开云体育

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 开云体育
  1. JMT
  2. Topics

Alternatives

 

It is interesting that The Colorado Trail book states that the distance from the CT (Spring Creek Pass) to Lake City is 17 miles and goes on to say: ".. probably too far for most backpackers to travel to resupply..."
 

In 2014, there was supposed to be a regular shuttle sponsored by trail angels in Lake City but for some reason it didn’t show up. Since the shuttle time was at noon, there was theoretically time to walk into town before nightfall once I realized that it wouldn’t show up but I’m sure glad that I didn’t have to walk the entire way. I believe Creede was the other resupply option from that pass but I had sent a box to Lake City.?

Somehow, these snafus on trail have a way of becoming fond memories in the long run. Kind of like “type 2 fun”…?
 

Your story makes me glad about about my decision to turn around and go pick up a couple of hikers at the pass and take them into Lake City a couple of years ago.? ?It took me a few seconds to process why they were there and hitching so I couldn't stop in time.? ?The first available turn around spot is a bit down the highway as well.? That might explain why it might be a difficult place to get a ride.


On Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 12:26?PM ravi_jmt2013 via <ravi=[email protected]> wrote:
Getting to Lake City was difficult for me as well. There was a lot of traffic but no one stopped at the trailhead for at least an hour.? I started walking and a few miles later someone took pity on me and stopped.? Getting back to the trail was easy. Someone at the hostel offered a ride.?
 

Trail angel. :-)
 

I was looking into Collegiate Loop logistics today and learned that the Clouds Hostel in Leadville provides shuttles to Twin Lakes for $45-50. Leadville is accessible by bus from Frisco via Summit Stage (), which has connecting service to Breckenridge, as well as direct service by shuttle from Denver’s airport via summit express ().
?
One of the nice things about Leadville is its high elevation over 10,000 feet so an extra day could be spent there before starting a hike.
?
For those doing just the Collegiate West rather than the loop, transit is available from Monarch Crest to Salida M-F in summer () and getting to Denver is possible via bus (). Of course this should all be verified before a trip but it looks like either a Collegiate West one way hike or the full loop should be possible without hitchhiking.
?
 

One of the downsides of the loop and indeed much of the non-wilderness portions of the CT is the presence - and active encouragement from the CT Foundation - of mountain bikers.

 

That’s true on many parts of the CT. Actually the place where I remember the most bikes was right after Monarch Crest heading southbound. For the most part, bikers were courteous but it does inevitably away from the wilderness experience when they are present. The other thing to watch out for is the timing of the Leadville 100 ultramarathon which uses part of the collegiate west. As much as the Sierra Nevada can be frustrating with permits, the upside is the absence of such issues!
 

A few years ago the CT Foundation said they were actively encouraging MTB's on the trail because "It should be open to everyone'. I quit the foundation after that and told them why.
Let us hope this never happens to the Sierras.


On Fri, Feb 14, 2025 at 3:21?PM ravi_jmt2013 via <ravi=[email protected]> wrote:
That’s true on many parts of the CT. Actually the place where I remember the most bikes was right after Monarch Crest heading southbound. For the most part, bikers were courteous but it does inevitably away from the wilderness experience when they are present. The other thing to watch out for is the timing of the Leadville 100 ultramarathon which uses part of the collegiate west. As much as the Sierra Nevada can be frustrating with permits, the upside is the absence of such issues!
 

On a Sunday in early Sept 2015 I counted 120 bikes passing me going south from Monarch Pass. Put me in a foul mood for the rest of the day. Cherish the wilderness and hope it never allows bikes. CO is the mt biking epicenter.
?
Judy McGuire
 

开云体育

I was lucky in 2018 in that I passed through the busy mountain bike areas mid-week so I didn't encounter too many large groups. Anyone planning this hike should try to avoid these areas on weekends if possible.

Frank

On 2/15/2025 6:47 AM, judithsmcguire via groups.io wrote:

On a Sunday in early Sept 2015 I counted 120 bikes passing me going south from Monarch Pass. Put me in a foul mood for the rest of the day. Cherish the wilderness and hope it never allows bikes. CO is the mt biking epicenter.
?
Judy McGuire

--
Frank

21 - 30 of 30