A visionary named Donovan Rice, known as “Iceman,” conceived a monumental long-distance hiking trail in Colorado after completing a 700-mile stretch of the Continental Divide Trail in 2024. He longed for an even grander expedition that captured the essence of his home state's majestic mountains, with their challenging scrambles, high alpine ridges, and towering fourteeners. This aspiration sparked the creation of the Great Colorado Route (GCR), a sprawling 2,000-mile loop across the breadth of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. After months of dedicated mapping and planning, Rice embarked on this ambitious journey from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on May 14, 2026, becoming the first person to complete this extraordinary new trail five months later.
The Great Colorado Route is a challenging and immersive experience, not recommended for novice long-distance hikers. It features an estimated 364,000 feet of vertical elevation gain and is designed to maximize exploration of Colorado's diverse landscapes without backtracking or excessive road walking. The trail passes through three national parks, two national monuments, all 11 of Colorado’s national forests, 29 wilderness areas, and 8 wilderness study areas, providing access to 13 fourteeners and 47 thirteeners. Rice's core design principles for the GCR were 'beauty, breadth, and epicness,' ensuring a route that is both demanding and visually stunning. He intentionally avoided overlap with existing long trails like the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, creating a unique and distinct adventure.
Throughout his four-and-a-half-month trek, Rice documented his journey, gaining a substantial online following who tracked his progress and offered encouragement. The positive reception from both online communities and the small towns along the route reinforced the significance of his endeavor. Upon his return to Black Canyon of the Gunnison on October 1, Rice experienced a profound sense of accomplishment, describing the journey as 'awe-inspiring' and filled with a continuous sense of wonder. The creation and completion of the Great Colorado Route stand as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Donovan Rice's achievement with the Great Colorado Route exemplifies the human spirit's boundless capacity for exploration and self-discovery. His dedication to creating and conquering such a formidable trail not only showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Colorado but also inspires others to pursue their own grand challenges, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and the profound rewards of pushing personal limits.