7/23 - Molas Pass/Telluride   Miles Today: 18.3 Total Miles: 210.2

It was mostly a great day today with some amazing views, excellent trail and all the comforts of town. I couldn’t be happier right now if I had a beer in my hand. Oh wait, I do have a beer in my hand!

Leaving this morning from my campsite, the trail immediately started to climb up to the top of the divide. The clouds were already rolling in, but there was still some great views of the San Juans from the top of the ridge. Quickly, however, the trail dropped off the ridge through a series of steep, tight switchbacks. This trail dropped off amazingly quick and right into a ravine cut by Elk Creek. The view on the way down was very unique. The main peaks hovered above me to my left, while ahead was this huge, stone shelf that jutted out almost over the top of the ravine. On the shelf were two large glacial lakes that looked like an incredible place to camp. I went looking for the lakes, but they were fairly far off the trail, and there was no well defined trail leading that way.

There was, however, a great little miners cabin built right on the side of the shelf. I poked around a bit and found this place to be still in somewhat habitable condition. It is totally amazing how these miners built houses here, worked here and lived in this often harsh environment.

After the cabin, the trail dropped down very quickly, following the banks of the Elk Creek as closely as possible. This was the best looking river that I have ever seen, save for Katahdin Stream in Baxter State Park. It was cold and delicious, and so clear that even where the water was swirling, you could see the bottom.

For the next six miles, the trail followed Elk Creek all the way down to the valley floor at about 9000 feet. 13K to 9K in less than 10 miles, that is quite the drop. On the valley floor, the trail crosses over a scenic railroad and the Animas River, a beautiful blue-green waterway. This area was very nice, but immediately upon crossing the Animas, the trail begins a 2000 foot climb back up into the mountains.

Also, about this time, it started to rain. I was in such a bad mood with this development, I can’t even describe it. First, it wasn’t even noon yet and a major storm had rolled in and started to rain. Second, I had to hitch to Silverton. Let me tell you, not a lot of people are willing to pick up a smelly hiker, and even less are willing to pick up a smelly WET hiker. I only had four miles until I reached the road, and already part of the shy had turned jet black.

The only positive thing here was that, for the first time in a while, I was able to climb strongly. There is a lot more air down here at 9000 feet, and I was powering up the ridge to Molas Pass with strength that I haven’t had yet on this trip. Fortunately for me, the rain did taper off and I dried out a bit before I hit the road. I was also lucky to catch a ride rather quickly down into Silverton, as the storm was still building. I walked down a sunny Main Street at 1:30 in the afternoon.

From here, I called Colorado and told him that I was in town. Silverton is nearly two hours away from Telluride, and he had to work until 5, which meant that I would be hanging out here for a few hours. Instead, I made a sign that said “HIKER -> TELLURIDE” and headed out to the main road in hopes of getting a ride. I didn’t even make it to the side of the road yet, when I see a red pickup drive past. I hold up my sign in a half-hearted effort, and the guy pulls over! Sweet!

He dropped me off in a town called Ridgeway, where I again donned my creative sign at a critical intersection. I had to wait 15 minutes this time, but I got a ride from a guy who lives in Telluride. I told him my story on the way there, and he ends up dropping me off right at the offices for the Daily Planet, Colorado’s current employer. I made an hour and forty five minute drive in just under two hours hitchhiking. Colorado was shocked at my early arrival to say the least.

Anyway, we spent the day hanging out, having a few beers and watching Terminator 3. Things couldn’t be better.

- Chomp

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