Highline Trail, Segment 27, Colorado Trail, La Plata County, CO (2)
CO (La Plata County)
Day 4 (Segment 27)
random campsite to Bridge site
Afternoon thunderstorms are fairly routine on the Colorado Trail. Of course, it is not a good idea to be above the treeline during a storm. When I started this section hike, afternoon thunderstorms were in the forecast for today. With several miles of high elevation hiking I wanted to ensure I was not above treeline, so I had been pushing myself to hike just a little further each day.
All of the extra effort to beat the storms paid off. I even got up and was hiking before dawn and was able to enjoy the sunrise over the distant mountains. However, sometimes forecasts are wrong. It was cloudy most of the day but with sunshine. I did feel a few drops, but not a t-storm.
The 1st few miles were fairly easy and through the woods. I found a flowing spring early on and was able to enjoy a cup of coffee.
As an Appalachian Trail Maintainer, I’ve always appreciated the efforts of other Trail Maintainers. Most hikers probably don’t even consider what it takes to maintain a trail, until they actually participate in some trail work. It usually involves hiking many miles while carrying a tool or two. Then they work all day, moving large rocks, digging new trail or removing blowdowns, etc. It is enjoyable but difficult work. I didn’t encounter any maintainers today, but I did see a small sign identifying who was responsible for this section. Thank-You for all your hard work!
Just before 9:00, I was soon to leave the relative safety of the woods and enter the High Country. I was at the Highline Trail intersection to include the Indian Trail Ridge. For Colorado Trail hikers who start in Denver, the trail culminates in a stunning, high alpine hike across a narrow ridge. For those starting in Durango, it is a quick introduction to spectacular views and incredible scenery but also difficult and challenging terrain.
Highline Trail, Segment 27, Colorado Trail, La Plata County, CO (2)
CO (La Plata County)
Day 4 (Segment 27)
random campsite to Bridge site
Afternoon thunderstorms are fairly routine on the Colorado Trail. Of course, it is not a good idea to be above the treeline during a storm. When I started this section hike, afternoon thunderstorms were in the forecast for today. With several miles of high elevation hiking I wanted to ensure I was not above treeline, so I had been pushing myself to hike just a little further each day.
All of the extra effort to beat the storms paid off. I even got up and was hiking before dawn and was able to enjoy the sunrise over the distant mountains. However, sometimes forecasts are wrong. It was cloudy most of the day but with sunshine. I did feel a few drops, but not a t-storm.
The 1st few miles were fairly easy and through the woods. I found a flowing spring early on and was able to enjoy a cup of coffee.
As an Appalachian Trail Maintainer, I’ve always appreciated the efforts of other Trail Maintainers. Most hikers probably don’t even consider what it takes to maintain a trail, until they actually participate in some trail work. It usually involves hiking many miles while carrying a tool or two. Then they work all day, moving large rocks, digging new trail or removing blowdowns, etc. It is enjoyable but difficult work. I didn’t encounter any maintainers today, but I did see a small sign identifying who was responsible for this section. Thank-You for all your hard work!
Just before 9:00, I was soon to leave the relative safety of the woods and enter the High Country. I was at the Highline Trail intersection to include the Indian Trail Ridge. For Colorado Trail hikers who start in Denver, the trail culminates in a stunning, high alpine hike across a narrow ridge. For those starting in Durango, it is a quick introduction to spectacular views and incredible scenery but also difficult and challenging terrain.