Hiker Completed Massive 1,021-Mile Colorado Route
A solo hiker traversed public lands across Colorado to highlight conservation needs and wilderness access.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Hiking
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Donovan Rice has completed a 1,021-mile hike across Colorado that spanned 141 days. The route connects varied public lands, including three national parks and 11 national forests.
Why it matters
This project underscores the potential for integrated, long-distance public land access while highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts. It illustrates how cross-country navigation can be used to explore diverse state terrain.
The route spanned 1,021 miles over 141 days, incorporating 13 fourteeners and 47 thirteeners. While the expedition demonstrated the feasibility of the route, it currently lacks established GPS tracks and relies on self-designed navigation.
The players
Donovan Rice
An endurance hiker who designed and completed a 1,021-mile trekking route across Colorado.
The details
Rice navigated the terrain by manually dropping pins on public lands maps, opting for paper maps due to the absence of formal GPS paths. The route connects varied ecosystems through a combination of existing trails, road walking, and cross-country travel. By carrying only a 13-pound pack, Rice maintained mobility across diverse high-altitude regions such as the Maroon Bells and the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Timeline
May 14: The hike began at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
October 2026: Rice successfully completed the full 1,021-mile route.
Health Landscape
This trek follows a historical trend of individuals defining new long-distance paths to raise awareness for land preservation and public access. It builds upon the legislative framework of the National Trails System Act by testing the feasibility of connecting disparate national forests and parks.
Readers interested in long-distance trekking should prioritize physical conditioning for high-altitude endurance and verify all route safety logistics before planning backcountry travel. Always consult with experienced guides or local land managers when attempting off-trail or cross-country hiking routes.
The takeaway
The Great Colorado Route highlights the diversity of state landscapes and the physical demands of unsupported, long-distance trekking. Aspiring hikers should track local trail conditions and consider starting with shorter, established routes before attempting cross-country navigation.
Further reading
For more on long-distance trekking and route planning, visit our section on Hiking.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Public Radio.
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