Hiking the CDT Loop - Colorado Backpacking & Camping Trip

4 Days of Hiking, Camping & Backpacking on Colorado’s Continental Divide Trail in the Rocky Mountain National Forest. GPS Data at www.sintax77.com
For this backpacking trip, we’ll be doing a 4 day, 3 night camping trip on a section of the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. Sometimes referred to as the “CDT Short Loop”, this backpacking loop is a 29 mile mile circuit with several access point options. In our case, we parked at the Green Mountain trailhead, just past the RMNP Kawuneeche visitor center and park entrance by Grand Lake, CO. The 2 mile Green Mountain trail provided us access to the CDT and brought our mileage for the loop up to 33 miles.
For an easier read, check out my full blog post here: www.sintax77.co...
GPS Data for this trip and many others can be found on my Trip Data Page. Includes full track data for each day, and way-points for campsites used, water sources, etc along the loop.
Season: First week of September
Trailhead Used: Green Mountain Trailhead, RMNP, Grand Lake, CO - 40°18’26.7″N 105°50’28.7″W
This parking area is only a few miles into the park & provides overnight parking for plenty of vehicles. A park entrance pass and wilderness camping permit is required (contact the Kawuneeche Office for details and availability)
Trails Used Day 1:
Park at the Green Mountain Trailhead.
Green Mountain Trail
Junction with Tonahutu Creek Trail (CDT)
Continue north on the Continental Divide Trail
Setup camp at Sunset camp (Elevation 9,498′)
This is a single group tentsite that must be reserved via permit.
Day 1 Mileage: 4 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 974′
Trails Used, Day 2:
Continue on the Tonahutu Creek Trail (CDT)
Stock up on water before heading up the ridge (last chance at N40° 19.579′ W105° 43.701′)
Continue on Tonahutu Creek Trail (CDT) through Ptarmigan Pass
Junction North Inlet Trail / Flattop Mountain Trail
Head south on the North Inlet Trail (CDT)
Junction North Inlet / Lake Nanita Trail
Head South on the Lake Nanita Trail
Setup camp at Pine Marten Camp (Elevation 9,568′)
These are two separate single group tentsites that must be reserved via permit.
Trails used Day 3:
Dayhike to Lake Nokoni by heading south on the Lake Nanita Trail
We only went to the first lake, Nokoni, due to weather and time issues, but there is a second lake, Nanita, about .75 miles further up the trail.
Backtrack to camp and grab packs.
Return to Junction w/ North Inlet Trail
Continue west on the North Inlet Trail (CDT)
Setup camp at Twinberry Camp # 2 (Elevation 8,661′)
These are two separate single group tentsites that must be reserved via permit.
Day 3 Mileage: 9.6 miles (4 miles round trip for lake hike, 5.6 miles on the CDT Loop)
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,414′ (Almost all of this was from the lake hike excursion)
Trails used Day 4:
Continue west on the North Inlet Trail (CDT)
Arrive at the North Inlet Trailhead
Beyond the parking lot, you’ll find the Tonahutu Trailhead
Head north on the Tonahutu Creek Trail
Junction with Green Mountain Trail
Return to Green Mountain Trailhead
Day 4 Mileage: 9.5 miles
Day 4 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,204′
Grand Total Mileage: 37 Miles
Grand Total Elevation Gain: 6,666′
Note: 4 miles and 1,414′ can be attributed to our day 3 lake hike)
Notable Backpacking Gear Seen / Discussed:
Nemo Losi 3p Tent amzn.to/2yKoqGb
Unigear Sleeping Pad amzn.to/2Nu3nvV
Big Agnes Q-Core SL Sleeping Pad amzn.to/2NP4afX
Alite Mayfly Camp Chair amzn.to/2ItzfQq
WrightSocks amzn.to/2O8sB3n
Steripen Ultralight UV Water Purifier amzn.to/2EO8JmG
REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket go.magik.ly/ml...
Hammock Gear Burrow Top Quilts bit.ly/2qlZgJn
Outdoor Vitals 15° Down MummyPod Sleeping Bag amzn.to/2CIO15D
Hammock Gear Dyneema Hex Tarp w/ Doors bit.ly/2Sq1fsB
2T's Hammock Chair bit.ly/2Ppe3Rn
Shawn's Gregory Optic 48 Backpack amzn.to/2KOLsTp
Sara's ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack bit.ly/2Sq1FPH
Dutchware Argon Pack Cover bit.ly/2O8N7AL
Toaks 450ml Titanium Cup amzn.to/2GLboZV
Packit Gourmet Backpacking Meals www.packitgour...
Sea To Summit Alpha Light Long Spork amzn.to/2y4sek8
MalloMe Camp Cook Kit amzn.to/2O6ZIEX
Budget Canister Stove amzn.to/2n7iNv6
Mike's MSR Whisperlite Universal Stove amzn.to/2EOZBy6
BearVault BV500 Bear Canister amzn.to/2CJRUqf
NatGeo Rocky Mountain National Park Map amzn.to/2EMNrFP
Sangean DT-400W Weather Band Radio amzn.to/2EMNv8x
Garmin Oregon GPS amzn.to/2ObFHNh
Want to help support the channel? The next time you're about to do some shopping, go through
www.sintax77.co...
(or bookmark it) & a portion of your session will help support the next trip ...at no additional cost to you!

[@sintax77]

Check out Mike's Trailkilla channel at 2pm for his Coloardo vacay video! kzbin.info/door/xRSW3LLk4FtG87qPouzD8Q

[@TheBlackstealth]

Good ol ColoARdo

[@theweekenddrz519]

What kind of holster is Mike using with his pack belt? 57:56

[@oguzkilic9410]

The content you share is very good thank you. I also discovered a very useful app for friends like me who are just starting bushcraft. Maybe you'd like to take a look. I'll leave it down for you. The app name is( Offline Survive Guide App | Survival Techniqs(PRO))

[@RootsLion]

dude what rucksack cover is that your good ladys got? is that a 70 or bigger? where can i get one cheap as poss ..

[@johnnywalker3941]

I just want to say I watched your videos all through high school, I was hiking/camping every chance I got. The moment I got my first car I was going on every feasible hiking trip I could. It was such an inspiration to get outside and hike. I just recently moved to the mountains again and I stumbled back on your page and watching the same videos made me feel the same way I did in HS. Thanks sintax77

[@yolo_hans]

My absolute favorite part of this is the camaraderie between all of you. I genuinely enjoyed it and wish I had a group of friends to do trips like this with 😊

[@henrykrzesimowski2001]

I love this channel! You show both the pain and the FUN of hiking. Also love that you don’t over produce your vids with music and special effects because the content is awesome enough on its own.

[@cavemandancer]

If I just did every hike you've done I could die a happy man... thanks for all the videos over the years. I keep going back to them.

[@thatlarryguy6841]

Another great video. Pro tip on TP. Cut the cardboard tube out, stick the whole roll in a Ziploc and start pulling from the middle.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Water ..... Water ..... and more Water ......Great outing ,,, Always a bonus to see wildlife ...

[@jcam783]

I’ve always wanted to do this kind of hiking . Thanks for taking us along on your adventure . I really appreciate you taking the time to film and edit this video . You guys seem like such a fun and friendly group . All the best on future hikes .

[@steveo1kinevo]

Enjoyed the adventure and hike! So much fun getting out in nature and enjoying the scenery.

[@samsmith8870]

For a minute there around 46:38 it looked like this channel was going in an entirely different direction lol

[@bdmenne]

omg! You are so right. I'm down in comments just to see if others enjoyed the "physical" comedy like I did. sintax77 was telling Sara about the Lake and all I could do was lose it with the backdrop! It was like a skit.

[@tnrodgers]

Lived on Colorado for 40 years, RMNP is awesome, hiked Grays Peak a few years ago. Great video, good to see the trails again.

[@LUEO103X]

Don't know how this came on my feed but I love this video....subscription added.

[@EcouragingGodStories]

A memory of a lifetime. Thanks so much for filming your trip and sharing here for others like YOURS TRULY could enjoy it! Awesome country.

[@jeanfield8940]

The scenery is spectacular

[@melanieday1362]

Great friends Great views Great humor Great channel !!!!!

[@KaiMirra]

This one was excellent Sintax, great commentary and excellent footage, thanks for posting as aways! The bigger group made for fun camp life. Edit: Good to see Mike back on the trail!

[@tanyaaeria]

Loving this video. You guys look like the best hosts to camp with! Love your videosI've been looking for a video that features a couple or at least other people because it's nice to see what's in others packs. Anyhow, love your videos!

[@DavidAlanReece]

Favorite scene at 57:30. This is what hiking is all about. The fun, the memories and the joy of just being out. When you get to this point in the hike, you will know it. :)

[@MrsDenali3]

THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST HIKES I EVER DID. WE TOOK PACK HORSES & A GUIDE FOR 6 DAYS TO CLIMB COLORADO'S HIGHEST PEAK. MT ELBERT 14,500 FT. GOD BLESS YOUR HIKING!

[@Starscreamlive]

Always fun to watch a trip when all four of you go. Can't wait to see your next adventure.

[@BeaglesBackcountryAdventures]

Love the group hikes, the comedy is sometimes as good as the scenery! Great country out there.

[@monicanelson1231]

This is perfect timing. I just started planning my CDT loop trip.

[@sintax77]

Nice! I'm working on the blog post and GPS data package today, so that will be available upon release as well. Maybe it will be of help, depending on where you're planning to start from. We began and ended our trip at the Green Mountain Trailhead, just past the Kawuneeche visitor center and park entrance by Grand Lake, CO.

[@monicanelson1231]

sintax77 just out of curiosity what made you all decide to go with a tent over hammocks?

[@ReeWrayOutdoors]

Love it when you guys all get together. Great group vibe! This may be a hike I have to put on my to-do list. Great scenery!

[@litchoutside9812]

Nice as always with a bonus of a moose! thanks!

[@leepetley3974]

Sintax, I love your videos and I loved watching this one. You guys are awesome together. Thank you for the beautiful scenery and great quality of the video. I love your work. I look forward to your next one.

[@rosebud3466]

Just found this channel you people are super entertaining, lol. Keep up the great videos.

[@incantraveler]

Awesome hike! You guys are so much fun to watch. Thanks for sharing your hiking adventures. Looking forward to backpacking one day.

[@jackwood8424]

Great video I really enjoyed it . Living in North Florida I miss the camping and hiking just recently I came down with Kopit 19 nearly took my life at 60 years old I’ve been in great shape my whole life your video has made me realize to get back out and enjoy Mother Nature. Once again thanks great video look forward to watching more Jack

[@robertfmccarthy2360]

Well beautiful view and fun people!

[@Curtmagurt]

Nice! Solid vid, good editing. Love hiking in Colorado!

[@nssdesigns]

I had to come back to this after watching it last night and say it was the best film documentary I've seen in a while! An hours and 10 minutes just went by and I didn't fast forward and skip the boring bits 'cos there weren't any. Just want to say well done. Watched a few KZbinrs doing bushcraft canoeing trips and they bore the crap out of me.... well done

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Hudson. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertdodge8587]

I love watching your videos , great content, thank you.

[@Starscreamlive]

Although I'll always remember the name TrailSlippa, I'll never call Mike that out of respect for all the vids he's been in on youtube.

[@gregorycary9982]

i love the fairy dust segue music to start the new day......LOL

[@bluemntceltic2]

A lot of folks do a twofer on Grey's and Torrey's Peaks. Brings back sweet memories of the summer of '73 when I got to collect plants for the CSU Dept. of Botany throughout Summit Co. That would be the land to the west of the peaks from Quandary Peak to the South and Green Mountain Res. to the North. Great camping country, well, just at the beginning of the crazy growth in CO ski country. Summit Co. has Loveland, Keystone, Copper Mnt, and Breckenridge as well as Eagle's Nest Wilderness area. At the end of that summer of '73 I did the same loop only coming up from Bear Lake about mid-Sept. In a snowstorm (blizzard), going cairn to cairn across Flattop until we could drop down back into the timber on the western slope side. Fun times, did the loop with a guy from Texas who's only gear was a kapok sleeping bag, a tent, a pot and four days worth of canned goods for food, oh, and a 1/2 gallon canteen; heavy going in, much lighter coming out.

[@jacquelinebrown332]

Thanks for sharing I enjoy watching I hope one day I will get the opportunity to hike or or do some camping ⛺️ beautiful view love it 💕❤️

[@derekneumann]

Having a spouse that backpacks must be awesome. I am Jealous!!! I have yet to find that person for a life mate.... :( Great adventure and vids as always Sintaxx!! :)

[@carboncopy2853]

Thanks Sintaxx77 Sara, Mike. and Mikes Wife. amother great video !!!!

[@pattersonoutdooradventures2914]

Awesome trip. Views were great. One of your best vids yet. Long time subscriber as my wife knows all of your voices from me watching your vids before bed.

[@stephenpinder1903]

Look at you gettin' all fancy with your premiere!!! Can't wait. Might have a premiere party with backpacking grape juice.

[@XJonAye]

This is a great video, thanks for sharing. This video and several others have inspired me to get out to Colorado, my goal is to get there in a few years. It's a beautiful place and I want to experience the mountains, I just need to get all the right gear and get my self in shape, I don't want to be miserable because I'm huffing and puffing trying to get up a pass. Thanks again, ATB, happy trails

[@mikesell305]

That was a awesome trip you four did 👍

[@PaleoHikerMD]

Moose was epic! Thanks for the effort you put into these videos.

[@pbylok]

Great video, thanks! Always great to see Sara and friends!

[@uptrail7169]

Very Good! This is one of my favorite Sintax movies ever. Mike must have got a good workout with his pack, but it was worth the extra weight to enjoy the camping more. Nice side hike to the lake!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I am not so certain such a work out would be worth it...I think he was taking one for the team.

[@powerjunkie5000]

Is that a 1000liter backpack? Looks like a backpack on top of a backpack.

[@willdupuis]

Great hike. You guys handled the altitude like champs! I was stationed in Utah for 4 years and it took me a few weeks to get acclimated.

[@walterwright8926]

man love your trips and videos, helps make working third shift go by faster

[@demonseed19]

That chili with the mashed potatoes looked good!

[@scottalmeida]

Outstanding video Sintax77!!! 👏🏼👍🏼

[@nathanielavoures1596]

The san jauns are probably some of the most unique amazing mountains youll ever see! They are some of the youngest mountain ranges in america! The san juans are the southern range of the Rockies and very remote!

[@josephmartin8033]

Fun Fun Fun I had a great time Watching Wildlife scenery brooks falls even the thunder an rain clouds Thank you so much i'm learning more each trip No headache from altitude So glad Great Video Maybe better than the hammock 1 Thank you so much

[@southerntrekker]

This was one of your best videos ever.

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

Awsom trip....and just befor my trip next week...makes me ready to walk.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Great video. Looked like a really good time. It was a good Sunday afternoon watch with the wife. Take care, Al

[@vanscoyoc]

Liked in advance. Your Mt. Washington climb solo in the winter is by far my fav video you have done.

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Van. That trip and video was one of my personal faves. :)

[@irishdefense77]

Mine too-the nerding out on the hammock and your setup was bomber.Also the reaction to the Packit Gourmet chili was epic!

[@denali9643]

Mine too! I won’t tell you how many times I watched that one.......

[@ready918]

what a beautiful hike

[@ricktimmons458]

what a great crew. loved the scenery. do another one together! good to hear laughing shared food is the way to go. am going to try Pakit out.

[@flysubcompact]

Your bud looking in the back of the car and saying: "Big packs" amused me. Good you guys are young and in shape. Glad you can do such a hike. My max elevation was about 10k when I was on a fishing trip in the Bighorns in July. Wore my old self out.

[@drugtalk101]

New postcard .. Mike pointing at something interesting while his wife holds on to the family jewels like they’re gonna fall off and gazes up at something interesting with the pack right next to them!! Haha 😂 maybe even a travel brochure!!

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Awesome trip! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

[@jefferybyard8429]

Love how you broke down the hike with the map .. Gives ya a better idea of the layout

[@reneguzman720]

Keep up the great trips mate! 👍🙏stay safe out there

[@ready918]

The White Mountains are snow capped, have a great HIKE! looking forward to the live feed Thanks.

[@sintax77]

Oh, man - snow it the Whites. You've got me thinking about winter camping now!

[@jerry3579]

@@sintax77 Thanksgiving Day is going to be the coldest on record since 1901!! Highs only about 14 and lows about 4 with a wind of about 20-25 mph, brr, I'm here living it. So much for the Farmer's Almanac predicting a warmer-than-usual fall and winter. If you're coming up here, be really prepared for a big wind chill if this continues.

[@azcolby40]

Finished watching your video today, very enjoyable, nice to see Sarrah back our on the trail

[@WanderingFromKansas]

I hiked this loop last year, going counter-clockwise from the North Inlet Trailhead. One camp at North Inlet Junction, and another at Haynach (the llama trail is a tough grade). We were right at the famous Continental Divide scenic overlook when the thunderstorm with stinging hail began, before noon even. You all definitely carried the weight to camp in style! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@ncdean62]

Always enjoy seeing the " fabulous four" out on the trail! Another excellent video as always!

[@Bostonaholic]

I did this last year. I loved it!

[@toddroy8387]

I don’t normally go in for 60 minute + videos, but yours are worth it. You seem the kind of person who would be fun to hike/ camp with. As such, there is a group of us planning a 5 day trip to Sproul State Forest this summer, if you’d like to explore the Chuck Keiper trail.

[@stephenday9675]

Those packs are huge:). Great video!

[@CaseySer]

I have waited quite a while for this video... thank you!!

[@mj_hiking5260]

This was the first video of yours that I came across. Great work! You inspired me to take action on a dormant plan I had to record my own hikes.

[@redwolf9134]

Nice Attitude , Friends, keeping trails clean.

[@denimlabels7315]

This was a great hike but were glamping the hell out of it 🛴

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Awesome video. The views are incredible!! Packitt gourmet is getting fancy with there packaging. I really like the trails you went on. Me and some buddies are planning a trip next summer. Thanks for sharing this section. Might be where we go. Looks like you guys had a blast!! Keep the videos coming. 👍

[@SuperGeert123]

Paradise City !!

[@kurtbaier6122]

Great trip and friends. Thanks for sharing!

[@g.victorpaulson8836]

Did she just say "Fah-Jee-Tah"?? 12:04 LOL!!

[@cindalue8206]

I want to thank you. I have always thought of hiking but didn't know where or how to start thank to your videos i have learned so much from you i have finley started to go out and start hiking I live in Arizona and it hot here now so I have been doing the Silly Mountain and other day hike to get my body ready to hike the superstition Mountain in April or may of this year thank you again for the awesome videos to you and Sara

[@spikester40]

Great video!! Love it when the wives come along!!! Women rock!!! Beautiful scenery!!!

[@NorthernMIPathfinder]

What the heck are your friends doing at about 47 minutes in the video?? LMAO!!!

[@gwmtnbiker]

Fun trip video!

[@brianwofford3831]

Great video " I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for all the effort. I got to se the CDT near Bueana Vista And Monarch Pass Colorado last summer. I did not backpack. Just got to see some great area.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Damn I'll be out on the trail while this is going on but will definitely watch when I get back!

[@uptrail7169]

Skip the trail Frozen and watch the Sintax movie! 👍😂

[@cgriggsiv]

Can't wait to watch yours too

[@CalebTomaschefsky-Youtube]

I cant imagine how long this video took edit and upload. Great Footage!

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Sweet 👍 I grew up on the CD in New Mexico Never did the Colorado Beautiful man

[@Wowee2012]

I'm constantly ready for a trip to Colorado! I live in central Texas so I'm not too far away, but it does get expensive. And my boyfriend and I don't always have the vacation hours available so we try to use them wisely. We were able to get out to Crested Butte in July and do the summit, which was amazing. This weekend we're heading out to Davis Mountains State Park in west Texas for some relaxing car camping in the cold! Loved your video(s) and hopefully you'll make it out to the Hill Country someday!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing. Be safe out there. 🤗

[@GOOutfitters]

Great video! Couldn't stop watching:)

[@jariperho]

That was quite an adventure. 👍🏻

[@scottdunbar4898]

Pretty epic you guys. Thanks for the video.

[@cgriggsiv]

Awesome video I enjoyed that quite nicely it was very perfect lengthwise not too long not too short actually I think it was just about perfect and you had yourself a fantastic time with you and your wife and your two best friends

[@OrionThrower]

Love your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@3000Sunflowers]

Yesssss, a group hike!

[@trokitchenpro]

Looking forward to this one!

[@explorationnorthwest]

Heading out early oct to do the hike. Great intel! Frank

[@craiglambert9515]

Great video, well done. I still don't know how ya do it without trekking poles.

[@tompowervlogsandvids]

WOOOW Cool Video Love Colorado Live there for 4 months Very Beautiful O one more think Nice 4K Footage👌

[@denali9643]

Finally watching! It makes me happy your KZbin channel gens so much cash everyone was finally able to quit their jobs LOL. Totally true about having breakfast on the trail.....”Lama-ste”!!!!......the ridge on day 2 is gorgeous.....MOOSE!! .... Camp 2 with a view ......trailkilla dip! Mike is the Joe Rogan of backpacking....Cans ‘O Wine......Packit Gourmet is really the best of the rest.....and its cheeseburger time. I tried to post as I watched as if I live-streamed it with you all. One of the best trips yet!!

[@sintax77]

Haha, thanks, man. I think you're synopsis pretty much nailed it :D

[@EatCarbs]

Looked like a fun trip Thanks for the video

[@SC-ug5mk]

You folks are bad ass!