In 2012, the Colorado Trail Foundation began to co-manage the western portion of the loop along with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Very useful information for our trip this year. Photo by Francesca Governali. While I do describe my destinations and routes, it is your responsibility to properly research any destination and prepare and equip yourself for any conditions that may exist. Ice cream at the Monarch Pass General Store. By planning our daily mileage carefully according to our fitness levels and the terrain, we were able to enjoy a healthy mix of challenge and relaxation. There is an abundance of smaller sections and day hikes to be explored along the route, including several of Colorado’s popular 14,000 foot mountains, or 14ers, such as Antero, Princeton, Yale, Shavano, Tabeguache, La Plata, and Huron. I don't have a map that I can share but the loop uses the Colorado Trail on its eastern side south of Twin Lakes, then heads back north on the CDT where the two trails meet just south of Monarch Pass. Lunch: Wrap with PB&J or some combination of hummus, tuna, carrots, cucumber, & cheese. 710 10th Street, Suite 200 Photo by Dru Falco. We encountered no issues with animals on this trip. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Our group enjoyed some delicious meals on the trail! Underwear optional. The Collegiate East and West meet each other at both ends forming a 161 mile loop. This loop has become known as the Collegiate Loop. Photo by Dru Falco. Favorites included burrito bowls, mac & cheese, gado gado (peanut sauce and noodles), couscous, and instant potatoes. Appendices, index, bibliography. We've heard of some people hiking the opposite direction to get the hard part over with first and then the trip from Elkhead Pass to HWY 24 is downhill the entire 12 miles. Historically, Collegiate East has been part of the CT, and Collegiate West part of the CDT. We each carried individual clothes and gear, and split up our group gear between the three of us. Dru Falco is an avid hiker, runner, and outdoor explorer. One member of our party used an Ursack (bear-proof bag), and two others hung their food in trees. Photo by Dru Falco. This page is not intended to be used as a guide. However the 4 miles from Vicksburg to Elkhead Pass is very steep, according to my GPS profile track data. Photo by Dru Falco. To keep your energy levels high between breakfast and dinner, focus on eating high-calorie foods like nuts, cheese, and chocolate every two to three hours. There are several places to pick up a pre-arranged resupply from a friend, including Twin Lakes, Avalanche Trailhead, Mt. We primarily used Guthook’s CT & CDT guides, which are available for purchase on iOS and Android devices. For loop hikers, I recommend starting with the East – it’ll be a good warmup for the steeper hills in the second half of your trip. The trail to the left goes a short distance to Twin Lakes and Silver King Lake, both are managed trout waters.On day 4, our boys stay and hang around base camp, while Larry and I take out to hike some of the local peaks, Iowa and Missouri Mountains.On day 5, we hike North and go over Elkhead Pass at an elevation of 13,250 ft. We reach Vicksburg, via the Missouri Gulch Trail. Hiking the Collegiate Peaks Loop was an incredible experience. Princeton Trailhead, Monarch Pass, and the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead. Many loop hikers park either at the Twin Lakes Reservoir or at Monarch Crest, and take a leisurely two weeks or more to see the sights. Alpine Mountain Biking on the CDT: St.Elmo-Alpine Tunnel-Tincup Loop, Mountain Biking the Monarch Crest: Twice is Nice, The first view of a higher mountain in the first few miles, No shortage of views even at the lower elevations, Looking toward ridge off of Waverly Mountain, Morning sun on I believe Missouri Mountain, Hiking through a low meadow near Clear Creek, The Three Apostles starting to come into view, I'm not sure but I think it may be Ice Mountain, Looking up the Continental Divide from the pass, Entering the meadows below Cottonwood Pass, It may not look bad but it was cold and raw here, You can just barely tell there are mountains in the background, Making sure my Marmot brand rain jacket wasn't, Marmots weren't the only rodent in the area, Ponds on the south side of Chalk Creek Pass, Short window of clear skies over Hunt Lake, Not so great visibility on the Monarch Crest, The first window of visibility all morning, Starting to get views as I'm ready to leave the Monarch Crest, Looking into the South Fooses Creek drainage, At least there not actively bleeding anymore.