Skip to content
2 Permits Available

Colorado Trail Permits

485-mile continuous trail from Denver to Durango through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, crossing eight mountain ranges and six wilderness areas.

Collegiate PeaksSan Juan MountainsKenosha PassHope Pass

Signature Experiences

The most sought-after permits in CT

High Demand

Collegiate Loop

“A 160-mile circuit around the Collegiate Peaks that needs no permit at all - and where the real gate is snow, fire restrictions and a season the trail's own foundation calls short.”

🥾

Thru-Hikes & Long Trails

Epic multi-day traverses starting from CT

Thru-Hike486

CT Thru-Hike

Walk 486 miles from Denver to Durango through the heart of the Rocky Mountains—crossing eight mountain ranges, six wilde...

4-6 weeks

Thru-Hike160

Collegiate Loop

160-mile loop combining the Colorado Trail's Collegiate East and West routes through the heart of the Sawatch Range—14er...

10-14 days

View all thru-hikes across all regions

All Permits

Select a permit to see its dates, requirements, and how it is issued

Walk-UpThru-Hike
High Demand

Collegiate Loop permit

160-mile loop combining the Colorado Trail's Collegiate East and West routes through the heart of the Sawatch Range—14ers, alpine lakes, and some of the CT's finest terrain.

Season:Late June - the trail's managing foundation recommends starting no earlier
Permit dates and requirements
Walk-UpThru-Hike
Moderate

Colorado Trail Thru-Hike permit

Walk 486 miles from Denver to Durango through the heart of the Rocky Mountains—crossing eight mountain ranges, six wilderness areas, and reaching heights above 13,000 feet.

Permit dates and requirements

Other National Forests & Wilderness Areas

Explore more wilderness permits in the region

Indian Peaks Wilderness wilderness area

Indian Peaks permits

3 permits

Linville Gorge Wilderness wilderness area

Linville Gorge permits

2 permits

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge wilderness area

Wichita Mountains permits

1 permit

The Enchantments wilderness area

Enchantments permits

5 permits

CT Permit FAQ

What permits are required for Colorado Trail?

Colorado Trail requires permits for various activities including CT Thru-Hike, Collegiate Loop. Each permit has different requirements and booking processes.

How do I get a permit for Colorado Trail?

Permits for Colorado Trail are available through Walk-Up systems.

When should I apply for Colorado Trail permits?

Timing varies by permit type, and none of the CT permits below is released on a dated online calendar we can watch. Check each permit for how it is issued and when its season runs.