A long-envisioned idea to make Colorado’s trails more accessible without relying solely on personal vehicles is now a reality through the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app.
The recently launched “Transit-to-Trails” component within the free statewide trail app connects users with hiking and recreation opportunities that can be accessed by public transit – an effort championed by the I-70 Coalition in partnership with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and transit agencies throughout the I-70 Mountain Corridor.
Collaboration moves an idea forward
The idea began several years ago when the I-70 Coalition approached the Department of Natural Resources Executive Director, Dan Gibbs, with a simple question: What if trail users could easily identify which outdoor destinations were accessible by transit?
Gibbs supported the concept and connected the I-70 Coalition with the Colorado Trail Explorer program. From there, the Coalition helped introduce the COTREX team to transit agencies across the I-70 Mountain Corridor to begin discussions about integrating transit information directly into the app.
After years of collaboration and coordination, the feature officially launched with approximately 540 transit-to-trails connections statewide. Organizers anticipate that the number could eventually grow to more than 1,000.
The new feature supports a growing demand for multimodal recreation access while helping reduce congestion and parking pressures at popular trailheads along the I-70 corridor and throughout Colorado’s mountain communities.
About COTREX
Led by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, COTREX was created as part of the state’s “Colorado the Beautiful” initiative. The app provides users with free access to information on more than 39,000 miles of trails and 1,400 trailheads across Colorado.
COTREX works through partnerships with more than 225 land managers and agencies statewide to create a comprehensive, reliable source for trail information. In addition to maps and trail conditions, users can record trips, submit trail reports and share notes that help inform fellow recreationists and land managers alike.
Using the COTREX app to find transit to trails
Download the COTREX app for free in the Apple and Google Play stores. Open the app to find a trail, check distance, difficulty, elevation gain, allowed uses, closures and advisories. Then tap “Get Here” to open the trailhead location in Google or Apple Maps and switch to the transit option. Confirm your route and schedule with RTD, Bustang or local transit providers before you go. Be sure to check the return schedule, build in extra time and download your COTREX map before heading out in case cell service is limited.