The Great Colorado Route: A Hiker's Dream or a State's New Icon?
There’s something undeniably captivating about a single person’s vision transforming into a movement. Donovan Rice, a Colorado native, is doing just that—not with a tech startup or a political campaign, but with a pair of hiking boots and an audacious idea. His mission? To create The Great Colorado Route, a 1,700-mile thru-hike that showcases the state’s natural splendor. But this isn’t just about walking; it’s about redefining how we experience the outdoors.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Rice’s approach. He’s not just stringing together trails; he’s crafting an experience rooted in three principles: beauty, breadth, and epicness. Personally, I think this is where his project transcends the typical thru-hike. It’s not just about endurance; it’s about storytelling. Rice wants hikers to feel Colorado—its diversity, its challenges, its awe-inspiring landscapes. This isn’t a race; it’s a journey.
One thing that immediately stands out is Rice’s attention to timing. He’s meticulously planning his route to avoid the scorching desert sections near Grand Junction in summer and to catch the fall colors in the Elk Range. This level of detail is rare, even among seasoned hikers. What many people don’t realize is that timing can make or break a hike. Hit the desert too late, and you’re battling heat exhaustion. Miss the fall colors, and you’ve lost a once-in-a-lifetime visual spectacle. Rice’s strategy isn’t just practical—it’s poetic.
The Human Behind the Hike
Rice isn’t new to long-distance trails. He’s already conquered the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Eastern Continental Trail. But The Great Colorado Route feels different. It’s personal. As a Colorado native, he’s weaving his bucket list into the route—places like the Wheeler Geologic Area and the Ruby Range Traverse. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a love letter to his home state.
What this really suggests is that thru-hiking can be more than a physical challenge. It can be an act of cultural preservation, a way to highlight the hidden gems of a region. Rice isn’t just creating a trail; he’s inviting people to fall in love with Colorado all over again.
The Power of Community
Rice’s journey has resonated far beyond the hiking community. His daily vlogs have amassed nearly 6,000 Instagram followers, many of whom are experiencing the hike vicariously. This raises a deeper question: What does it mean to explore in the digital age? Rice’s followers aren’t just spectators; they’re active participants, donating money to support his journey and urging him to accept help.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Rice initially resisted accepting donations. It’s a common trope in adventure stories—the lone hero, self-reliant and unburdened. But Rice’s reluctance to accept help humanizes him. It shows that even the most experienced adventurers grapple with vulnerability. Now, those donations allow him small luxuries, like a hotel stay with a shower. It’s a reminder that even the most epic journeys are made up of small, human moments.
The Broader Implications
If you take a step back and think about it, The Great Colorado Route could be the start of something much bigger. It’s not just about Colorado; it’s about reimagining how we engage with nature. In an era of over-tourism and environmental degradation, Rice’s project encourages a slower, more intentional way of exploring.
From my perspective, this is where the real impact lies. Rice isn’t just creating a trail; he’s inspiring a mindset. He’s showing that adventure doesn’t have to be about conquering nature but about connecting with it. His route isn’t just a path through the wilderness; it’s a blueprint for sustainable exploration.
The Future of Thru-Hiking
What’s next for The Great Colorado Route? Rice hopes it becomes a destination for hikers worldwide, but I think its influence will go beyond that. It could spark a trend of region-specific thru-hikes, each designed to highlight the unique beauty of a place. Imagine a Great Maine Route or a Great Utah Route—each one a labor of love by someone who knows the land intimately.
One thing is certain: Rice’s journey is more than a hike. It’s a testament to the power of passion, community, and the enduring allure of the natural world. As he continues his trek, I can’t help but wonder: What other untold stories are waiting to be walked?
Final Thought:
In a world where adventure often feels commodified, Donovan Rice’s project is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that the greatest journeys are the ones that come from the heart. Personally, I think The Great Colorado Route isn’t just a trail—it’s a movement. And I, for one, can’t wait to see where it leads.
