Bighorn Sheep, Seg 1, Colorado Trail, Waterton Canyon, CO3
CO(Jefferson County)
Segment 1
After dropping my vehicle off at The Bivvi in Breckenridge, I made my way back to the Waterton Trailhead via an early morning shuttle (to DIA), 2 bus rides (to Union Station and then to Highlands Ranch Town Center) and then a taxi (to trailhead). It was about 2 o'clock when I finally started hiking. It was hot, in the low 90s with little shade. Following South Platte river was very easy hiking. The 'footpath' (it is actually a service road) is wide and accommodating to the many hikers and bikers out for the day. There were bighorn sheep, as well.
Shortly after Strontia Springs Dam (mile 6.2), the 'trail' finally turns into a trail and starts climbing. Strontia Springs Dam was completed in 1983 and is 243 feet high. I took a short break here while watching the bighorn sheep. Camping is not allowed in Waterton Canyon along the South Platte, so I still had a couple more miles of hiking to do.
The trail was no longer flat but it really wasn't that difficult either. It enters the woods past a memorial bench (Lenny's Rest) and starts to switchback to the top. My destination for the night was somewhere near Bear Creek, not too much further.
I arrived at the camp site (mile 8.6) at approximately 1800 (6 o'clock). This is an established camp site with room for several tents. There were 2 tents already there with another one nearby. The creek was flowing and was the water source.
Bighorn Sheep, Seg 1, Colorado Trail, Waterton Canyon, CO3
CO(Jefferson County)
Segment 1
After dropping my vehicle off at The Bivvi in Breckenridge, I made my way back to the Waterton Trailhead via an early morning shuttle (to DIA), 2 bus rides (to Union Station and then to Highlands Ranch Town Center) and then a taxi (to trailhead). It was about 2 o'clock when I finally started hiking. It was hot, in the low 90s with little shade. Following South Platte river was very easy hiking. The 'footpath' (it is actually a service road) is wide and accommodating to the many hikers and bikers out for the day. There were bighorn sheep, as well.
Shortly after Strontia Springs Dam (mile 6.2), the 'trail' finally turns into a trail and starts climbing. Strontia Springs Dam was completed in 1983 and is 243 feet high. I took a short break here while watching the bighorn sheep. Camping is not allowed in Waterton Canyon along the South Platte, so I still had a couple more miles of hiking to do.
The trail was no longer flat but it really wasn't that difficult either. It enters the woods past a memorial bench (Lenny's Rest) and starts to switchback to the top. My destination for the night was somewhere near Bear Creek, not too much further.
I arrived at the camp site (mile 8.6) at approximately 1800 (6 o'clock). This is an established camp site with room for several tents. There were 2 tents already there with another one nearby. The creek was flowing and was the water source.