Segment 11, Twin Lakes, CO (7)
Twin Lakes, CO (Lake County)
Segment 11 Dayhike
Back in 2017 I had intended to hike the Collegiate Loop, but my leg had different ideas. The Collegiate Loop comprises the Collegiate East and Collegiate West. It is about 160 miles and would make a great circuit hike. Originally the Collegiate East was the official route of the Colorado Trail, while the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail uses the Collegiate West. Now, CT Hikers choose which side to hike. Although I have completed the Collegiate West, I was still interested in completing the East side. (For Loop hikers, I would suggest starting on the East side, since it is easier. For CT hikers, definitely do the West.)
My hike began on the far side of Twin Lakes where I parked my car. This is where hikers must decide which side to hike, East or West. It was a pretty easy hike with some short uphills but not too steep. I met a couple of Loop hikers who had just started from Avalanche Trailhead (Segment 13, maybe not the best starting point since it is steep). One of the hikers was ill possibly because of altitude. They had not acclimated.
I hiked out to Forest Service Road 399, approximately 4.7 miles. Took a short break and then returned. Encountered 3 CT hikers. After retrieving my car, I re-encountered the 2 Loop hikers who were moving very slowly. They wanted to go to the Leadville Hospital, so I drove them in.
It rained a little while hiking, but it rained alot while in Leadville. At over 10,000 feet, Leadville is a great place to acclimate. I've used the area a number of times for dayhikes to prepare for an upcoming longer higher. Filling in the gaps on the Collegiate East has given me plenty of hiking opportunities.
Segment 11, Twin Lakes, CO (7)
Twin Lakes, CO (Lake County)
Segment 11 Dayhike
Back in 2017 I had intended to hike the Collegiate Loop, but my leg had different ideas. The Collegiate Loop comprises the Collegiate East and Collegiate West. It is about 160 miles and would make a great circuit hike. Originally the Collegiate East was the official route of the Colorado Trail, while the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail uses the Collegiate West. Now, CT Hikers choose which side to hike. Although I have completed the Collegiate West, I was still interested in completing the East side. (For Loop hikers, I would suggest starting on the East side, since it is easier. For CT hikers, definitely do the West.)
My hike began on the far side of Twin Lakes where I parked my car. This is where hikers must decide which side to hike, East or West. It was a pretty easy hike with some short uphills but not too steep. I met a couple of Loop hikers who had just started from Avalanche Trailhead (Segment 13, maybe not the best starting point since it is steep). One of the hikers was ill possibly because of altitude. They had not acclimated.
I hiked out to Forest Service Road 399, approximately 4.7 miles. Took a short break and then returned. Encountered 3 CT hikers. After retrieving my car, I re-encountered the 2 Loop hikers who were moving very slowly. They wanted to go to the Leadville Hospital, so I drove them in.
It rained a little while hiking, but it rained alot while in Leadville. At over 10,000 feet, Leadville is a great place to acclimate. I've used the area a number of times for dayhikes to prepare for an upcoming longer higher. Filling in the gaps on the Collegiate East has given me plenty of hiking opportunities.