak trail, I cant find a good connector trail. Does anyone have any thoughts on this??
"So what if theres a mountain, get over it!!!" - Graywolf, 2010
I'm probably starting at Roxborough in late June or early July. I know someone in Castle Rock who should be able to give me a ride there.
I did the Barr Trail up Pikes in late June a couple years ago. The last mile or mile and a half was pretty much completely covered in snow, but it wasn't much of a problem. I recommend staying at Barr Camp on the way up. Great hosts.
Have fun. Maybe I'll see you on the CT.
"So what if theres a mountain, get over it!!!" - Graywolf, 2010
Ditto Shutterbug's Roxborough route up the Carpenter Peak Trail. Take to the peak though and then backtrack a bit.
Thanks Paccer for the detailed bus info.
Thanks Graywolf for the clarification. I did not see any walk-in rate on the park's website. Regardless, $7.00 is a small price to pay to get to the trail, and help support Roxborough at the same time.
Meant to say thanks Shutterbug. Haven't found yet how to edit a post already submitted.
TPaccer, that was my question to. Thanks for asking it, and thanks Shutterbug for answering it.. This is going to be a blast of a hike..Hope to see all outthere. Hey Paccer, ssend me a messgae. I will send you my email. If we dont meet up we can at least keep each other abreast on Trail conditions..
"So what if theres a mountain, get over it!!!" - Graywolf, 2010
Paul "Mags" Magnanti
http://pmags.com
Twitter: @pmagsco
Facebook: pmagsblog
The true harvest of my life is intangible...a little stardust caught,a portion of the rainbow I have clutched -Thoreau
Paul "Mags" Magnanti
http://pmags.com
Twitter: @pmagsco
Facebook: pmagsblog
The true harvest of my life is intangible...a little stardust caught,a portion of the rainbow I have clutched -Thoreau
7bucks is not bad and it helps the State Park...No prob there..
"So what if theres a mountain, get over it!!!" - Graywolf, 2010