Segment 24, Colorado Trail, CO (10)
CO (San Juan County)
Day 5 near headwaters Elk Creek to Cataract Lake
The mountains still seemed very close. Several high altitude lakes were visible, which added to the dramatic landscape. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows the same footpath with the Colorado Trail for over 300 miles. I found the southern intersection nearby. The northern intersection is near Georgia Pass which is near Breckenridge. The hiking was easy at this point and very much above treeline. The blue skies gave no hint of thunderstorms though. The sheep herd I found was busy grazing.
My original plan was to hike to Cataract Lake via a dirt road and then Pole Creek Trail. Then I would loop back to the top of the Elk Creek Drainage and return to Molas Pass. During the previous day's hiking, I had decided not to do the planned hike for several reasons. One of which was not wanting to hike over the avalanche falls again. I also realized I could probably catch a hitch to Silverton via Stony Pass. Silverton is about 10 miles away on a steep, dirt road.
The new plan was to hike to Cataract Lake, camp, and then return to Stony Pass. A 'there and back again' hike. Although the mountainous views were stunning the lack of colorful vegetation was noticeable. Everything was brown except a few times near lakes.
Segment 24, Colorado Trail, CO (10)
CO (San Juan County)
Day 5 near headwaters Elk Creek to Cataract Lake
The mountains still seemed very close. Several high altitude lakes were visible, which added to the dramatic landscape. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows the same footpath with the Colorado Trail for over 300 miles. I found the southern intersection nearby. The northern intersection is near Georgia Pass which is near Breckenridge. The hiking was easy at this point and very much above treeline. The blue skies gave no hint of thunderstorms though. The sheep herd I found was busy grazing.
My original plan was to hike to Cataract Lake via a dirt road and then Pole Creek Trail. Then I would loop back to the top of the Elk Creek Drainage and return to Molas Pass. During the previous day's hiking, I had decided not to do the planned hike for several reasons. One of which was not wanting to hike over the avalanche falls again. I also realized I could probably catch a hitch to Silverton via Stony Pass. Silverton is about 10 miles away on a steep, dirt road.
The new plan was to hike to Cataract Lake, camp, and then return to Stony Pass. A 'there and back again' hike. Although the mountainous views were stunning the lack of colorful vegetation was noticeable. Everything was brown except a few times near lakes.