The Colorado Trail is approximately 486 miles (782 kilometers) long, running from the mouth of Waterton Canyon near Denver to just north of Durango, Colorado

. Some sources mention a slightly longer figure of 567 miles, which may include alternate routes or additional segments, but the established main trail length is generally accepted as 486 miles

. The trail traverses eight mountain ranges, six National Forests, and six wilderness areas, with elevations ranging from about 5,500 feet to its highest point at 13,271 feet above sea level