The Colorado Trail - Hiking Segment 2

#hiking #colorado #coloradotrail #rockymountains
This is a video trip report video of a day hike of the Colorado Trail Segment #2 from May, 2022.
The hike is 9.6 Miles one way, and generally people set up a vehicle shuttle. I did not have that option, so I hiked to the end of the trail then turned around and returned to the beginning. I started at the South Platte trailhead at 7:30 AM and got back to my vehicle right at 5PM. (20 Miles round trip)
The trail quickly climbs up some switchbacks through the forest. You gain Westward views as the burn scar comes in to view and you have a great view of your route. From there you skirt North of Raleigh Peak through some forest gaining elevation to the peak of the route. From there you descend Southwest over a few rollers through more burn scar ultimately towards the end of the trail.
The entirety of the 9.6 mile trail is completely dry, so pack water accordingly. I drank about 3 liters on the front half of the hike. There is a Volunteer fire station a few hundred yards down the road from the trails end that has a water faucet. I filled up there, cracked a beer and headed back.
I drank 3 delicious beers on the trail.
Skygazer - Party Time Bohemian Pilsner
Crooked Stave - Sour Rita Sour Ale with Lime, Salt, and Orange.
Crooked Stave - Trellis Buster Double Hazy
Despite the burn scar this hike was very interesting in beautiful in its own unique way. It provides a variety of forest hiking and exposed sections with views South of Pikes Peak.
I hope you enjoy the video!
Gear List -
Camera: www.amazon.com...
GPS Device: www.findmespot...
Water Filter: www.amazon.com...
Water Storage: www.amazon.com...
Power Bank: www.amazon.com...
Camera Pouch: www.amazon.com...
Tripod: www.amazon.com...
Boots: www.rei.com/pr...
Sandals: www.rei.com/pr...
Socks: www.rei.com/pr...
Pants: www.rei.com/pr...
Boxers: www.rei.com/pr...
Shirt: www.rei.com/pr...
Mid Layer: www.amazon.com...
Jacket: www.rei.com/pr...

[@bradcoen7924]

Thanks for the tip about water at the fire station at mile 10. I ran this trail this morning and that was a lifesaver today.

[@TheWayOutdoors]

I am glad I studied the route a bit and was aware of the lack of water. The last few miles of exposed hiking warrants a nice shady cooldown at the fire station for sure.

[@OmarSanchez-mp1gp]

from the first 6 segments this was my favorite

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Hey Omar I agree and really enjoyed Segment 2. The open views right off the bat are beautiful, and the burn scar is very unique with wildflowers and expansive views. I just finished Segment 4 last weekend and really enjoyed it as well. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@potatothorn]

another great section thanks for taking us along... i like the yo yo option, you get a better look at things going both ways i tend to prefer out and back over loop hikes myself. wish more of your beers were available out here i need some new varieties

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Thanks Thorn! A couple of our brands are actually from California and the Western states. I'm heading out for a 4 day trip this weekend. Very excited as we have a great weather window. I hope all is well!

[@TheStealthyCameraman]

Beautiful Hike! Based off your videos it seems like we’re both in the same general area. Great work man

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Hey Christian, thanks for checking out the video! It sure is nice to get out and enjoy all these great hikes in the surrounding foothills. Have you hiked some segments of the Colorado Trail yourself?

[@mephitismephitis6825]

Most of the burn area in this segment is the result of the Hayman fire, which took out about 215 square miles in the summer of 2002. It started from a campfire that went out of control.

[@AuthorLindsay]

I’ve only hiked this section in July and I nearly died of dehydration both times 😂

[@TheWayOutdoors]

It was a dry section for sure. My long-sleeve and hat definitely saved the day. Drinking a full bottle of water to (Camel up) before starting the hike gets you a head start on hydration during these sections. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@charlottedunlay4397]

Just a comment, the fire station isn't the end of the segment. Did you get to the trail head about a mile or so further from where you turned to go to the fire station?

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Hello Charlotte, you are indeed correct. After getting to the fire station and looking at my map I realized I turned off the trail early. The same thing happened with my Segment #3 hike where I started nearly a mile down trail. I had to go back at the end of my day and get the 1.2 there and back. The unfortunate consequence of out and back hikes.

[@tylerschultz734]

For someone planning on doing segments 2 and 3 this summer, were there decent spots/trees to hammock camp?

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Segment 2 is pretty exposed for the first 1/3 of the trail. There would be places here and there you could camp though if you looked hard. That spot on the ridge with the view actually had trees that might have worked for a hammock. The rest of Segment 2 once over that ridge is exposed and likely no area for Hammock. As far as Segment 3 goes, there is ideal camping all along the way. The trail rolls up and down through a few drainages which have camping near the creeks. Plentiful camping everywhere.

[@tylerschultz734]

@@TheWayOutdoors very helpful, thanks! I may just need to go down near the water at segment 3 👍