Collegiate Loop

The Collegiate Peaks Loop is a 160-mile route that circumnavigates a section of the Sawatch Range in the Rocky Mountains known as the Collegiate Peaks. The route traverses challenging terrain at high elevations, staying roughly between 8,200' and 12,300' with an overall gain of 32,749'! 

Luckily, the route is as scenic as it is challenging, with pristine wilderness, colorful wildflowers, and scenic vistas. Intersecting trails offer opportunities for side trips and access to some of Colorado's famed fourteeners (the term "fourteener” or “14er" describes a mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet in elevation. Colorado has over 50 of these high mountains which is the most of any state).

As a whole, this is a moderate to strenuous trail that can be completed as a thru-hike or broken up into sections. There are well-maintained trails and some forest roads and it is accessible to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. 

EAST VS WEST

The Collegiate Loop is divided into two sections, West and East. The Collegiate East follows the original Colorado Trail (CT) while the Collegiate West follows the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNT). The two sections are connected in the north at Twin Lakes and in the south at Monarch Crest. 

Both sections have approximately the same distance, but there are some distinct differences between them

The Collegiate East: 

• Lower average elevation

• Easier access to numerous fourteeners. 

• Overall, this section sees more visitors.

The Collegiate West:

• Stays higher in elevation.

• Scenic vistas. 

• Greater risk for dangerous thunderstorms

• More remote than the east side, with less resupply access.

For more information about the loop or about hiking just one of the two sections, visit https://coloradotrail.org/traveling-the-ct/collegiate-east-west/. 

LOGISTICS

As a loop route, it can be accessed easily from different locations and no shuttle is required.

• Northern Access Point = Twin Lakes Reservoir

• Southwest Access Point = Leadville

• Southern Access Point = Monarch Pass 

POPULAR RESUPPLY POINTS

• Twin Lakes Village

• Buena Vista

• Mount Princeton Hot Springs

• Monarch Pass 

• Salida

ACCESSIBLE FOURTEENERS
Collegiate East: Mount Yale, Mount Princeton, Mount Antero, Mount Shavano, and Tabeguache Mountain.

Collegiate West: Mount Oxford, Mount Belford, Missouri Mountain, La Plata Mountain, and Huron Peak.

MOUNTAIN BIKES

There are several sections along the route that are off-limits to mountain bikes, especially in Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Continental Divide Trail Coalition

CT - Collegiate West and East