Marshall Pass Parking Area, Segment 15, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Saguache County)
Day 1
Monarch Pass (Collegiate West 05) to Marshall Pass Road (Segment 15)
No rain yet ... but it frosted again.
Started off a bit chilly but got packed up and waited for shuttle at Spring Creek Pass trailhead. The Sportsman from Lake City was the shuttle. They arrived shortly after 8 with kids in tow. We stopped at the Outfitter to pay and then at General Store for some coffee. Never skip an opportunity for coffee! It took about 2 hours to drive to Monarch Pass.
Arrived at Monarch Pass around 1100. Monarch Crest Souvenier Shop has a hiker area with outlets for charging phones, etc. I took advantage of that and while waiting enjoyed some nachos. After a nice break, I started hiking.
The first 5 miles were on the Collegiate West Segment 05. I hiked this section last year and it was just as easy now. I took a few breaks at the same stops as last year. I'm not sure if this is technically above treeline but it is exposed. After the breakoff from CW05, Segment 15 does dip into the trees several times and passes a shelter near Green Creek Trailhead. The shelter is not very inviting as it does not have a sleeping platform (plenty of tenting opportunities though). The trail finally follows an old road down to Marshall Pass Rd.
I found a nice campsite up above the Marshall Pass Parking Area near the water source. Water may be an issue the next couple of days, so I'll have to carry extra. (Although I've already seen extra sources not listed.)
I didn't see any other backpackers but did see lots of bikers. Total miles for the day was 10.4. It was a good day especially when the sun shines.
Marshall Pass Parking Area, Segment 15, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Saguache County)
Day 1
Monarch Pass (Collegiate West 05) to Marshall Pass Road (Segment 15)
No rain yet ... but it frosted again.
Started off a bit chilly but got packed up and waited for shuttle at Spring Creek Pass trailhead. The Sportsman from Lake City was the shuttle. They arrived shortly after 8 with kids in tow. We stopped at the Outfitter to pay and then at General Store for some coffee. Never skip an opportunity for coffee! It took about 2 hours to drive to Monarch Pass.
Arrived at Monarch Pass around 1100. Monarch Crest Souvenier Shop has a hiker area with outlets for charging phones, etc. I took advantage of that and while waiting enjoyed some nachos. After a nice break, I started hiking.
The first 5 miles were on the Collegiate West Segment 05. I hiked this section last year and it was just as easy now. I took a few breaks at the same stops as last year. I'm not sure if this is technically above treeline but it is exposed. After the breakoff from CW05, Segment 15 does dip into the trees several times and passes a shelter near Green Creek Trailhead. The shelter is not very inviting as it does not have a sleeping platform (plenty of tenting opportunities though). The trail finally follows an old road down to Marshall Pass Rd.
I found a nice campsite up above the Marshall Pass Parking Area near the water source. Water may be an issue the next couple of days, so I'll have to carry extra. (Although I've already seen extra sources not listed.)
I didn't see any other backpackers but did see lots of bikers. Total miles for the day was 10.4. It was a good day especially when the sun shines.