The Colorado Trail: The Official Guidebook, 8th Edition Paperback – April 4, 2011

Update 7/2017 - I'm almost done with the entire trail now. A fire in Durango this year forced me off at Segment 26 outside Purgatory.A few more thoughts.* The maps in this book are awful. I strongly recommend you reference better maps either online or purchase.* Seasonal water is usually not there mid-way through July. Even if it is there, it is sometimes a nasty pond you'd rather not drink out of. I'd recommend you always plan to the reliable water sources and hope for a pleasant surprise if you get a seasonal.* I never learn my lesson on this one. Do not use the elevation plots on past segments you've done to compare to future segments and try to guess coming difficulty. The book does not use consistent XY scales and you will usually underestimate. Even when you try to mentally factor scale differences, it's tricky. If you want to try some comparison use the full trail profile plot in the beginning of the book. It shows all segments on the same scale giving you a better idea of relative grade.====Update 11/2013 - This summer I hiked up through Segment 11. Generally speaking do not rely on the campsite notes. They are sometimes completely off. I passed through several "campsite" areas that were steeply sloped with uneven ground and heavy ground cover. At other times I passed through areas with tons of great camping spots and not even a mention in the book. Use some caution when planning sleeping spots.====Honestly most of this material is available online. But all of that information is pulled into this single reference, with high quality color pages (pictures, maps, etc). You just can't beat it for the price.Loads of information on good camping spots, when to stock up on water, towns and services you'll cross. Driving directions to each trail head and distances for key features and cumulative distance is present. Everything you want to know for a day trip or a through hike in one place. Even information about dogs on the trail!The trail is broken down into segments, and each segment has a chapter in the book with details (pictures, directions, notes, elevation profile, and key features). It's easy to quickly reference the areas you're interested in and quickly see what you're in for.Opening chapters present a high level overview of the geology, flora, and fauna you'll pass through. Plus some history and a nice summary of gear, what to pack, how to pack. Complete with references to other websites and so forth for more advanced information.And finally they top it off with they talk about mountain biking and other activities on the trail so this book is for more than hikers.Well worth every dollar!!!One note - this book is pretty heavy so not something you'll want to pack with you. The Colorado Trail website has an online store with pack friendly data sheets and quick references if you're looking for on the trail material. Or you can always copy just the parts you need and leave the book behind.

I purchased this book thinking that this would be what i brought with me for 486 miles across Colorado. However, I figured out about the world of ultralight hiking (Thank the Lord) just in time. That being said, i ended up using the Colorado Trail Databook 5th Edition for the trail itself.HOWEVER, i must have read this book cover to cover at least four times before my departure to the beautiful world of long-distance hiking. It is one incredible book to learn the history, challenges, and triumphs of the "World's Most Scenic Trail Mile-for-Mile". This Guidebook contains more than enough information to get you from Denver to Durango and contains some awesome information on the side. I REALLY enjoyed all of the incredible pictures throughout the book. They include tips ranging from proper foot care, to equipment, to ultralight backpacking, to backcountry ethics and everything in-between.Each section in the Guidebook that describes 1 of the 28 segments on the CT contains information about the total mileage, elevation gain/loss, access to trail, water availability, resupply locations, and mileage charts with a corresponding map. What i think the Guidebook did very well is describing the trail itself in detail and also the extremely helpful "Gudy's Tips". If you pay attention to your book and also keep your eyes up, you will not get lost on this trail. However, the reason i HIGHLY recommend buying the Databook for hiking instead of the Guidebook is because they fail to mention any of the essential information at the mileage points. Such as 1.) where is my next water supply? 2.) Where is the nearest flat spot to pitch a tent? 3.) Does the CT join, intersect, or leave the trail systems?... The small, perfect Databook answers all of these questions in a very informative, concise manner that is pleasing to the eye and mind.All in all, I would recommend people who are interested in hiking the Colorado Trail to purchase both this Guidebook and the Databook. The Guidebook is FANTASTIC for getting yourself familiar to the trail itself and the culture surrounding it. However, if you are considering this to be your best buddy on the trail, I would recommend you dump this and pick up the amazing Databook!Hope that helped :)

One of the best guidebooks I have ever used. Some data is dated, needs to be updated. Always verify town info via the internet. Some Post Offices have been shut down due to government drawbacks. Great maps, excellent photos. Only grip is no big fold out map of the entire trail. Could include one with a pocket in the back, print each halfs on front and back of waterproof paper.

This is a MUST HAVE for anyone riding in Colorado. The book is fabulous. I use it regularly every summer and plan to ride all segments. It also gives good instructions on where to park your trailer, how long and difficult the terrain is, just a great guide.

I like this book. I am new to CO and new to Hiking. This book provides some good pointers. The author seems to have a well balanced approach to preparation and success for your journey. I am sure a lot of this information is online, but this is a solid resource that is compiled into one place.

Great reference and used condition was good.

It appears that the Colorado Trail folks are listening to fellow hikers. I anticipate hiking the trail next summer and have found the information in the guide book both informative and inspiring. I also enjoyed the section on hiking light. The real test will be next summer when I put the information to use.

If you want to hike the entire trail or just segments at a time, this book is a must have.

this book came in very handy for the hike to Colorado. Lots of good tips for the novice hiker about the trails