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Salida is an official Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community and a resupply stop for both the CDT and the Colorado Trail. Thru-hikers come down off Monarch Pass for a shower, a burrito and a new pair of shoes. We're happy to see you.
- Two ways through the Collegiates: the Colorado Trail splits at Twin Lakes. Collegiate East (78.3 miles) runs lower along the valley past Buena Vista and Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Collegiate West (84.8 miles) stays high along the Divide. They rejoin south of Monarch Pass at the Fooses Creek junction.
- The Collegiate Loop: link both halves for about 160 miles, one of the best long loops in the state.
- Total length: 485 miles on the classic route, 567 counting Collegiate West.
- Monarch Pass crossing: the CT and CDT cross US 50 at the top of the pass. Hikers park at the far end of the Monarch Crest store lot.
- Resupply here: Salida and Buena Vista on either route, Mount Princeton Hot Springs on the east side, and Monarch Pass on the west.
- Getting to town: Bustang Outrider buses run between Denver Union Station and Salida.
- Shorter trips: Buffalo Peaks Wilderness (43,410 acres) and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness (about 167,000 acres) both have great two- and three-night loops.
Know before you go
- Bear storage order applies on Pike-San Isabel National Forest.
- No campfires above 11,000 feet in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
- Check fire restrictions before you light a stove or fire.
Resources
Thru-hikers: send your resupply box to us
We hold resupply boxes for Colorado Trail and CDT hikers for free. Mail it to the shop, walk in, and we'll have it waiting with your name on it. Salida is a CDT Gateway Community and we're glad you're here.
- Address it like this:
Your Full Name
c/o Salida Mountain Sports
HOLD FOR CT/CDT HIKER, ETA [date]
110 N F Street
Salida, CO 81201 - Ship UPS, FedEx or USPS. We're a street address, so every carrier delivers here.
- Write your trail name and ETA on the box so we can match it fast when you walk in.
- Pick it up during shop hours. Running behind schedule? Give us a call.
- Forgot something? We stock trail food, fuel canisters, filters, socks, shoes and CT and CDT maps.
- Getting here from Monarch Pass: the pass is about 20 miles west of town on US 50. Most hikers hitch or line up a ride in.
- Town services: the CDT Coalition's Salida page lists the post office, laundry, library and lodging.
Common questions
Can I mail a resupply box to Salida Mountain Sports?
Yes, for free. Address it to your name, c/o Salida Mountain Sports, 110 N F Street, Salida, CO 81201, and write HOLD FOR CT/CDT HIKER with your ETA. Pick it up when you walk into town.
Where do Collegiate East and West split and rejoin?
The Colorado Trail splits at Twin Lakes and rejoins south of Monarch Pass at the Fooses Creek junction. East is 78.3 miles and West is 84.8 miles.
How long is the Colorado Trail?
485 miles on the classic route, or 567 miles counting Collegiate West.
How do I get from Monarch Pass to Salida?
Salida is about 20 miles east of the pass on US 50. Many hikers hitch or arrange a ride. Bustang Outrider buses connect Salida with Denver.
Keep exploring
Checked October 2026 against the agencies linked on this page. Rules change, so confirm before you go, and stop by the shop at 110 N F Street for the latest.