Vapor Trail 125- Exploring other options

[Enjoying the View]

So I am planning to attempt the Vapor Trail 125 route as a bikepacking trip with a few guys in September as a 3 day 2 night trip.  In looking at the route I saw that there appears to be an option to hit up the Tunnel Lake Trail by connecting with it west of St Elmo.  Then instead of going towards Hancock pass get on the CDT all the way to Marshall Pass.  In doing this it looks like I would be on more single track and up higher longer.

Any thoughts on this?  It would be a bit shorter and a bit less elevation gain.  But then there is also the option to start and finish in Poncha Springs and maybe do the loop as 2 days 1 night.

Or, is the standard Vapor Trail 125 loop already sweet enough and a cool enough for a bikepacking trip that its not worth messing with? I have only done Monarch Pass in this area in the past.

https://www.strava.com/routes/9286994

Thanks in advance for any ideas or thoughts.

[Luis]

I've ridden the VP125 loop as a bikepack trip.  Your route looks good but avoids Canyon Creek descent, one of the best!

[Enjoying the View]

Good to know.  I have not ridden Canyon Creek before.  I might just stick to the main 125 route.  Thanks.