Getting To and From the Northern Colorado Trail
Reaching the Northern Colorado Trail (NCT) requires some planning, as both terminuses are in mountainous areas with limited public transportation. Below is a guide on how to get to and from each end of the trail.
Northern Terminus: Dunraven Trailhead (Near Estes Park, CO)
The northern end of the NCT begins at the Dunraven Trailhead, just outside Estes Park.
Getting There:
To Denver: Most hikers who come from out of town, will fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), the closest major airport.
To Estes Park or Loveland: From DIA, options to reach Estes Park or Loveland include the Estes Park Shuttle service, the Groome Shuttle service from DIA to Loveland, or the Bustang bus service (which runs from the Denver Union Station to Estes Park or Loveland). There is a Light Rail from DIA to the Denver Union Station.
To Dunraven Trailhead: Once in Estes Park or Loveland, you’ll need to arrange for a ride to the Dunraven Trailhead. This can be done through ride-share apps, reaching out to the Northern Colorado Trail Facebook community, or reaching out to local trail angels. The trailhead is accessed via Dunraven Glade Road, off County Road 43.
Leaving Trail From the Northern Terminus:
If finishing NOBO, you’ll need to arrange for a ride to Estes Park or Loveland.
Estes Park and Loveland both have lodging, restaurants, and transportation to Denver and DIA.
Reaching out to Northern Colorado Trail Facebook community, or contacting a trail angel who may offer transportation are your best options for a ride from the Dunraven Trailhead.
Southern Terminus: Transfer Trail Trailhead (Near Glenwood Springs, CO)
The southern end of the trail is at the Transfer Trail Trailhead, just outside Glenwood Springs.
Getting There:
Fly to Denver or Eagle Airport: Flying into Denver International Airport (DIA) is the most popular option, 178 miles from Glenwood Springs. The closest airport is Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), about 30 miles away.
To Glenwood Springs: Though it’s farther away, getting to Glenwood Springs is relatively straightforward. From Denver Union Station, you can take Amtrak’s California Zephyr directly to Glenwood Springs. Greyhound and Bustang also offer bus services from Denver, providing additional options for reaching the southern terminus. The Bustang also provides service from Eagle to Glenwood Springs.
Transfer Trail Trailhead: The Transfer Trail is located on the northern end of town, up the Transfer Trail road. Use a rideshare app or public bus transportation to the Transfer Trail Road. The Transfer Trail Trailhead sign is 2.5 miles up the Transfer Trail road.
Leaving Trail From the Southern Terminus:
If finishing SOBO, you can hike or arrange a ride into Glenwood Springs, which is about 2.5 miles down the Transfer Trail Road. You may be able to pay to take the gondola at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which drops you directly into Glenwood Springs.
Glenwood Springs has hotels, hot springs, restaurants, public transportation and bus services (including Amtrak, Bustang and Greyhound connections to Denver, Eagle and Grand Junction).
Other Transportation Considerations
Hiker Shuttles & Trail Angels: As the NCT grows in popularity, hiker-friendly transportation options may develop. Check the NCT Website, Facebook groups, or trail organizations for potential ride offers and updates.
With proper planning, getting to and from the NCT can be straightforward, ensuring a smooth start and finish to your adventure!