Segment 11, Chaffee County, CO (4)
CO (Chaffee County)
Segment 11 Dayhike
I camped at Clear Creek Reservoir CG. For a free campground it is nice. Unfortunately for me, I setup right next to a group that was rather loud. Somehow I managed to get some sleep. The trailhead for Segment 11/12 was right near here, off of County Road 390. I was hiking by 0700.
In 2017, I had hobbled to the dirt road with a bum leg. I caught a hitch back to my car and the end of my hike for that year. Now I was continuing to the spot where I turned around yesterday and the completion of Segment 11. The trail started off with a long switchback, while overlooking Clear Creek Canyon. Some nice views.
The trail then follows some dirt roads and some powerlines. There is a historical site near Cache Creek. Evidently gold has been found in the area. Digging is not allowed here though. I didn't find any gold.
For a very short distance the trail uses Forest Service Rd 398. There is a large atv/jeep camping area here.
Upon returning to the trailhead, I noticed some 'trail magic' of 2 cans of soda behind a large rock. Trail Magic is an Appalachian Trail thing. Sometimes hikers encounter caches of things left for their use. It is usally appreciated but it can create a problem because hikers don't like to carry trash. Fortunately I did not see any leftovers strewn about. I've encountered this type of trail magic a few times on the Colorado Trail. I leave it for the next hiker.
Overall it was an easy hike. 4.9 mile hike to the turnaround point. Segment 11 was finished and was great for acclimating to the elevation. Next day to Spring Creek Pass, Segment 22, to continue hiking.
Segment 11, Chaffee County, CO (4)
CO (Chaffee County)
Segment 11 Dayhike
I camped at Clear Creek Reservoir CG. For a free campground it is nice. Unfortunately for me, I setup right next to a group that was rather loud. Somehow I managed to get some sleep. The trailhead for Segment 11/12 was right near here, off of County Road 390. I was hiking by 0700.
In 2017, I had hobbled to the dirt road with a bum leg. I caught a hitch back to my car and the end of my hike for that year. Now I was continuing to the spot where I turned around yesterday and the completion of Segment 11. The trail started off with a long switchback, while overlooking Clear Creek Canyon. Some nice views.
The trail then follows some dirt roads and some powerlines. There is a historical site near Cache Creek. Evidently gold has been found in the area. Digging is not allowed here though. I didn't find any gold.
For a very short distance the trail uses Forest Service Rd 398. There is a large atv/jeep camping area here.
Upon returning to the trailhead, I noticed some 'trail magic' of 2 cans of soda behind a large rock. Trail Magic is an Appalachian Trail thing. Sometimes hikers encounter caches of things left for their use. It is usally appreciated but it can create a problem because hikers don't like to carry trash. Fortunately I did not see any leftovers strewn about. I've encountered this type of trail magic a few times on the Colorado Trail. I leave it for the next hiker.
Overall it was an easy hike. 4.9 mile hike to the turnaround point. Segment 11 was finished and was great for acclimating to the elevation. Next day to Spring Creek Pass, Segment 22, to continue hiking.