7/22 - Near Bear Creek   Miles Today: 22.3 Total Miles: 191.9

Wow, do I need a day off from hiking in a bad way! Today was my 10th consecutive day hiking on the trail, and even though I have taken some easier days, my legs are dust. I don’t know if its the sun or the elevation or just the constant walking, but I need some time off!

I woke up this morning to another beautiful sunrise. As it rose behind the ridge, it lit up the mountains that I was facing with great majesty. I packed up with this spectacular view, and bid farewell to the group from Camp Red Cloud.

From the campsite, it was a long, meandering climb up to the highest point along the Colorado Trail, Coney Mountain. The trail climbed up saddle after saddle, giving me that “two steps forward, one step back” feeling as I would lose considerable elevation after each climb. No matter, though, as it was a beautiful morning and the views along the climb kept me going.

As I arrived at Carson Saddle, I was surprised to discover a literal maze of somewhat maintained jeep roads! I knew that jeep rentals were all the rage in Lake City, but I was impressed that you could drive right up the side of a mountain, and over 13,000 feet! You know those SUV commercials where the truck is climbing up some mountain with a fantastic view? Those have to be filmed out here! Most of these roads were initially constructed my gold and silver miners back in the 1800’s, so there are plenty of old cabins and mines to be found out here as well. This area definitely warrants a return trip... in a jeep!

From there, the trail descended on a narrow footbed along the Pole River. While this was a fairly enjoyable hike, I was surprised to discover that this trail had also been constructed for motorcross bikes! What an amazing ride on a bike this trail must be, to start out at the base of the river and climb up to timberline. All of the bikers that I passed were pleasant and yielded to me as I passed by.

Eventually, the trail arrived at Stony Pass Road, and dropped down a bit more to the banks of another river. This river, that you must ford to continue the hike, is none other than the Rio Grande. Yup, the Rio Grande starts right here in the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado.

Anyway, I camped out along a jeep road a few miles into the climb back into the mountains. Tomorrow will be a bit rough, but hopefully very beautiful as I again will top out on the divide. I’ll be in wilderness tomorrow, which will mean no jeeps, no motorcross and no mountain bikes. If I can make the 18 miles in good time, I’ll be heading into Telluride tomorrow night for a few days of relaxation with Colorado Kid. Looking forward to another great day out here.

- Chomp

< Previous Entry | Next Entry >