Don't kid yourself. There are lots of bears out there. (Particularly in the San Juans.) There were 1162 bear sightings in the Durango area in 2010 alone. (Not a misprint) http://durangoherald.com/article/201...t-know-the-law We had an incident recently where the body of a person camping near town was found partially eaten by a bear. (No conclusion was reached whether he died before or after the bear visit, but they found human tissue in the bear that was snacking on him.)
I have been intimately involved with the Colorado Trail for a number of years and have completed it five times. I have seen fifteen or so bears while hiking, biking, and doing trail work. All but two of those were between Eddiesville and Durango. (Segments 20-28) I have been on the adopter crew for the Elk Creek portion of Segment 24 and bears are commonly seen there. I know of several incidents where bears along the Colorado Trail have relieved people of food, damaged tents, or bluff charged hikers. There ARE some problem bears living along the CT.
We always cook a fair distance from where we sleep and hang our food if possible. The two cord method is definitely superior and recommended. It will almost always work effectively.
It's up to you.