Description: From Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass – Head up through Copper’s cross country ski trails, past Janet’s Cabin, and over two passes – you’ll find yourself looking down at Lake Dillon and the ponds at Climax, near Leadville, CO. From here you’ll descend into Camp Hale, and back up through the forested single track to Tennessee Pass.
Suggestion: Do it as a point-to-point and shuttle your car, or as an out-and-back run/hike.
Options:
Self-Supported – Head West to East (Tennessee Pass to Copper and back), you can filter water/stock or restock in Copper before heading back.
Credit Card Run – Go from Tennessee Pass to Copper, spend the night in Copper, and run back the next day. All you need is a credit card AND reservations!
Point to Point – Leave a car at Copper Mountain, and one at Tennessee Pass for an afternoon test of machismo.
Location: From Denver, take I-70 West, past Frisco to Copper Mountain Resort. You can access this trail from the west side of Hwy. 9. Look for the Colorado Trail sign in the woods along the highway. Underneath the Eagle Lift of Copper Mountain Resort, look for the white rock with the Colorado Trail logo.
Logistics: You can reserve cabins through the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. Camping is available; most people camp right off the trail, just avoid undisturbed ground. Cell phone coverage along the trail is spotty. Dogs are allowed. There is a free Summit Stage bus which runs between Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Copper – giving you even more options!
Length: 24.33 miles *each way
Elevation: 3,823-foot elevation gain
Terrain: Beautiful, rugged, you’ll either be heading up or coming down, pine forests, snow on the peaks at any time of the year.
Season: There is not an “open” or a “closed” date for the CT, but the season is considered best in July-August. It is recommended that travelers start no earlier than late June, because high elevations plus tree slopes can retain troublesome snowpack into July. It is also recommended to finish the trail/course by September, before snow becomes plentiful. Watch out for lightning when above the tree-line (esp. between July – end of August).
Details: Prepare for a wide range of temps (30-80 deg.) Synthetic fabrics, layers, rain shells, etc. are recommended, cotton is not.
Shop: The CT Store and Colorado Trail Foundation.