#backpacking #hiking #camping #colorado #rockymountains #coloradotrail

This is a video trip report of a 2 day out and back backpacking trip on the Colorado Trail Segment #4 from July, 2022.

The hike is 16.1 Miles one way, with 3,231 feet of elevation gain. I had no vehicle shuttle so I hiked this as an out and back, doubling the miles to roughly 32 miles.

The trail started at the Rolling Creek Trailhead ending at the Long Gulch Trailhead, and then in my case back to the start. I hiked in roughly 8 miles to camp for the first night. Day 2 I day packed to the end of Segment #4 and back again to camp, broke camp and hiked back to the starting trailhead. It was a fantastic quick trip, and my first solo backpack trip after all these years of outdoor adventures.

The trail starts just outside of the Lost Creek Wilderness at the Rolling Creek Trailhead. The first 2 miles are outside of the Wilderness zone on an old road. After filling out the free self permit, you continue on the trail where it gets pretty steep until reaching the meadow around mile 8.5. This is where I camped for my first night.

The next day I hiked through the meadow 6ish miles to the end of the meadow until you descend 2 miles down to the Long Gulch Trailhead and the end of Segment #4. I cracked a celebratory beer and turned around to head back. It was another 8 miles back to camp, where I packed everything up and headed out another 9ish miles down a steep grade with my heavy pack to the starting trailhead.

This trip was barely over 24 hours in total, but with 32 miles and nearly 5k elevation gain I was beat! This was definitely the most remote section I had hiked yet and my favorite! I was able to find plenty of water, solitude and beautiful views all around.

I drank 4 delicious drinks at camp and on the trail.

Fremont Brewing - Legend Cold IPA
Crooked Stave - Juicy West IPA
Crooked Stave - Juicy East IPA
Two Towns Ciderhouse - Pacific Pineapple

I hope you enjoy the video!

Gear List -

Camera: https://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-Digi...

Backpack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Tent: (Name changed to Late Start?) https://www.kelty.com/late-start-1
Sleeping Bag: (Discontinued) https://www.rei.com/product/862529
Sleeping Bag Liner: https://www.rei.com/product/705534
Sleeping Pad: https://www.thermarest.com/sleeping-p...
Pillow: https://www.rei.com/product/151400

GPS Device: https://www.findmespot.com/en-ca/prod...
Water Filter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Water Storage: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Cook Set: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Bowl: https://www.rei.com/product/767560
Mug: https://www.rei.com/product/794090
Coffee Maker: https://www.rei.com/product/784659
Power Bank: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Camera Pouch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Tripod: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
Headlamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Flask: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Compression Sack: https://seatosummit.com/products/evac...
Seat Pad: https://www.rei.com/product/829881

Boots: https://www.rei.com/product/113823
Sandals: https://www.rei.com/product/898098
Socks: https://www.rei.com/product/114120
Pants: https://www.rei.com/product/108952
Boxers: https://www.rei.com/product/891827
Shirt: https://www.rei.com/product/153828
Mid Layer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Jacket: https://www.rei.com/product/878092