Mount Yale, Segment 13, Colorado Trail, CO (2)
CO (Chaffee County)
Acclimation is always key if you are planning on some high altitude hiking. The Colorado Trail has plenty of high altitudes, so I always did some prehikes before backpacking. This year I was near Buena Vista at the Avalanche Trailhead.
The Avalanche Trailhead is just off of County Rd 306 and has a large parking area. And, as a bonus for hikers, there is a privy located here. There is no camping at the trailhead but I found a dispersed campsite not far away. After I set up camp, I returned to the trailhead to begin hiking.
As a dayhike this was going to be a ‘there and back again’. The trail started with some steep sidehill. It snaked through a forest intermingled with Aspens. As the trail climbed away from the creek, it was fairly easy hiking with the steepness on either side. The ridgeline was way above but eventually the trail returned to the stream.
Cruising right along, I crossed over 2 creeks via bridges. I did notice some nice campsites near the bridges. There were a few other spots that I could have managed to set up a tent. Enjoyed some views of far off peaks, including Mount Yale. Took a short break at South Cottowood Creek.
Encountered a few thru hikers and some other dayhikers. Upon returning, hikers were already occupying some of the tent sites seen earlier.
It was a great hike, approximately 6-7 miles roundtrip. Temps were in the 70s with a few afternoon showers thrown in. Back at my car camping site, it was steak and beans for dinner.
Mount Yale, Segment 13, Colorado Trail, CO (2)
CO (Chaffee County)
Acclimation is always key if you are planning on some high altitude hiking. The Colorado Trail has plenty of high altitudes, so I always did some prehikes before backpacking. This year I was near Buena Vista at the Avalanche Trailhead.
The Avalanche Trailhead is just off of County Rd 306 and has a large parking area. And, as a bonus for hikers, there is a privy located here. There is no camping at the trailhead but I found a dispersed campsite not far away. After I set up camp, I returned to the trailhead to begin hiking.
As a dayhike this was going to be a ‘there and back again’. The trail started with some steep sidehill. It snaked through a forest intermingled with Aspens. As the trail climbed away from the creek, it was fairly easy hiking with the steepness on either side. The ridgeline was way above but eventually the trail returned to the stream.
Cruising right along, I crossed over 2 creeks via bridges. I did notice some nice campsites near the bridges. There were a few other spots that I could have managed to set up a tent. Enjoyed some views of far off peaks, including Mount Yale. Took a short break at South Cottowood Creek.
Encountered a few thru hikers and some other dayhikers. Upon returning, hikers were already occupying some of the tent sites seen earlier.
It was a great hike, approximately 6-7 miles roundtrip. Temps were in the 70s with a few afternoon showers thrown in. Back at my car camping site, it was steak and beans for dinner.