Prehistoric Monarch Pass Game Drive, Collegiate West Segment 05, Colorado Trail, CO (2)
CO (Gunnison County)
Day 7
Boss Lake (Collegiate West 05) to random campsite (Segment 15)
As mentioned the trail continued above treeline for miles. Saw prehistoric markers but didn't linger because it was too cold and fingers were numb. I finally made it to Monarch Ski Area. I saw a hiker named Carlos whom I met on the AT in 2015. I didn't take too many breaks because I was anxious to make it to Monarch Pass where I knew there was Monarch Crest Souvenier Shop. I had left a resupply box there for myself and I really wanted some coffee.
I made it to Monarch Pass where US 50 passes. I am not sure if the sun ever shines here. First order was coffee. My fingers were so numb that I had to ask the server to open my creamer packets for me. They have an area up front for hikers to place their packs and use some outlets to do some recharging. Coffee was very good and I warmed up quickly.
My plan was to recharge (myself and batteries) at the store and then hitch to Monarch Spur CG (which was not far away) for the night. I hung out at the store for about 3 hours and was feeling pretty good after eating and warming up. I decided to continue hiking and then go to the CG tomorrow. The trail junction was about 5 miles away and then another 3 or so to possible campsite.
The sun did make an appearance again and hiking was easy, gentle uphill. I made it to the trail junction within 2 hours but couldn't linger because storm clouds were brewing again. What followed was possibly steepest downhill yet. Dangerously steep but not too long thankfully, Bikers are allowed here. I couldn't imagine them biking up this. My knee was hurting again.
It started to thunder and lightning and then hail and rain before reaching campsite. Since I was below treeline now I used my umbrella until I found a large pine tree with a flat spot where I set up camp. While I was in the tent staying dry, a hiker wandered by, heading uphill. 17.3 miles for the day were probably too many.
Prehistoric Monarch Pass Game Drive, Collegiate West Segment 05, Colorado Trail, CO (2)
CO (Gunnison County)
Day 7
Boss Lake (Collegiate West 05) to random campsite (Segment 15)
As mentioned the trail continued above treeline for miles. Saw prehistoric markers but didn't linger because it was too cold and fingers were numb. I finally made it to Monarch Ski Area. I saw a hiker named Carlos whom I met on the AT in 2015. I didn't take too many breaks because I was anxious to make it to Monarch Pass where I knew there was Monarch Crest Souvenier Shop. I had left a resupply box there for myself and I really wanted some coffee.
I made it to Monarch Pass where US 50 passes. I am not sure if the sun ever shines here. First order was coffee. My fingers were so numb that I had to ask the server to open my creamer packets for me. They have an area up front for hikers to place their packs and use some outlets to do some recharging. Coffee was very good and I warmed up quickly.
My plan was to recharge (myself and batteries) at the store and then hitch to Monarch Spur CG (which was not far away) for the night. I hung out at the store for about 3 hours and was feeling pretty good after eating and warming up. I decided to continue hiking and then go to the CG tomorrow. The trail junction was about 5 miles away and then another 3 or so to possible campsite.
The sun did make an appearance again and hiking was easy, gentle uphill. I made it to the trail junction within 2 hours but couldn't linger because storm clouds were brewing again. What followed was possibly steepest downhill yet. Dangerously steep but not too long thankfully, Bikers are allowed here. I couldn't imagine them biking up this. My knee was hurting again.
It started to thunder and lightning and then hail and rain before reaching campsite. Since I was below treeline now I used my umbrella until I found a large pine tree with a flat spot where I set up camp. While I was in the tent staying dry, a hiker wandered by, heading uphill. 17.3 miles for the day were probably too many.