[Cdt-l] CDT mileage... (Paul Magnanti)

[Jim Eagleton]

Mags,

Note:  I asked about AVERAGE thru hike miles.  You said:  

> Most people believe the typical route is ~2600-2700
 

You are probably right that "a" typical, or average route, is (very?) roughly 2650 mi. 

 

I think "the" typical range is broader than 100 miles.   Maybe less then the 300 miles I listed below.  (And this range is before the measurement differences we all love to complain about, e.g. Ley miles to real miles, lost miles, ...  )

 

This tread started with Sly saying the profiles show the cdt is the King of trails.  You say,  

> In the end...it is just that..a a freakin' long walk. 

 

I agree with both of you, and say the CDT is harder than the AT or PCT.  Most would say that the AT is harder per mile, but the CDT is harder overall.  I can't talk from experience, but the PCT may be nearly the same length as the CDT, but the CDT is harder (due to altitude and navigational challenges).  Do you agree?  

 

I don't want to make that big a deal about comparing the cdt to other trails, when the differences of the cdt 2008, the cdt 2007, the cdt nobo, the cdt sobo ... are so great.  

 

Rambler

 

 

 

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> 
> Jim, 
> 
> Where did you get 2600 miles?? Your web site says 2744 (to CC) and it includes Anaconda (so presumably the Anaconda cut-off) and does not include the Rocky Mt Nat. Park loop. So if you add these back in would you be over 2800? I thought the traill was about 2600 mi when I started, but now feel many cutoffs were built in the number. I don't have mileages for any of the cutoffs but my rough feeling is:
> 
> 
> 
> The most popular Cutoffs
> 
> 1. Anaconda cuttoff (100 mi) 
> 
> 2. Creede cutoff (100 mi) 
> 
> 3. Mack Inn cutoff (40 mi) 
> 
> 4. Skip RMNP loop (20 mi) 
> 
> 5. Starbucks cutoff (20 mi) (skip the Gore Range trail from Copper Mt.-Silverthorne)
> 
> 6. Rim Trail cuttoff missing Chain of Craters (na, still current route) 
> 
> 7. Short (Low water options) in the Bob (20 mi?) 
> 
> 8. Roads to Mexico (na, triple crowners' options) 
> 
> 9. Of course, there are many small route options, many times the longer one is much faster or safer. 
> 
> 10. Yellow blazing after bailing out for snow, fires, navigation mistakes or supply shortages (variable, I had about 50 miles)
> 
> 
> 
> Of course there are many scenic detours. I recommend bagging a 14'er: Elbert (highest in CO) Torres (highest on the divide) or San Luis (easiest yet best for bragging rights because day hikers need a 3 day weekend just ot get to the trailhead) 
> 
> Rambler
> 
> 
> 
> > 3. Re: Combined AT, PCT and CDT profiles (Sly)
> > (Jim and/or Ginny Owen)
> ...
>> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2009 22:04:20 -0800 (PST)
> From: Paul Magnanti <pmags at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [Cdt-l] CDT mileage...
> To: CDT MailingList <cdt-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <701764.23925.qm at web35206.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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> 
> 
> "The CDT mileage estimates range from a low of 2500 miles (using
> guidebooks and maps that are reported to be off) to a high of 3100
> miles (unlikely).
> Most people believe the typical route is ~2600-2700
> miles with 2800 miles splitting the difference.
> Yeah, confusing. Either
> way, it is a long freakin? walk. :O"
> 
> In the end...it is just that..a a freakin' long walk. Do you count mileage walked in town? Getting lost and hiked back? Alt routes? 
> 
> I did not bring the odometer for my shoes, so I lost track. ;)
> 
> 
> At the end, my stomach was flatter, my legs were muscular, my beard was huge
> and I was ready for Momma Mags' home cooked Thanksgiving dinner. (I finished Nov 1st).
> 


 
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