All articles tagged with #colorado trail
In preparation for her second attempt at hiking the Colorado Trail, the author made several changes to her training, gear, and food plan. She focused on targeted cardio and strength training, upgraded her tent, backpack, and shoes to reduce weight, and joined a nutrition resource for backcountry adventurers. She also took medication to prevent altitude sickness and spent time acclimating in higher altitudes before starting the trail.
The hiker continues their journey on the Colorado Trail, marveling at the beauty of the alpine tundra and golden mountains. They push through fatigue and fear, finding unexpected motivation after a falling tree narrowly misses their tent. The hiker completes the section earlier than planned and treats themselves to a milkshake before reflecting on the purpose of their journey. They hitch a ride to their hostel in Salida and have a meaningful conversation with a fellow traveler about self-discovery and societal expectations.
The hiker reflects on their challenging journey through the Colorado Trail, battling nightmares, heat, and self-doubt. They push themselves to reach their goals but question if the pressure is breaking or building them. Despite the hardships, they find moments of peace and rejuvenation in the beauty of the landscape. The hiker successfully navigates Georgia Pass and receives a message symbolizing a new chapter. They camp near a stream, contemplating their pace and enjoying the simple pleasures of being in nature.
The author reflects on their experience transitioning from the Appalachian Trail (AT) to the Colorado Trail (CT). While both trails have a supportive trail community, the CT lacks shelters, making it easier to hike solo. The physicality of the trails also differs, with the AT being more forested and the CT more sun-exposed. Additionally, the tradition of trail names is more prevalent on the AT compared to the CT.