Resupplying on the Northern Colorado Trail
One of the key factors in planning any long-distance hike is figuring out where and how to resupply. Fortunately, the Northern Colorado Trail (NOCO Trail) offers several convenient options to restock food, gear, and other essentials along the way. Whether you're hiking the full 300-mile route or just a segment, here are the four primary resupply towns you'll want to keep in mind.
Walden
Located at the end of Segment 1, Walden is the first major opportunity to resupply. This small, friendly town in the North Park Valley is known for its wide-open spaces, moose sightings, and western hospitality.
Lodging
Walden offers several accommodations to suit different preferences:
Antler's Inn: Centrally located with a Western mountain ambiance. Rooms start at $109 for a Single Queen (sleeps 2) and go up to $230 for a suite (sleeps 6).
North Park Inn & Suites: Offers modern rooms with kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, and coin laundry facilities. Rates begin at $120.
Chedsey Motel: Offers a more standard Motel feel with single and double bed units, starting at $100 per night. Amenities include laundry services and Wi-Fi.
Resupply Options
Family Dollar: Provides basic resupply items but lacks specialized backpacking supplies like freeze-dried meals, fuel canisters, or water filters.
Corkle’s Mini Mart: A convenience store/gas station offering a variety of snacks, a Starbucks coffee machine, milkshakes, and beer. An outdoor outlet is available between the freezer and firewood for device charging.
Mail Drops: Currently, only the post office accepts resupply boxes addressed for General Delivery.
Dining
Four Winds Pizza: Located in the heart of Walden, they offer delicious pizza and a comfortable environment. They are accommodating to hikers and have outlets available.
River Rock Café: Provides generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a must-visit for thru-hikers.
Rita’s Café: Located on the northern edge of town, it’s known for its small but welcoming atmosphere.
Getting Around
Walden is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing easy access to all essential services on foot.
Gear & Hiker Services
While there's no dedicated hiking gear store, a local fishing shop may consider stocking hiker-specific items as trail traffic increases.
Post Office & Packages
The Walden post office does accept packages labeled for General Delivery.
➤ Be sure to address boxes using this format:
Your Name
c/o General Delivery
Walden, CO 80480
Please Hold for NOCO Trail Hiker
Walden Post Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 4:40 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Atmosphere
Walden is relaxed and welcoming, with more activity on weekends. There’s a small public park with pit toilets near the trail as it exits town. Corkle’s Mini Mart has newly renovated restrooms — just buy a snack if you plan to use them.
Steamboat Springs
Lodging
Steamboat Springs offers a range of accommodations. Rates vary at each location based on season and day of the week. Popular choices among hikers include:
Holiday Inn: $160 - $280 per night
Quality Inn & Suites: $210 - $280 per night
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham: $180 - $310 per night
Additionally, numerous Airbnb and VRBO options are available. Prices vary based on the season and day of the week. While laundry services aren't guaranteed at these locations, a laundromat is located nearby.
Resupply Options
Walmart: Yes they have one.
City Market: A more complete resupply option, the City Market offer fresh produce and a wide selection of items located at any major chain grocery store.
Safeway: Another great option in town for resupplying, offering a very similar selection to the City Market.
Dining
Steamboat Springs boasts a diverse culinary scene:
The Egg: Features breakfast items like the "Hiker’s Benedict." and a relaxed atmosphere for hikers to hang outside and charge up devices.
Freshies: A local favorite offering a tasty breakfast and lunch menu.
Blue Sage Pizza: Serves pizza by the slice with an great beer selection. Friendly enough to let hiker use any free outlet to charge devices.
Backdoor Grill: Known for its character and delicious burgers.
Beau Jo’s Pizza: A favorite among pizza enthusiasts.
With numerous dining establishments, hikers can satisfy almost any craving in Steamboat Springs.
Getting Around
Hitchhiking: The NOCO Trail reaches Highway 40 at the Dumont Trailhead, approximately 20 miles from Steamboat Springs, and offers relatively easy hitchhiking opportunities due to the busy highway.
Public Transit: The Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) provides free bus services with stops throughout the town, providing easy access throughout the fairly spread out town.
Gear & Hiker Services
Ski Haus serves as the primary destination for gear replacement, offering items like small fuel canisters, water filters, freeze-dried meals, and electrolyte supplements.
Post Office & Packages
As a gateway town for the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), Steamboat Springs' post office is accustomed to handling general delivery packages. However, given the town's extensive resupply options, sending a package may be unnecessary.
➤ Be sure to address boxes using this format:
Your Name
c/o General Delivery
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Please Hold for NOCO Trail Hiker
Steamboat Springs Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Atmosphere
Steamboat Springs is a bustling town with a larger population and more amenities than other trail towns. While it offers extensive services, it's also known for being relatively expensive.
3. Yampa
At the end of Segment 3, the NOCO Trail reaches the small town of Yampa. Whether venturing north or south on the route, Yampa offers a vary capable resupply, but may require a little creativity. (I carried an entire pizza out of town the first day).
Lodging
Travelodge: Rooms starting just under $100 on weekdays and $160 on weekends, this lodging option is located in the center of town, and offers clean, basic motel-style rooms and coin laundry on site. It's a convenient all-in-one spot since it's attached to the only full-service restaurant in Yampa—Penny’s Diner—where the Travelodge office is located.
Van Camp Cabins: With rooms starting at $110 per night, there is 2 night minimum which may work great if planning a zero day. Amenities include a bathhouse, sauna and an outdoor picnic area with BBQ Grills.
Resupply Options
Montgomery’s General Merchandise: A small but capable grocery store geared toward hunters. Good for creative resupplies. Large fuel canisters only.
Post Office Mail Drops: The Yampa post office is a great place to send a resupply box if you are at all concerned about resupplying for the longer segment 4. The post office is located downtown and accepts packages labeled for General Delivery.
Dining
Penny’s Diner: The only sit-down restaurant in town. Open early, they serve hearty American breakfast, lunch and dinner options. It’s located next to the Travelodge and is open 24 hours a day. The Check-in office for the Travelodge is located inside the diner.
Antlers Cafe & Bar (temporarily closed): Offers a great atmosphere and sometimes live music. Unfortunately there was a fire in February 2025 causing them to close temporarily. Check their Facebook Page for updates.
Getting Around
The NOCO Trail travels directly through the heart of Yampa. Yampa is very small—and with everything centralized in town, everything is walkable in a few minutes.
Gear & Hiker Services
No outfitter or gear store here. Montgomery’s General Market does offer some items related to outdoor recreation, but nothing geared for long distance backpacking. In August 2025, they only provided the very large fuel canisters. Their selection may change as awareness of the NOCO Trail route increases.
Post Office
➤ Be sure to address boxes using this format:
Your Name
c/o General Delivery
Yampa, CO 80483
Please Hold for NOCO Trail Hiker
Yampa Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Sunday: Closed
Atmosphere
Yampa feels like a quiet mountain town from another era—slow-paced, friendly, and rustic. Expect limited services, but don’t be surprised if a local offers help or a ride. It’s a restful stop that feels worlds away from the hustle of Steamboat Springs.
4. Oak Creek (Oak Creek Alternate)
For hikers taking the Oak Creek Alternate, the town of Oak Creek offers a great opportunity to stop and recharge before heading back on trail.
Lodging
Lodges of Oak Creek: Located at the south end of town along Highway 131, they offer a variety of lodging option. Rooms start at $140/night.
Resupply Options
Select Super Market: Well-stocked with all the essentials, including fresh produce. Does not carry fuel canisters or backpacking-specific food.
Dining
Sweet Pine Café: Great for coffee and breakfast.
Dueling D’s BBQ & Grill: A hearty option for hungry hikers.
Franciosi Brothers Pizza & Meatballs: You know what you're getting.
Getting Around
The Oak Creek Alternate routes directly through the town of Oak Creek, along Highway 131 until reaching the center of town where the route continues more south west. The town is small and walkable. Slightly larger than the town of Yampa, but with a similar feel. The biggest difference is that the Highway travels directly through town.
Gear & Hiker Services
No outdoor gear stores or fuel sources here, so plan ahead. That said, the town is friendly, and businesses may let you charge electronics.
Oak Creek Bath House: Laundromat located near the heart of Oak Creek.
Post Office & Packages
The Oak Creek post office does accept packages labeled for General Delivery.
➤ Be sure to address boxes using this format:
Your Name
c/o General Delivery
Oak Creek, CO 80467
Please Hold for NOCO Trail Hiker
Oak Creek Post Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 12:30 pm & 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Sunday: Closed
Atmosphere
Similar in feel to Walden with the Highway going directly through town. The area sees much more traffic on the weekends, which may be something hikers consider when planning a stop in town.
Final Thoughts
Each of these towns offers its own vibe and set of resources, making them ideal places to break up the NOCO Trail into manageable sections. Whether you're mailing a box ahead or planning to resupply as you go, these stops can help you keep your pack light and your journey smooth.
Have a favorite trail town or resupply tip along the Northern Colorado Trail? Share it with everyone on the NOCO Trail Facebook group.
As Always, Happy Trail!