PCT vs CDT - I chose the Colorado Trail and it wrecked me

I had to decide between thru-hiking the PCT or the CDT last summer. I picked the Colorado Trail because I only had 5 weeks and it was closer to home. The altitude above 12,000 feet kicked my BUTT - I had to take 2 zero days in Leadville just to breathe right. Has anyone else found a shorter route that still gives you that big mountain experience?

2 comments

2 Comments

jenniferw8219d ago

Oh man that sounds rough but also awesome! I did the JMT a couple years ago and got wrecked by the altitude over Muir Pass too. Sometimes the shorter trails hit harder because you're pushing yourself faster to make the miles. The Colorado Trail is no joke with those passes.

terry_carter1519d ago

@jenniferw82 nailed it. Push too fast at that altitude and you're asking for trouble.