Originally Posted by
Coffee
Getting into Breck is pretty easy with the free bus system and it is easy to avoid a long wait at the road by downloading the schedule ahead of time and timing arrival (taking a break in a better spot if needed to time it well). I remember there being an early bus to get back on trail. I used the local bus system to slack pack between Breck and Copper Mountain. I spent two nights in Breck at the hostel and would do that again.
I resupplied in Salida and stayed at the hostel taking a zero there. The hitch in was interesting ... I got to Poncha Springs and then had to hire a taxi for the rest of the way. Would suggest confirming with the driver that he's heading into Salida before accepting a ride since hitching on a busy road in a place where hikers aren't common is not easy. I arranged a shuttle back to the trail at the hostel. I would probably send a box to Monarch Crest if I do the CT again.
The hitch to Lake City took a long time but I got there and hired a shuttle to get back on trail. I'd probably do that again, or perhaps walk into Creede.