The Continental Divide Trail: Colorado – The Trek

Lastly! We made it to Colorado. After the hearth closures in Carson and Santa Fe Nationwide Forests, numerous hikers had been pressured to skip as much as Chama, New Mexico or stroll on the highway across the closed segments. The bottleneck of hikers popping out of Chama was unbelievable. Additionally, we had been all too early within the 12 months for mountain climbing within the San Juans, however due to the early snowmelt, we ended up in an ideal climate window.

South San Juans

Regardless of the early soften, there was nonetheless loads of snow within the South San Juan Mountains on the finish of Could. We set out from Chama loaded down with ice axes, micro spikes, and 6 days of meals to get us to Wolf Creek Cross. The snow began on our approach from the trailhead and lasted by the night time. Our days had been filled with lengthy snowy traverses, glissading down steep passes, and sleeping in freezing temperatures. The snow was completely terrifying for just a few moments, and immeasurably enjoyable the remainder of the time. There isn’t any denying that it made this stretch one of the lovely thus far.

Stony Cross

After we made it to Pagosa Springs, we had been greeted with one of many coolest cities up to now. Sizzling springs, nice meals, and superb locals, all made this an important cease. I additionally heard from my brother whereas on the town. He simply occurred to be passing by on this stretch and we tried to make plans to see one another. I kicked my very own butt attempting to hike and meet him, however sadly, he was stopped by the snow on Stony Cross. Though we missed one another, we had some good tales to share. I had hiked far forward of my crew and took a near-o on the path, and he white-knuckled his approach down Stony Cross attempting to maintain management of all 600 lbs. of his bike. The hike itself was gorgeous, however I might love to come back again and see extra of the San Juans sooner or later. I hiked down Stony Cross and into Silverton for a much-needed day without work with my mountain climbing buddies.

Lake Metropolis

After Silverton, it was only some extra days till Lake Metropolis. The mountain climbing was nice, there was much less snow, however nonetheless loads of magnificence, and I noticed my first moose! Lake Metropolis couldn’t have been extra welcoming. We received a hitch into city in lower than 10 minutes. Staying on the campground on the town helped us save a bit of cash, they usually had every part we wanted. We received all of the chores carried out early (showers, laundry, and resupply) which left loads of meal time and ice cream. After we received our treats, we loved a pleasant night within the park watching the solar set behind the mountains. Within the morning, our camp hosts had been candy sufficient to take us again as much as the path.

Into the Timber

The stretch of path from Lake Metropolis to Salida began with our first fourteener. We climbed San Luis Peak at 14,022 ft. on our second day trip. It was an unimaginable expertise, however a tricky climb. Standing on the highest was a reminder of why I like spending the summer time like this. It was such a very good reward for a stable day of climbing. The remainder of the path on this phase mellowed out. We dropped in elevation and stayed within the timber for the following a number of days. It was a pleasant change in surroundings, however I began to overlook the alpine views by the point we reached Monarch Cross. Our final day earlier than heading in to Salida lastly shoved us out above tree line and down alongside the divide to the freeway and civilization.

Colorado So Far…

This state has been nothing like I anticipated. It has examined me way more than I believed it could. New Mexico hardly ready me for a way distant and uncovered many of the path by Colorado has been. I additionally by no means anticipated it to be so lovely. I’ve seen lots of Colorado earlier than, however nothing as gorgeous because the terrain the CDT has taken me by. It has been superb and exhilarating in each approach. I can’t wait to see what else this state has in retailer!

This web site comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which implies The Trek might obtain a share of any services or products you buy utilizing the hyperlinks within the articles or commercials. The customer pays the identical worth as they’d in any other case, and your buy helps to help The Trek’s ongoing purpose to serve you high quality backpacking recommendation and knowledge. Thanks on your help!

To study extra, please go to the About This Web site web page.