First time solo girl! Looking for advice on hitching & smoke

Hi all, I'm planning to start the Colorado Trail on Tuesday July 7th. I've done lots of backpacking and completed the JMT, but this is my first time backpacking alone and as a woman I'm a bit nervous! I had planned all of my resupplies to avoid hitchhiking but with the trail closure at Tennessee Pass, that'll likely have to change. I'm looking for any info/tips on shuttles going from Tennessee Pass (or Breck area) to Twin Lakes (assuming the trail south of there is still open in a couple of weeks), whether that be organized shuttles, trail angels, or just hitching. Also, same as others, I'm trying to assess how bad the smoke is -- I know it changes fast, but if it's looking like it'll be rough all around, I may just call it on the whole trip and try another year. Any thoughts or advice is appreciated!!