How to Hike the Colorado River Trail

The Colorado River Trail is not a single, clearly marked path—but a network of rugged, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful routes that trace the course of one of North America’s most iconic rivers. Stretching from the snowmelt highlands of the Rocky Mountains through deep canyons, desert plateaus, and arid badlands, the trail system offers hikers an unparalleled immersion into the geologic and ecological heart of the American Southwest. Whether you’re seeking solitude among towering sandstone cliffs, the thrill of navigating whitewater rapids on foot, or the quiet awe of ancient petroglyphs carved into canyon walls, the Colorado River Trail delivers an experience that transcends ordinary hiking.

Unlike well-maintained national park trails, the Colorado River Trail is largely unmarked, often requiring route-finding skills, river crossings, and self-sufficiency. This makes it one of the most rewarding—and demanding—backcountry adventures in the United States. Proper preparation is not optional; it is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to safely and successfully hike the Colorado River Trail, covering everything from route selection and gear to environmental ethics and real-world case studies. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to turn a daunting prospect into a life-defining journey.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Section

The Colorado River flows over 1,450 miles from its headwaters in Colorado’s La Sal Mountains to its delta in the Gulf of California. No single trail follows the entire river, and attempting to do so would be logistically impossible for all but the most elite endurance athletes. Instead, the trail is best approached in segments, each offering distinct landscapes and challenges.

Begin by identifying your goals: Do you want dramatic canyon scenery? Remote solitude? Accessible day hikes? Here are the most popular and achievable sections:

• Grand Canyon Section (River Mile 0–277): The most famous segment, running from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead. This is where the river cuts through the Grand Canyon, exposing two billion years of geologic history. Hiking here requires a permit from the National Park Service and is best attempted as a multi-day backpacking trip.
• Canyonlands National Park (River Mile 277–350): This stretch features the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, with towering mesas and deep chasms. Access is via the White Rim Road or the Maze District, requiring high-clearance vehicles and advanced navigation.
• Glen Canyon (River Mile 350–480): Now largely submerged under Lake Powell, this section is accessible only by boat or via remote desert trails on the canyon rims. Hikers often combine this with kayaking or rafting.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison (River Mile 480–500): A narrow, steep-walled gorge with minimal trail access. Best for experienced scramblers and those seeking extreme solitude.
• Upper Colorado (River Mile 500+): Near Glenwood Springs and Rifle, Colorado, this section features gentle riverbanks, forested trails, and easy access. Ideal for beginners or day hikers.

For first-time hikers, we strongly recommend starting with the Grand Canyon’s North Kaibab to Phantom Ranch route or the Upper Colorado’s Colorado River Trail near Glenwood Springs. These sections have established trails, ranger stations, and water sources.

2. Obtain Required Permits

Permits are mandatory for overnight hiking in most protected areas along the Colorado River. Failure to secure them can result in fines, forced evacuation, or denial of access.

For the Grand Canyon National Park section, apply for a Backcountry Permit through the National Park Service’s online system at least four to six months in advance. The lottery system is highly competitive—submit your request as soon as the window opens (typically 120 days before your planned start date). You’ll need to specify your itinerary, including campsites, river crossings, and emergency contacts.

In Canyonlands National Park, permits are issued for the Maze and Needles Districts. These are less crowded but require a detailed plan showing your route, water cache locations, and exit strategy. For Glen Canyon, check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for any special use permits required for off-trail hiking near Lake Powell.

Always verify current regulations with the managing agency. Rules change frequently due to drought, fire risk, or cultural preservation efforts.

3. Plan Your Route with Precision

Unlike urban trails, the Colorado River Trail is rarely linear. You’ll often need to ascend and descend canyon walls, cross dry washes, and navigate around impassable cliffs. Topographic maps and GPS are non-negotiable.

Use the following tools to plot your route:

• USGS Topographic Maps: Download 7.5-minute quadrangles for your target area. Pay close attention to contour lines—steep gradients mean difficult ascents.
• Gaia GPS or CalTopo: These apps allow you to overlay satellite imagery, trail data, and water sources. Save offline maps before entering areas with no cell service.
• Trailforks and AllTrails: Useful for identifying established footpaths, but cross-reference with official sources. Many user-submitted trails are unofficial or seasonal.

Plan for at least one alternative exit route. Flash floods, rockfalls, or injuries can force unplanned changes. Identify high ground, nearby ranger stations, and emergency beacons along your path.

4. Prepare Your Gear List

Weight, durability, and function are the three pillars of gear selection. The Colorado River region experiences extreme temperature swings—from freezing nights to 110°F days. Your gear must adapt.

Essential Gear:

• Backpack: 50–70 liters with a hip belt and rain cover. Avoid lightweight packs without frame support—they’ll collapse under heavy loads.
• Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support and aggressive tread. Sand and loose scree are common. Bring a second pair of lightweight sandals for river crossings.
• Water Filtration: Carry at least two methods: a gravity filter (like Sawyer Squeeze) and chemical tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide). River water is often turbid and contaminated with giardia.
• Water Capacity: Minimum 4 liters per person. In desert sections, carry 5–6 liters. Plan to refill at known springs or side creeks—never assume the river is drinkable without treatment.
• Navigation: Paper map, compass, GPS device with extra batteries. Do not rely on smartphone GPS alone.
• Shelter: Lightweight tent or tarp system. Bivy sacks are risky due to temperature extremes and potential flash floods.
• Layered Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), waterproof shell. Avoid cotton—it retains moisture and increases hypothermia risk.
• Food: High-calorie, lightweight meals. Dehydrated meals, nuts, jerky, energy bars. Plan for 2,500–3,500 calories per day.
• First Aid Kit: Include blister care, antiseptic, pain relievers, antihistamines, and personal medications. Add a SAM splint and emergency blanket.
• Emergency Gear: Whistle, signal mirror, headlamp with extra batteries, fire starter, multi-tool.

Test all gear on a short overnight trip before attempting the full trail.

5. Learn River Crossing Techniques

Many sections of the Colorado River Trail require crossing the river itself. These crossings are among the most dangerous parts of the hike. Even shallow water can sweep you off your feet during high flow.

Safety Rules for River Crossings:

• Never cross alone. Always have a partner.
• Wait for low flow. Early morning is typically safest. Avoid crossings after rain or snowmelt.
• Use a trekking pole or stick for stability. Plant it upstream and lean into the current.
• Unbuckle your pack’s waist and sternum straps. If you fall, you must be able to shed your pack quickly.
• Cross at a 45-degree angle upstream. This reduces the force of the current pushing you downstream.
• Shuffle your feet. Don’t lift them high—this increases the risk of tripping on submerged rocks.
• If you fall, roll onto your back, feet downstream, and let the current carry you to a safe spot. Do not fight it.

Some crossings are marked with ropes or cables—use them. If none exist, look for the widest, shallowest point. Avoid narrow chutes where water accelerates.

6. Manage Water Sources

Water is the single most critical resource on the Colorado River Trail. The river itself is not safe to drink untreated. Sediment, agricultural runoff, and wildlife waste make filtration mandatory.

Identify reliable water sources before departure:

• Spring-fed tributaries (e.g., Havasu Creek, Bright Angel Creek)
• Seeps near rock overhangs
• Water caches left by hikers (use with caution—verify freshness)

Always carry more water than you think you need. In the desert, you may walk 10–15 miles between sources. Carry a water bladder and bottles—don’t rely on one system.

Test your filter before the trip. Clogged filters are a leading cause of dehydration on remote trails.

7. Navigate Weather and Seasonal Risks

The Colorado River region is prone to extreme weather events.

Summer (June–August): Temperatures soar above 100°F. Hike early morning or late evening. Avoid midday exposure. Thunderstorms are common—lightning strikes are a major risk on exposed ridges.

Winter (December–February): Snow blankets higher elevations. River crossings become icy. Hypothermia is a real threat. Only experienced winter hikers should attempt this season.

Monsoon Season (July–September): Flash floods are the deadliest hazard. A storm 20 miles upstream can send a wall of water through a canyon with no warning. If skies darken or you hear a rumbling sound like a freight train, move immediately to high ground. Do not camp in dry washes or narrow canyons.

Check the National Weather Service’s flash flood outlook daily. Subscribe to local alerts via satellite messenger.

8. Practice Leave No Trace Principles

The Colorado River watershed is ecologically fragile. Human impact has damaged riparian zones, disturbed wildlife, and contaminated water sources.

Follow these seven Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, weather, and terrain.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Use established trails and campsites. Avoid trampling vegetation.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use a WAG bag for human waste in areas without vault toilets.
4. Leave What You Find: Do not collect rocks, plants, or artifacts. Petroglyphs and archaeological sites are protected by federal law.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a camp stove. Fires are often banned in canyon areas.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed animals. Store food in bear-resistant canisters.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Yield to uphill hikers. Keep noise low. Share trails responsibly.

Every hiker is a steward of this landscape. Your actions determine its future.

Best Practices

1. Start Early, Finish Early

Heat exhaustion is the leading cause of rescue calls on the Colorado River Trail. Begin hiking at dawn, when temperatures are coolest and shadows are longest. By 10 a.m., the sun will be beating down on canyon walls, reflecting heat back at you. Plan to reach your next campsite or water source by early afternoon. Rest during peak heat hours.

2. Hike with a Partner or Group

Solo hiking on the Colorado River Trail is not recommended. Even experienced hikers face unexpected dangers: snake bites, falls, sudden illness, or equipment failure. A partner can administer first aid, call for help, or carry extra supplies. If you must hike alone, carry a satellite communicator like Garmin inReach and check in daily with a trusted contact.

3. Train for Elevation and Terrain

The Colorado River Trail involves steep ascents and descents—often over 2,000 vertical feet in a single day. Train by hiking with a loaded pack on hilly terrain. Include stair climbing, lunges, and core workouts. Practice descending rocky slopes with control. Endurance matters more than speed.

4. Monitor Your Body

Signs of heat illness: dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, dry mouth, dark urine. Stop immediately. Find shade, hydrate, cool your neck and wrists. If symptoms persist, evacuate.

Signs of dehydration: fatigue, dry lips, reduced urine output, rapid heartbeat. Drink 1 liter per hour in extreme heat. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

Signs of altitude sickness (above 8,000 ft): shortness of breath, headache, nausea, insomnia. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.

5. Respect Cultural Sites

The Colorado River corridor is home to over 2,000 documented Native American archaeological sites, including Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, petroglyph panels, and grinding stones. These are not backdrops—they are sacred places.

Do not touch petroglyphs. Oil from your skin permanently damages them. Do not climb on ruins. Stay on marked paths near cultural sites. Report any vandalism to park rangers.

6. Avoid Crowds

The Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail sees over 10,000 hikers annually. To experience true solitude, choose less-traveled routes: the Tanner Trail, the Nankoweap Trail, or the West Rim trails in Canyonlands. Start midweek. Avoid holidays. The quietest times are late September and early October.

7. Communicate Your Itinerary

Before departure, leave a detailed plan with someone reliable: your start date, route, expected return, and emergency contacts. Use a GPS tracker app that shares your location in real time. Set an automatic check-in alarm for each night. If you don’t check in, your contact should alert authorities.

Tools and Resources

1. Maps and Apps

• USGS Topographic Maps: Free downloads at nationalmap.gov
• Gaia GPS: Premium subscription includes detailed trail overlays and offline maps. Highly recommended for route planning.
• CalTopo: Free web-based mapping tool with customizable layers for terrain, water, and fire history.
• AllTrails: Good for trailhead locations and recent user reviews, but verify accuracy with official sources.

2. Guidebooks

• “Hiking the Grand Canyon” by Michael Kelsey: Comprehensive trail descriptions, water sources, and safety tips.
• “Colorado River Guide” by John McPhee: A literary classic that blends history, geology, and personal narrative.
• “Desert Hiking: The Southwest” by Mike White: Covers river trails across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada with detailed maps.

3. Organizations and Support Networks

• National Park Service: Official permitting and regulations for Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, and Glen Canyon.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Manages public lands along the upper and middle river. Provides trail condition updates.
• Colorado River Trail Alliance: Nonprofit focused on trail maintenance and conservation. Offers volunteer opportunities and free educational resources.
• Arizona Hiking Club: Hosts group hikes and safety workshops for beginners.

4. Satellite Communication Devices

• Garmin inReach Mini 2: Lightweight, two-way messaging, SOS functionality. Works globally via Iridium satellite network.
• SPOT Gen4: Simpler interface, one-way messaging with location tracking. Less reliable in deep canyons.

5. Weather and Water Flow Monitoring

• USGS Water Data: Real-time river flow data at waterdata.usgs.gov. Monitor gauge readings at Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, and other key points.
• National Weather Service – Southwest Region: Flash flood forecasts, heat advisories, and wind warnings.
• River Forecast Center: Snowpack and runoff predictions for the Colorado River Basin.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Grand Canyon Traverse – Sarah and Mark, 2022

Sarah and Mark, both experienced backpackers from Colorado, planned a 5-day traverse from the North Rim to Phantom Ranch and out via the Bright Angel Trail. They applied for permits 8 months in advance and secured a coveted campsite at Bright Angel Creek.

Day 3 brought a surprise monsoon. Rain fell for 12 hours, turning the river into a churning torrent. Their planned crossing at the Little Colorado confluence became impassable. Using their Gaia GPS, they rerouted to a higher trail and waited out the storm at a rock overhang.

They carried a Sawyer Squeeze filter and 6 liters of water—enough to last until the next reliable spring. They used their Garmin inReach to send a status update to their emergency contact, who alerted rangers. No rescue was needed, but the incident reinforced their rule: always have a backup route and extra water.

They completed the hike with no injuries and reported zero trail damage. Their photos of the river at dawn, with mist rising off the water, went viral in hiking communities—sparking renewed interest in responsible canyon travel.

Case Study 2: Solo Hiker in the Maze District – 2021

A solo hiker attempted a 7-day loop through the Maze District of Canyonlands without a satellite communicator. He underestimated the terrain, became disoriented in a sandstone labyrinth, and ran out of water.

After four days without food or water, he was found unconscious near a dry wash. Rescuers reported his pack was empty except for a single protein bar and a map he had torn into pieces trying to find his way.

This case became a cautionary tale in ranger training. It underscored the danger of overconfidence and the life-saving value of satellite devices. The hiker survived but suffered permanent kidney damage.

Case Study 3: Family Hike on the Upper Colorado – 2023

A family of four from Denver hiked a 12-mile loop near Rifle, Colorado, with their two children (ages 8 and 11). They used the official Colorado River Trail map from the BLM, packed plenty of snacks, and carried a first aid kit.

They encountered a rattlesnake on the trail. Following training, they stopped, gave it space, and waited until it slithered away. They used a trail app to identify the species and shared the experience with their kids as a lesson in wildlife respect.

Their hike ended with a picnic at a riverside overlook. No permits were required. The trail was well-maintained, with interpretive signs about native plants and river ecology. This trip inspired the family to join a local conservation group.

FAQs

Can I hike the entire Colorado River Trail in one trip?

No. The river flows through diverse jurisdictions, private lands, and impassable terrain. No continuous trail exists. Most hikers tackle 1–3 segments over multiple trips.

Do I need a permit to hike along the Colorado River?

Yes, if you’re hiking overnight in national parks or BLM wilderness areas. Day hiking on public trails often does not require a permit—but always verify local rules.

Is the Colorado River safe to drink from?

No. Even clear water may contain giardia, cryptosporidium, or chemical runoff. Always filter or treat water before drinking.

What’s the best time of year to hike the Colorado River Trail?

April–May and September–October offer the most stable weather. Avoid summer (heat) and winter (ice, snow) unless you’re highly experienced.

Are there any dangerous animals on the trail?

Yes. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black bears (in higher elevations) are present. Give wildlife space. Store food securely. Most animals will avoid humans if not provoked.

How do I find water sources on the trail?

Use USGS maps to locate springs and seeps. Talk to rangers. Check recent trail reports. Never assume a dry creek bed will have water.

Can I bring my dog?

In Grand Canyon National Park, dogs are prohibited below the rim. In other areas, check local regulations. Always keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.

What should I do if I get lost?

Stop. Stay calm. Use your map and compass. If you can’t reorient, stay put. Use your satellite communicator to send your location. Do not wander further.

How heavy should my pack be?

For multi-day trips, aim for 20–25% of your body weight. For beginners, keep it under 30 pounds. Lighter is safer.

Is the Colorado River Trail suitable for beginners?

Only specific sections—like the Upper Colorado near Glenwood Springs or the Riverwalk in Moab—are beginner-friendly. The Grand Canyon and Canyonlands are for experienced hikers with backcountry skills.

Conclusion

Hiking the Colorado River Trail is not a checklist item—it’s a pilgrimage through one of the planet’s most ancient and awe-inspiring landscapes. It demands more than physical strength; it requires humility, preparation, and deep respect for nature’s power. The river has carved canyons over millions of years. Your role is not to conquer it, but to walk lightly through it.

This guide has provided the tools, techniques, and truths you need to navigate this journey safely. But no guidebook can replace the wisdom gained on the trail itself: the quiet patience of watching a hawk ride a thermal over a cliff, the sudden stillness of a desert dawn, the shared silence of hikers who understand the weight of the land.

Before you step onto the trail, ask yourself: Why am I here? Is it for the photo, the badge, the thrill? Or is it to listen—to the wind in the cottonwoods, the rush of water over stone, the silence between heartbeats?

If your answer is the latter, then you’re ready. Pack your gear, check your maps, and set out with reverence. The Colorado River has waited for you. It will remember how you treated it.