Do I need a permit to thru-hike Collegiate Loop?

What the Collegiate Loop permit costs and covers

Fee

No permit fee - no permit is required. A Colorado State Wildlife Area pass may be required for the first half-mile of Segment 12 on the Collegiate East, depending on your trip plan.

Group size limit

15 people

Season starts

Late June - the trail's managing foundation recommends starting no earlier

Season ends

Late September - it recommends finishing no later

What the rules require

• No permit is required to travel the Colorado Trail, and Collegiate Peaks is not one of the three PSICC wilderness areas requiring a self-issued trailhead permit
• Commercial and nonprofit groups are required to obtain a special use permit through the local ranger district in advance
• Group size in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness may not exceed 15 people, or a maximum combination of 25 people and pack or saddle animals
• Dogs must be under physical restraint of a leash, except working stock dogs or dogs used for legal hunting
• No camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams and National Forest System trails
• No campfire within 100 feet of any lake, stream or trail, or above 11,000 feet in elevation
• Stock must be hitched or tethered at least 100 feet from water and trails; weed-free forage only
• Shortcutting a switchback is prohibited
• Equipment, personal property or supplies may not be stored for longer than 72 hours
• A Colorado State Wildlife Area pass may be required for the first half-mile of Segment 12 on the Collegiate East

Published rules for the Collegiate Loop, quoted as written.

Getting one

Dates for Collegiate Loop sell out and then come back as people cancel. PermitSnag watches Collegiate Loop and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

Common questions about the Collegiate Loop permit