Post by Westy on Aug 4, 2016 8:51:25 GMT -8
The target for 2016 was to hike the CDT from Wolf Creek Pass to the junction with the Colorado Trail at Elk Creek. The first try in early July, resulted in exercising an exit option, due to my hiking partner's altitude sickness. Organized a return trip a week later with my 18-yr old daughter to complete the mission.
Hiking the Cimarrona Trail to junction with the CDT
The trailhead is 25 or so miles from the main highway in Pagosa Springs. Arrived from Durango courtesy of Buck Horn Limo. The first day we attained the site of the last campsite from the previous effort.
On the Great Divide - Rio Grande Pyramid (13,821') on right
Most of the hiking was above timberline with numerous ups, downs and go rounds galore. Weather was typical for July, gray days, intermittent rain and sun and finally two perfect hiking days.
The Window
A familiar landmark near Weminuche Pass. A shout out and thank you to the Southwest Conservation Corp for their awesome efforts rehabilitating, relocating and reconstructing trails in the area. That makes 3 years in a row we have encountered them in the Wemi.
Curious & Close
Of the wildlife we encountered these mountain goats were not intimidated by human presence. They are God's Vacuum Cleaner when it comes to lawn maintenance.
Early Morning
This was a wonderful spot and we stayed in the vicinity for two nights.
Scrambling to a Saddle
Enjoyed our off day scrambling and summiting a couple of peaks.
Where's Toto?
Wildflowers were blooming near the end of our trek.
Enroute to Elk Creek
We finally connected with the CT and Elk Creek trail for our descent to the river and rendezvous with the train. Thus the only section I have remaining for the CDT in Colorado is from Winter Park (Berthoud Pass) to Breckenridge (Georgia Pass).
While hiking down we met Forest Service interns checking and reporting conditions on the 150+ known campsites in the drainage and adjacent area. Many are very abused, need re-vegetation and our located within unacceptable proximity to trail and water resources. They told us that the Chicago Basin has over 60 known campsites. I would expect more management controls to be established in the next 5-10 years due to the popularity of the area, especially the loop hike from Elk Creek to Hunchback Pass, along the Vallecito River, up and over Columbine Pass and down to Needleton.
Hiking the Cimarrona Trail to junction with the CDT
The trailhead is 25 or so miles from the main highway in Pagosa Springs. Arrived from Durango courtesy of Buck Horn Limo. The first day we attained the site of the last campsite from the previous effort.
On the Great Divide - Rio Grande Pyramid (13,821') on right
Most of the hiking was above timberline with numerous ups, downs and go rounds galore. Weather was typical for July, gray days, intermittent rain and sun and finally two perfect hiking days.
The Window
A familiar landmark near Weminuche Pass. A shout out and thank you to the Southwest Conservation Corp for their awesome efforts rehabilitating, relocating and reconstructing trails in the area. That makes 3 years in a row we have encountered them in the Wemi.
Curious & Close
Of the wildlife we encountered these mountain goats were not intimidated by human presence. They are God's Vacuum Cleaner when it comes to lawn maintenance.
Early Morning
This was a wonderful spot and we stayed in the vicinity for two nights.
Scrambling to a Saddle
Enjoyed our off day scrambling and summiting a couple of peaks.
Where's Toto?
Wildflowers were blooming near the end of our trek.
Enroute to Elk Creek
We finally connected with the CT and Elk Creek trail for our descent to the river and rendezvous with the train. Thus the only section I have remaining for the CDT in Colorado is from Winter Park (Berthoud Pass) to Breckenridge (Georgia Pass).
While hiking down we met Forest Service interns checking and reporting conditions on the 150+ known campsites in the drainage and adjacent area. Many are very abused, need re-vegetation and our located within unacceptable proximity to trail and water resources. They told us that the Chicago Basin has over 60 known campsites. I would expect more management controls to be established in the next 5-10 years due to the popularity of the area, especially the loop hike from Elk Creek to Hunchback Pass, along the Vallecito River, up and over Columbine Pass and down to Needleton.
