Some friends (3) and I are doing a section of the Colorado Trail from Elk Park (getting there via Durango-Silverton Railroad) back to Durango in a couple of weeks (mid-August). Are there any bear issues currently being reported (or a specific area currently or in the past with bear activity) that one would advise our carrying bear canisters? We've had lots of exposure to the bears in the Smokies and certainly do not want to lose our food; but we don't want to haul a bear canister if bear activity is non-existent. Of course we'll hang our food, but it would be helpful to hear from others having done this section already, and their experiences. The guide book also mentions a 24-mile section without any water - from Hotel Draw Rd to Kennebec trailhead. Since we don't want to blow through this 24-mile segment (nor not fit enough), is it possible to drop down of of the ridge to find water along the way? If so, which side (east/west); location; and how far down do we need to hike? If there is a campsite close to these water sources we may decide to make it a destination and camp for the night. Thank you for your help.