A Crystal Clear Creek, Segment 25, Colorado Trail, San Juan County, CO (2)
CO (San Juan County)
Day 2 (Segment 25)
random campsite to random campsite
After the pass were a few switchbacks. Switchbacks tend to lessen the steepness, as well as prevent water erosion. Dropping from the treeline the trail went in and out of the trees. There were a couple of nice cascading waterfalls. I stumbled upon a plaque commemorating Gudy Gaskill who was known as the ‘Mother of the Colorado Trail.’ She worked tirelessly to ensure the Colorado Trail became a reality. Although the CT follows the same footpath as the Continental Divide Trail for many miles, it does not share the same designation as a National Scenic Trail.
As Grizzly Peak loomed over and shortly after finding the plaque prominently displayed on a large rock, the trail crossed Cascade Creek via a bridge. Having built several trail bridges myself (on the AT), I can imagine the difficulty in the construction process, including the transportation of materials to this isolated area.
Steady uphill, sidehill climb was next. The trail meandered along with still awesome views. Encountered a ‘false’ pass only to make the turn and see that I had another ½ mile or so to go. False summits, or a pass in this instance, are usually disappointing when you realize you haven’t quite attained the goal. With a very prominent, busting through the pines, Engineer Mountain, it was difficult to be disappointed. A stunning, singular peak reaching to almost 13, 000 ft (12,968’).
A huge meadow with frequent trees was pleasant to stroll through giving a final glimpse of Engineer Mountain. After a short dirt road hike, I took a break at Celebration Lake which some online maps claim to be Bolam Lake. Bolam Pass Rd is also here as the beginning of Segment 26. There were bikers and other day users enjoying the abundant sunshine here.
A few more hours of hiking led me through another nice meadow. I was feeling pretty good as I stopped at a water source for dinner. Oftentimes campsites are dry so I would stop early for dinner and camel up for the next day. Water was plentiful today but tomorrow includes a dry section through Segment 27.
After about 15.9 miles of hiking I found a decent campsite nestled amongst some tall pines. Couldn’t have asked for a better weather day with no clouds in sight all day.
A Crystal Clear Creek, Segment 25, Colorado Trail, San Juan County, CO (2)
CO (San Juan County)
Day 2 (Segment 25)
random campsite to random campsite
After the pass were a few switchbacks. Switchbacks tend to lessen the steepness, as well as prevent water erosion. Dropping from the treeline the trail went in and out of the trees. There were a couple of nice cascading waterfalls. I stumbled upon a plaque commemorating Gudy Gaskill who was known as the ‘Mother of the Colorado Trail.’ She worked tirelessly to ensure the Colorado Trail became a reality. Although the CT follows the same footpath as the Continental Divide Trail for many miles, it does not share the same designation as a National Scenic Trail.
As Grizzly Peak loomed over and shortly after finding the plaque prominently displayed on a large rock, the trail crossed Cascade Creek via a bridge. Having built several trail bridges myself (on the AT), I can imagine the difficulty in the construction process, including the transportation of materials to this isolated area.
Steady uphill, sidehill climb was next. The trail meandered along with still awesome views. Encountered a ‘false’ pass only to make the turn and see that I had another ½ mile or so to go. False summits, or a pass in this instance, are usually disappointing when you realize you haven’t quite attained the goal. With a very prominent, busting through the pines, Engineer Mountain, it was difficult to be disappointed. A stunning, singular peak reaching to almost 13, 000 ft (12,968’).
A huge meadow with frequent trees was pleasant to stroll through giving a final glimpse of Engineer Mountain. After a short dirt road hike, I took a break at Celebration Lake which some online maps claim to be Bolam Lake. Bolam Pass Rd is also here as the beginning of Segment 26. There were bikers and other day users enjoying the abundant sunshine here.
A few more hours of hiking led me through another nice meadow. I was feeling pretty good as I stopped at a water source for dinner. Oftentimes campsites are dry so I would stop early for dinner and camel up for the next day. Water was plentiful today but tomorrow includes a dry section through Segment 27.
After about 15.9 miles of hiking I found a decent campsite nestled amongst some tall pines. Couldn’t have asked for a better weather day with no clouds in sight all day.