Colorado Trail – 2020

A fall on some switchbacks, and winter weather ended my 2020 Colorado Trail hike. I’ll wrap it up in 2021!

Today was a beautiful day above tree line. I could not have asked for more perfect weather. Other than frustrating shoes, it was fantastic!

Day 32 on the Colorado Trail was gorgeous! This was also the day I reached the high point on the trail.

Colorado Trail Day 31, and Colorado is still a stunning state. Views across Snow Mesa took my breath away as I settled in for the night.

Creede, Colorado is one of my favorite trail towns on the Colorado Trail or CDT, and the new barbecue truck makes it even better!

Today on the Colorado Trail was one of my favorites! The wildlife sightings exceeded my expectations and weather was gorgeous!

Colorado Trail Day 28 included hiking in sections 19 & 20. This was beautiful hiking through remote, dry country leading up to San Luis Pass.

After spending more time around cows, I’m convinced that although not all that bright, they each have their own distinct personality.

Even cold rainy days are beautiful on the Colorado Trail. Just make sure you have the right gear for COLD rain!

Colorado Trail Electronics Use was not much different from other trails. This was the longest hike for the Fenix Headlamp, and it did well.

Colorado Trail Day 25 included a beautiful hike out of Monarch Pass. Climbing over 3,000 feet over 8.5 miles was moderate and above tree line.

The Red Hen Bakery in Salida is quite good, and I arrived at sun up to make sure I did not have to wait in line.

I now understand why I was advised not to hike to Cottonwood Pass during storms yesterday. It would have been beautiful and dangerous.

Hiking from Chalk Creek to Sanford Saddle was gorgeous, but afternoon storms chased me into my shelter early!

Today’s hike between the Arkansas River and Chalk Creek was gorgeous. I got to see “Ninja Moose,” and meet Lynx and Hot Legs!

After laying up sick for 6 days the hike out of Monarch Pass proved to be pretty tough, but the scenery made it worthwhile!

Day 15 was a tough day! Hiking while struggling with an angry stomach is not a lot of fun. Top that off with the worst hitch EVER, and I was ready to call it a day.

Lake Ann Pass was another beautiful Pass with a great campsite at the small lake just before the Pass. Views from the top were incredible!

Twin Lakes was a great resupply town. The Colorado Trail is going through gentrification, and I was able to get an excellent Latte.

The hike on Day 12 was Sam and Shy’s longest day yet @ over 19 miles. It ended with smoke, a large Snag, and a lightning tree.

I tried some new gear on the Colorado Trail, and used some tried and true favorites. This article provides a review of my primary gear and clothing.

The wildfire smoke was noticeable as we hiked out of Leadville, and the muted skies made for a creepy night at our campsite past Glacier Creek.

I’m always reminded of simple things when I hike – things I forget.

The target for the day was Leadville. It is amazing how town thoughts increase foot speed.

Serle Pass is easily one of my favorite Passes. It has the feel of a high Pass combined with the lush valleys below.

The long climb over from Frisco to Copper was not easy, and my tailbone suffered the steep downhill.

Meeting the Moose family on my way into Frisco was the highlight of my first week on the trail.

The climb over early morning Georgia Pass was gorgeous!

I just missed wildflower season at Kenosha Pass, but it was still a beautiful section of trail – with it’s crazy cows!

I love Six Mile Meadow. It was the second best part of Day 3. The first best part was my Deer Friend.

Day Two on the Colorado Trail provided great water sources and some tough climbs for these green trail legs!

The first day on the Colorado Trail included hikers, Bear, deer, and thunderstorms.

My Colorado Trail Hike is about a week out. I’m finalizing last minutes details, crossing a few t’s and dotting a few i’s as I get ready go.

The Big Three in this Year’s Colorado Trail Gear List have gone through some big changes. Zpacks and Katabatic are both in the lineup for the first time.