Colorado Trail

[10mm-man]

Ok, sorry for the delay.  First bit of advice is to buy the book:
http://www.shop.coloradotrail.org/Of...ion-GUIDE8.htm
But check details against a map. For instance, her book was wrong about the distance from the trail to the town of Creed ( 30 miles, not 10 - kinda significant when you're planning to run in for a resupply).  This is a new edition though, so it might be fixed.  

We cached food at Marshall pass and near Camp Hale.  You can drive pretty close to where the trail crosses the road, then hike in enough to find a hiding spot.  She ate much less than planned (or cached).  She would typically eat one hot meal per day (lunch), and a small but high-energy breakfast/dinner.  She found that she just wasn't that hungry. She covered 15-20 miles per day.

Near Creed, there are 3 passes in close succession, she was above timberline all day, and weather/lightening risk can be skethcy.  Look at that area closely and plan accordingly.

Go light.  Read "Beyond backpacking".  A good trail shoe will serve you better than a heavy hiking boot, for the terrain you're covering.  She didn't carry a tent.  A poncho served as raingear, as well as shelter at night (with creative use of Paracord).  As weight was a concern, she carried a Taurus Ultralight .38+p, about 13 oz.

Wildlife: She awoke once surrounded by a flock of sheep than had wandered into her camp - startling, but not dangerous.  Another morning she woke up and her sunglasses were missing.  They had been by her head, but we're gone.  She found them about 20 yards away, chewed up pretty good.  Apparently a mischievous squirrel had paid a visit in the night.  She woulda been hurtin if she hadn't found them.  No bears or cats seen, but fresh bear tracks, and once she thinks she heard a bear grumbling from some brush.  She purposely never cooked food where she camped overnight.

Only occasional cel coverage.  I heard from her every 2-3 days, sometimes just a message.  I had cut out the pages from the Colorado Road Atlas, and taped them together to show the entire trail, and kept track of her progress (so I'd know where to start looking...).

I bought her a collection of CDs of USGS maps of the trail.  She was able to print off pages so she only packed the maps necessary.  We included maps for upcoming trail segments in her food caches.  I don't know if these are still currently available, but I found this one used: http://www.amazon.com/iGage-Colorado.../dp/B00005NCXY
(just remember, they're about 8-9 years old).

The Trail undergoes periodic maintenance and re-routes, so check with the Colorado Trail Foundation for the latest updates before you go.

That's all I can think of right now.  PM me if you have other questions, and I'll ask the missus.

I want to take the time to "Thank You" for taking the time to post all this and share with us all.... I am going to do some more studying. 15-20 miles a day for 500 miles is an A$$ kicker! AMAZING lil lady you have there!

Thanks!

[Fentonite]

I want to take the time to "Thank You" for taking the time to post all this and share with us all.... I am going to do some more studying. 15-20 miles a day for 500 miles is an A$$ kicker! AMAZING lil lady you have there!

Thanks!

No problem brother. Good luck!