Colorado Trail Hikers Battle Drought: Climate Change’s Unexpected Impact on Water Sources

Struggling to Find Water

Hikers on the Colorado Trail are increasingly facing the challenge of locating water sources. Rising temperatures and prolonged drought have made previously reliable water spots unreliable. Heidi Steltzer and Karin Ahern, seasoned hikers, encountered several dry streams during their trek, underscoring the new unpredictable conditions.

Even experienced hikers with guidebooks are finding their plans disrupted by the changing environment. Ahern and Steltzer’s experience highlights how climate change is affecting long-distance hiking. “It was completely dry. My heart sank,” Ahern said, recalling a moment of disappointment.

The Colorado Trail stretches over 500 miles from Denver to Durango, traversing five river systems and nearly 90,000 vertical feet. However, the availability of water along this renowned path is becoming less certain.

This issue is not just anecdotal. Climate scientists are noting a trend of earlier snowmelt and reduced precipitation, affecting water resources across the state. These changes are altering long-standing norms for hikers.

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Climate Change’s Toll on Trails

The implications of climate change extend beyond the Colorado Trail. The state’s snowpack, a primary water source, is shrinking. This impacts not just hikers but also farmers, fishing guides, and rafting companies. Less snow and earlier melt mean reduced water availability during the critical late summer months.

Trail users must now rely on technology, like phone apps, for real-time updates on trail conditions. Traditional guidebooks are increasingly inaccurate due to the rapid environmental changes.

Unpredictability has become the new norm, requiring hikers to adapt their strategies and planning. This trend is likely to continue, making outdoor adventures more challenging and demanding.

On the Colorado Trail, the situation is becoming dire. Hikers like Ahern and Steltzer must now consider their water sources more critically, often leading to unforeseen challenges.

Adapting to Drier Conditions

Long-time trail adopters Jodie Petersen and Dave Peters have witnessed significant changes over the years. Once plentiful water sources are now dry, forcing them to adapt their maintenance strategies.

• The Colorado Trail Foundation has recorded at least 5,500 completions since 1988.
• In 2023 alone, 499 hikers completed the entire trail.
• Climate scientists are tracking changes in snowpack and streamflow, noting significant declines.

Temperature increases and drier summers are particularly pronounced in southwestern Colorado. Between 1980 and 2022, summer temperatures rose by nearly 3 degrees. The region also experienced a noticeable decline in precipitation.

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Statewide, summers are now 2.5 degrees hotter and 6% drier compared to mid-20th century averages. These changes are reshaping the hiking experience on the Colorado Trail.

Unexpected Help on the Trail

During a dry spell, Steltzer and Ahern found themselves without water near the highest point of the trail, Coney Summit. Their situation took a turn when a pickup truck from Gunnison Trails appeared with much-needed water and snacks.

“It was like a scene from a movie,” Ahern recalled, as Steltzer excitedly announced their water supply. This serendipitous encounter was a relief amid their challenging journey.

Every hiker has unique stories about finding water on the Colorado Trail. Connie Wian, another trail adopter, faces different challenges with excessive runoff affecting her section of the trail.

Jerry Brown, a veteran trail surveyor, emphasizes the importance of good planning. “If you come to a good water source, do not walk past it unless you know you’re in range of another water source,” he advises, highlighting the need for careful resource management.

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