Colorado Trail Day 1: Waterton Canyon

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Colorado Trail, Rockies, Trail Journals | 2 comments

July 23, 2024

  • Start: Waterton Canyon (Mile 0)
  • End: South Platte River (Mile 16.2)
  • Miles hiked: 16.2
  • Weather: Warm, dry, and smoky (from the wildfires in Montana)
  • Elevation: 7,528′ (high point); 5,498′ (low point)

Standing at the Northern Terminus and ready to begin my hike (with 6 heavy days of food shoved inside my pack). Photo taken by David Fanning.
Heading into Waterton Canyon on a mild July morning. Little did I know, two of these three random hikers would end up in my trail family!
Scenic spillway on the South Platte River
After 6 miles, I finally reach the dam and head into the woods
Leaving Waterton Canyon
Smoke from the wildfires in Montana is blowing south into Colorado and obscuring the views
Focusing on the wildlife on the trail
After 16.2 miles, I reach the Gudy Gaskell bridge as it crosses over the South Platte River (the last major water source for miles) and call it a day.
Setting up camp in a primo spot for my first night on trail
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CT Day 2 >>

2 Comments

  1. RV
    RV on May 17, 2026 at 9:47 am

    Hi OP~
    Do you think a 40L pack is too small to take on the CT?

    Reply
    • Paty
      Paty on May 23, 2026 at 11:33 pm

      I guess this depends on when you are planning your hike, how minimal your packing list is, and how frequently you want to resupply. Shoulder season definitely requires warmer gear on the CT, which may not fit comfortably in a 40L pack. Carrying 5 days of food might also be a stretch in a small pack.

      That said, one of the people I hiked the CT with in August 2024 carried a Durston 40L pack. He had his gear REALLY dialed in after his PCT thru-hike and was willing to eliminate almost all luxury items (he literally had no town clothes or sleep clothes), used a single-wall 1P tent, and carried a summer-weight quilt. It was too minimal for my comfort, but perfect for him.

      Reply

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