Hiker Maps New 2,021-Mile Colorado Trail Route
A new route spanning 2,021 miles offers hikers a fresh way to explore Colorado's public lands and mountain terrain.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hiking
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Donovan Rice completed a 2,021-mile, 141-day trek across Colorado in October 2026. This newly mapped route connects public lands, including 13 fourteeners and three national parks, to highlight the states diverse wilderness.
Why it matters
The route demonstrates a maximalist approach to exploring public lands, designed to encourage deeper engagement with lesser-known natural areas across Colorado. It offers a new framework for long-distance hikers looking to traverse the state through a mix of established trails and public roads.
This trek covered 2,021 miles over 141 days, navigating terrain that includes 13 fourteeners and 47 thirteeners. While successful, the specific path remains subject to future refinements, including the addition of alternative routes and bailout options.
The players
Donovan Rice
An endurance hiker who developed and completed the 2,021-mile Great Colorado Route to promote public land access.
The details
Rice designed the route by strategically linking public lands, national forests, and roads while carefully avoiding private property boundaries. Throughout the 141-day journey, he relied on paper maps for navigation and resupplied food and essentials in local towns every few days. The trek required significant endurance, with Rice navigating varied mountain terrain while carrying a 13-pound pack and wearing through four pairs of hiking shoes.
Timeline
May 14, 2026: Donovan Rice began the hike.
October 2026: Donovan Rice completed the hike.
Health Landscape
This route represents a new state-level approach to long-distance trekking, mirroring the structure of established paths like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. It expands upon existing outdoor infrastructure by creating a continuous, state-wide corridor for public land exploration.
Planning a multi-day trek requires rigorous physical preparation and careful consideration of elevation gain and gear weight. If you are considering high-altitude routes, discuss your fitness level and safety plans with your doctor before embarking on long, strenuous journeys.
The takeaway
The Great Colorado Route shows the benefits of planning travel to maximize time spent in diverse natural terrains. For your own outings, focus on building cardiovascular endurance and testing your equipment on shorter day hikes before attempting extended backcountry expeditions.
Further reading
Discover more about local trail conditions and long-distance trekking routes on our Hiking page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wyoming Public Media.
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Do you believe experiencing remote landscapes firsthand makes you more likely to support their conservation?
