La Garita Wilderness, Segment 20, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Saguache County)
Day 5 random campsite (Segment 19) to random campsite (Segment 20)
Segment 20 begins at Eddiesville Trailhead where a pit toilet is available. This is area is very remote but I did see a few vehicles here. I even spotted one cloud. The trail exited the Wilderness Area briefly.
After taking a short break (and using the pit toilet, of course), I resumed hiking and shortly thereafter reentered La Garita Wilderness. This area is only served by a dirt road so I was somewhat surprised to see a house. Presumably a rancher because there was ample evidence of cows.
I had a destination in mind for the evening which was still several miles away. While still following Cochetopa Creek the trail went through a narrow valley toward San Luis Peak, another 14er. I encountered some hunters. 3 of them, each carrying out a piece of elk. Very cumbersome and very heavy, I was sure.
The wind began to increase, kinda like a funnel coming down the valley as it continued to narrow. I decided to search for a different campsite. I was losing treeline quickly and did not want to be exposed to the wind all night long. I found a suitable site and setup camp after a 16.8 mile day. Overall, a great day of hiking.
La Garita Wilderness, Segment 20, Colorado Trail, CO
CO (Saguache County)
Day 5 random campsite (Segment 19) to random campsite (Segment 20)
Segment 20 begins at Eddiesville Trailhead where a pit toilet is available. This is area is very remote but I did see a few vehicles here. I even spotted one cloud. The trail exited the Wilderness Area briefly.
After taking a short break (and using the pit toilet, of course), I resumed hiking and shortly thereafter reentered La Garita Wilderness. This area is only served by a dirt road so I was somewhat surprised to see a house. Presumably a rancher because there was ample evidence of cows.
I had a destination in mind for the evening which was still several miles away. While still following Cochetopa Creek the trail went through a narrow valley toward San Luis Peak, another 14er. I encountered some hunters. 3 of them, each carrying out a piece of elk. Very cumbersome and very heavy, I was sure.
The wind began to increase, kinda like a funnel coming down the valley as it continued to narrow. I decided to search for a different campsite. I was losing treeline quickly and did not want to be exposed to the wind all night long. I found a suitable site and setup camp after a 16.8 mile day. Overall, a great day of hiking.