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.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in CT
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Epic multi-day traverses starting from CT
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
Collegiate Loop
160-mile loop combining the Colorado Trail's Collegiate East and West routes through the heart of the Sawatch Range—14er...
All Permits
Select a permit to learn more and set up alerts
Collegiate Loop
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.
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.
Other Thru-Hikes & Long Trails Areas
Explore more wilderness permits in the region
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. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When should I apply for Colorado Trail permits?
Timing varies by permit type. Lottery permits typically open months in advance, while reservation permits release on a rolling basis. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to never miss an opening.
Permit Directory
Browse Backcountry Permits
Find permits for day hikes, overnight backpacking, thru-hikes, canyoneering, and river trips across federal and state lands.
National Park Permits
Day-use, overnight, and wilderness permits at America's crown jewels
California Wilderness Permits
Sierra Nevada, Lost Coast, and backcountry access
Utah & BLM Permits
Red rock canyons, slot canyon permits, and desert wilderness
National Forest & Wilderness Permits
USFS wilderness areas with quota systems
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Multi-day point-to-point traverses and epic long-distance trails
River Permits
Multi-day rafting and river access permits
California State Park Permits
Backcountry camping and trail permits
Mountaineering & Summit Permits
High-altitude summit permits and technical climbing routes