Solo Hiking the Colorado Trail

Like any good burnt-out grad, I craved adventure, so I bought a Colorado Trail data book. My friend took two tries to finish it, but I was sure I could do it in one. I picked up an outdated Colorado Trail guidebook, read the first line, and abruptly put it back down saying I had time to plan later. I purchased a used tent online and squirreled away a months’ worth of dehydrated quinoa from my school’s food pantry as a graduation gift. Just as I was gearing up to roll, my neighbor decided to throw cold water on my plans. They scolded me about how they’d never let their daughter do what I was planning and suggested I think about packing a pistol.

The more I shared with people that I was doing a solo trip walking across Colorado the more mixed reactions I received. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was in way over my head. I even considered canceling. But when I pictured my friend’s face when I told him he was a slowpoke, I knew I had to go for it. So, I packed up my yard-sale found gear, hoisted my pack over my back and set off on my partially planned adventure.

The first day and a half, my partner, who hadn't been in a tent since second grade, joined me. When my brother met us on trail to take him away I cried as they drove down a dusty road. I was nervous about how little I knew about what I was doing and how little I had planned. As if I were in a dramatic movie scene, it then started pouring, and I realized my backpack rain cover wasn’t big enough to cover my bag. My sleeping bag got wet, my shoes could've doubled as fish tanks, and I was unsure about where to camp. So, I asked a guy chilling under his tent if I could crash at his site. Little did I know, he’d become my hiking buddy for the next month and bestow upon me my trail name, Bargain Bin or BB for short.

Over the next few days, we leapfrogged along, finally deciding to hike together and bonding over our mutual obsession with cheese. Over the next month, we expanded our trail family a.k.a 'tra-mily', and met some of the most caring, genuine people. Together, we tackled thunderstorms above tree line, 2 AM wake-up calls, misleading Airbnb fees, and an insatiable craving for non-dehydrated food. I could spend months writing about the experience and not begin to capture the depth that shaped every moment.

By the time we reached the end of the trail we all would have gone back, even to the worst moments. At the terminus there were 20 of us celebrating together and only half joking about yo-yoing the trail. It felt like finishing a good movie, I wanted to forget it and relive it all over again. I felt empty and full at the same time. My 'tramily' made a group chat which is still buzzing with plans for a coastline reunion next summer. My biggest takeaway was realizing that I could either choose to live my life feeling distrustful carrying a pistol to protect myself or I could set aside my fears and open myself up to the journey of getting to know others. Of course, it's important to trust your instincts and not get too crazy but being open to connection paves the way to understanding and growth, reminding us that while vulnerability carries risks, the rewards of authentic relationships far outweigh the fear of being hurt. And yes... I beat my friend.

Things I Would Have Done Differently:

When I started the trail I was VERY much a beginner. I didn’t know it wasn't cheating to stop hiking and take a zero day. I didn’t know that instead of sending resupply boxes ahead you could just go to the grocery store along the way to get actual food and pack it out. I also didn’t know how supportive and caring people are to thru-hikers when you are in town. And most importantly I didn't know about hiker boxes. If you are thinking about doing the Colorado Trail, and you should, here are some things to know (and some insider tips).

• If you need any extra motivation, there is a great book called 'Voices of the Colorado Trail' which you can purchase from the CT website which also helps finance the foundation here.
• I didn't have it on my trip, I was going off my Databook, but the far-out app is amazing, however you do have to make a onetime purchase of the trail map (worth it though).
• As a thru hiker Mountain High Pies in Leadville lets you sleep in their backyard.
• The Butterfly hostel in Salida is an absolute must! The vibes are amazing! Say hi to my wall cookie 'Bargain Bin"!
• There is something called PACT mycelium tablets which you can bury in catholes that then sprout fungi to help break down waste.
• Body wipes are actually a lifesaver.
• All you need is trail running shoes NOT hiking boots, bringing an extra pair of shoes for camp and river crossings is a good idea too.
• As little as I had planned, I wish I had planned less.
• Bring a comfort item, fudge the weight, mine was a book, I wish I had brought a small journal, and even a chair! (Preferably the Mica Basin Camp Chair) 
• This might be overkill for some but I'd bring binoculars in a heartbeat.
• Be prepared for your body to hurt for a while after and be patient with yourself.

The final thing I want to share is that you'll encounter folks who hike faster than you or insist their way is best. Just remember to keep a smile on your face and hike your own hike. Best of luck! And happy trails! :) 

About the Author: Amanda recently completed her final year of college. As an environmentalist she lived out of her van and commuted by train. She currently works at Big Agnes in the repair shop. A lover of reading and art, she dreams of traveling the country and participating in art festivals as a primary source of income. If she had her way, she would drop everything and hike the Te Araroa in New Zealand before transitioning to her crazy cat lady days.