Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Last week, 29-year-old Nolan Van Harte of Salida, Colorado, was the first to finish the 2025 Colorado Trail Race. He completed the challenging 540-mile route from Durango to Denver in just 4 days, 11 hours, and 24 minutes. Find a day-by-day reflection and some photos from his ride here…
Words and photos by Nolan Van Harte, additional photos by Chris Reichel
The Colorado Trail Race! Somehow, I managed to be the first to arrive in Denver with a time of 4 days, 11 hours, and 24 minutes. This was my second attempt, and it was the first time I completed the route. I’m still trying to comprehend what just happened. Time out on the trail seemed so distorted, making the experience seem like it went by in the blink of an eye. I wish I was still out there suffering in the simplicity of a single goal: moving forward. The transition back into the real world has been the most challenging part of it all, which was not expected.
I’m leaning towards believing that this year’s direction, northbound, is the way to do it. On day one I tried to force myself to slow my eager and fresh legs down. I wish I’d gone slower to Silverton, but it was so hard totake it easy on some of the best trails in the world. Get the pizza in Silverton on day three; you’ll thank me.
Day two is where my race began. I hit Spring Creek Pass just after sunrise with my body adapting to and accepting the punishment it was starting to receive. Take the shower at Cathedral on day three; you’ll thank me. I found myself with a solid gap from second after hammering the La Garita detour. After a frustrating push through Sargents I was back to a familiar trail near where I live. The wildfire smoke began to take its toll as my breathing turned into wheezing and coughing, prompting a three-hour sleep near Marshall Pass. Fooses 4:00 a.m. rip—dang that trail is long.
On day three I was almost to Buena Vista. Two trail magic coolers really perked up my mood. I got more pizza in town, and I was glad I brought some extra baggies to stash the leftovers. With more breathing issues heading into the night, I needed sleep, but I chose to refuel near Leadville first. After a gross amount of gas station food, I slept for another four hours near Tennessee Pass. The sleep felt so good, and I had no need for the sleeping pad as the ground was softened by my fatigue.
On day four I arrived at Smokomo Pass at sunrise, it would be another smokey day ahead it seemed. I almost fell asleep while walking up the Ten Mile; caffeine was no longer helping. West Ridge, Georgia Pass, the old stomping grounds went by quickly as I felt strong and was regularly fueling. Hello, breathing issues. I was coughed and wheezed my way through Kenosha Pass. Don’t trust Google; Stagestop Saloon is indeed not open until 2:00 a.m. I should have slept before reaching Stagestop at midnight, but the thought of some French fries pushed me past what could have been some great campsites. I was devastated. Tarryall Road was cold, and sleeping on the side of the road was less than ideal.
Day four: this was it. A smokey detour and a quick lake dip at Wellington lifted the spirits (and discouraged the flies that seemed to enjoy my scent). Apparently, from Kenosha, the route is rumored to trend downhill. This is a lie, and I’m pretty sure it was one consistent uphill to Waterton.
All in all, I took better care of myself this go. I spoke kindly to myself, which I don’t seem to practice enough. I ate when I didn’t want to and slept when I wasn’t feeling sleepy. I rode with enthusiasm and felt an immense amount of gratitude throughout the ride. I recently read a quote that stated, “true mastery is walking a path that never ends.” I may have won the race, but the feeling of winning (or simply finishing) wasn’t the feeling I was expecting. I still want to be out there, problem-solving, pushing forward, living in the simplicity of moving forward. My goal was to finish, but I think the real goal wasn’t a definitive end; it was just being out there, showing up, doing the thing, being present. I can’t wait to do it again, but I’m also looking forward to all the in between that life throws at me.
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