West Tennessee Creek, Segment 9, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Lake County)
Before 'hitting the trail' I usually figure it is a good idea to acclimate for a couple of days. The Leadville area is a perfect spot to do just that. Leadville itself is located at over 10,000 feet, and there are no shortage of camping possibilities, even at higher elevations. Dayhiking opportunities are plentiful as well.
Dayhike from Wurtz Ditch Rd to Holy Cross Wilderness Area, Segment 9
After camping at Clear Creek Reservoir Campground, I got up early and drove to Leadville (about 20 miles). It was 38f in the morning but I slept well.
Wurtz Ditch Rd is accessed via a dirt road. A very small parking area is here. The hike was about 8 miles roundtrip and fairly easy. Went over 2 bridges and finally made it to the edge of meadow, which I followed for 1/2 mile or more before seeing sign for Wilderness Area. This was all below treeling but it looked like trail may go above for a little while.
I took a short break and then headed back. Saw several other hikers. Also couldn't help but notice that some of the higher peaks had 'fresh' snow on them. I hoped it wasn't a foreshadowing of things to come.
My thought was to hike back to Wilderness Area sign from other trailhead tomorrow. I scouted it out and discovered that the road was very steep and narrow but also well maintained. My car did very well up steep grade but I don't think I want to do it again tomorrow.
Overall a good day. Maybe low 60s and breezy. Mostly cloudy but no rain yet. I camped at MayQueen Campground around Torquoise Lake. My site was near a stream. A nice sunset to end the day.
West Tennessee Creek, Segment 9, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Lake County)
Before 'hitting the trail' I usually figure it is a good idea to acclimate for a couple of days. The Leadville area is a perfect spot to do just that. Leadville itself is located at over 10,000 feet, and there are no shortage of camping possibilities, even at higher elevations. Dayhiking opportunities are plentiful as well.
Dayhike from Wurtz Ditch Rd to Holy Cross Wilderness Area, Segment 9
After camping at Clear Creek Reservoir Campground, I got up early and drove to Leadville (about 20 miles). It was 38f in the morning but I slept well.
Wurtz Ditch Rd is accessed via a dirt road. A very small parking area is here. The hike was about 8 miles roundtrip and fairly easy. Went over 2 bridges and finally made it to the edge of meadow, which I followed for 1/2 mile or more before seeing sign for Wilderness Area. This was all below treeling but it looked like trail may go above for a little while.
I took a short break and then headed back. Saw several other hikers. Also couldn't help but notice that some of the higher peaks had 'fresh' snow on them. I hoped it wasn't a foreshadowing of things to come.
My thought was to hike back to Wilderness Area sign from other trailhead tomorrow. I scouted it out and discovered that the road was very steep and narrow but also well maintained. My car did very well up steep grade but I don't think I want to do it again tomorrow.
Overall a good day. Maybe low 60s and breezy. Mostly cloudy but no rain yet. I camped at MayQueen Campground around Torquoise Lake. My site was near a stream. A nice sunset to end the day.