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What To Expect Backpacking the Colorado Trail: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

Dreaming of hiking the Colorado Trail in 2025? Here's your full guide to segments, towns, gear, and tips for success on one of America's most stunning long-distance trails.

Ultralight backpack and gear from Six Moon Designs on a trail during their warehouse sale event

2025 Six Moon Designs Warehouse Sale

Interior neckline and fabric texture of the PAKA Ultralight COOLPLUS Crew with visible tag marked "Made in Peru"

Gear Review: Ultralight COOLPLUS Crew By PAKA

Front view of the Black Diamond Solution 1.0 women’s synthetic insulated jacket in plum color with hood and zippered front.

Black Diamond Launches the Solution 1.0: Lightweight, Versatile Insulation for High-Movement Adventures

Angry Pika Food Co. Chocolate Strawberry and Caramel Apple granola breakfast pouches on pine needles outdoors.

Review: Angry Pika Food Co. Adventure Food

Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads, including XLite NXT and XTherm NXT, discounted 25% for Memorial Day Sale.

SALE: Huge Savings on Therm-a-Rest, MSR & More During Cascade Designs’ 2025 Memorial Day Sale

Person wearing the Black Diamond Distance 1500 headlamp while cooking with a camp stove in the dark during a cold alpine night.

Gear Review: Distance 1500 Headlamp By Black Diamond

Gear

Interior neckline and fabric texture of the PAKA Ultralight COOLPLUS Crew with visible tag marked "Made in Peru"

Gear Review: Ultralight COOLPLUS Crew By PAKA

The PAKA Ultralight COOLPLUS Crew is a trail-ready shirt made to beat the heat. We tested it in alpine sun and high desert —here’s how it performed.

Angry Pika Food Co. Chocolate Strawberry and Caramel Apple granola breakfast pouches on pine needles outdoors.

Review: Angry Pika Food Co. Adventure Food

Person wearing the Black Diamond Distance 1500 headlamp while cooking with a camp stove in the dark during a cold alpine night.

Gear Review: Distance 1500 Headlamp By Black Diamond

Woman wearing the Fjallraven Keb Trousers in a grassy field with fog in the background, showcasing the improved fit for Summer 2025.

Fjallraven Summer 2025 Gear Lineup: Trail-Ready Essentials for Every Adventure

Close-up of a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear fanny pack worn crossbody over a bright orange and yellow puffy jacket.

Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear: Ultralight Backpacking Gear with a Purpose

Smiling hiker wearing the black Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie on a sunny alpine trail with snowy peaks in the background.

Gear Review: Solstice Lightweight Wool Hoodie by Ridge Merino

Rear view of a hiker wearing Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved and a backpack while walking through a red rock canyon in the Southwest.

Gear Review: Keb Trousers Curved By Fjallraven

Gear News

Ultralight backpack and gear from Six Moon Designs on a trail during their warehouse sale event

2025 Six Moon Designs Warehouse Sale

Score up to 40% off award-winning ultralight gear during the Six Moon Designs Warehouse Sale! Save big on tents, packs, and accessories—while supplies last.

Front view of the Black Diamond Solution 1.0 women’s synthetic insulated jacket in plum color with hood and zippered front.

Black Diamond Launches the Solution 1.0: Lightweight, Versatile Insulation for High-Movement Adventures

Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads, including XLite NXT and XTherm NXT, discounted 25% for Memorial Day Sale.

SALE: Huge Savings on Therm-a-Rest, MSR & More During Cascade Designs’ 2025 Memorial Day Sale

Three Kula Cloths hanging side by side, featuring a rope design, a rainbow design, and a mountain biking desert scene design.

Kula Cloth Small Business Week Sales – Save on All Kulas!

backpacker using sea to summit spark sleeping bag in a snowy mountain scene

SALE: Sea To Summit Anniversary Sale 2025

Close-up of PAKA Trail Ankle Socks showcasing their design and material blend.

PAKA Launches Trail Ankle Socks: Ultralight Alpaca Comfort for Every Step

Person walking with Gossamer Gear Aero Jet backpack and duffel bag from the new travel collection, showcasing lightweight travel gear in an urban setting.

Gossamer Gear Launches Ultralight Travel Collection for Smart Adventures

Expert Advice

What To Expect Backpacking the Colorado Trail: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

Dreaming of hiking the Colorado Trail in 2025? Here's your full guide to segments, towns, gear, and tips for success on one of America's most stunning long-distance trails.

a family with many kids going for a hike on a nice wild hiking trail and all the children look very happy.

How to Get Kids Excited for Hiking: Fun Tips and Trail Games

hiking in extreme heat requires some expert advice. if you plan to hike in the desert or with saguaro advice is key

How to Hike in Extreme Heat: Advice From An Expert

the view from inside one of the best ultralight tents for solo backpacking

How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for Solo Backpacking: A Complete Guide

an ultralight backpacker heads up a steep section of slick rock, happy to hae minimal gear and a lightweight setup!

What Is Ultralight Backpacking? A Beginner’s Guide to Lightweight Adventures

Scenic southwest trail with a hiker carrying an ultralight backpack, surrounded by canyon walls and steep slopes

30 Ultralight Backpacking Tips: Expert Advice to Lighten Your Load

a beautiful backcountry camp site where you would need a satellite comminication device to reach people

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Satellite Communicator for Your Outdoor Adventures

Hiker Stories

More

Beer, Boots, and the Mighty Angels Landing

A Quick Escape: Two Days in the Chiricahua Mountains

Sky Island Traverse Thru-Hike: In My Pack

Through the Fog: A Hiker’s Tale

The Bright Angel Trail Hunger Scare

Stewardship

More

PACT One Kit: The Ultimate Leave No Trace Bathroom System for Hikers

Why I Always Pack a Kula Cloth: Gear with a Big Leave No Trace Impact

Protecting Cryptobiotic Soil: A Hiker’s Guide to Preserving the Southwest’s Hidden Life

Inspiring the Next Generation of Hiking Stewards

Pack It Out: How to Keep Southwest Trails Trash-Free and Beautiful

Trail Reports

More

Trail Report: Salt Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop in Canyonlands National Park

Trail Report: Cactus Wren Trail To Signal Hill In Saguaro National Park

Trail Report: Crystal Forest Trail In Petrified Forest National Park

Trail Report: Reservoir Hill Trail System

Trail Report: Treasure Falls Trail