Chapter 4
@mycrazyadventurescalledlife
Mile Marker 56.8 to 80.6 (23.8 miles)
"A Pass Everyday"
There seems to be a pass or a summit everyday. I didn't really plan my days ahead prior to starting but luckily it just so happens that I've been going over a pass or a high point around noon, which is good for avoiding any potential afternoon thunderstorms.
Though from day two I learned, or perhaps reminded, that weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Sometimes you have to take a gamble, and sometimes it works out, sometimes it does not.
Amazing view over the bridge at Cascade Creek
A surprise waterfall on this stream crossing, water is metallic tasting.
A bit tired from yesterday, it took a hot minute to go over Engineer Two Peak Pass. I certainly took my time because I needed to reserve my energy for another long day. It was quite beautiful once I was above tree line.
Going up Engineer Two Peak Pass
Rolling Mountain
Going up
Still making my way over Engineer Two Peak Pass
Gorgeous view going down from Engineer Two Peak Pass despite being a smoky day
Twin Sisters West in the Background
The trail was a bit more busy north of Engineer Two Peak Pass. There must be a trailhead nearby. There's also quite a bit of mountain bikers today, as well as hikers and backpackers doing a section from Molas Pass to Durango. It was nice stopping for a few minutes and chatting with people on the trail even though I still had a good distance to cover.
The trail going through beautiful wildflowers
A very smoky day from wildfires
Smoke seemed to dominate the sky today, limiting the view of the peaks and mountains in the area. Actually today the smoke was really, really bad. It was the conversation of the day amongst hikers and backpackers I met on the trail. I was told it was coming from Utah, Idaho and even Arizona.
Sheeps!!!
Smoky view
Since I brought more than enough food to take me to Lake City, I did not go to Silverton. Also I opted to skip Molas Lake campground, even though a few SoBos mentioned cold sodas as well as ice cream and burritos. But it would have added an hour minimum to my hike and I was already running behind to my planned campsite for tonight. So I kept going.
Trail going down to Animas River
The downhill to the Animas River and the railroad track was hard on the feet. However, I'd rather be going down on this huge switchback than going up it.
It was so cool to finally be in this section of the trail. I thought about riding the train from Elk Park by the Animas River to Silverton and back because it's such a unique experience riding a train to resupply. But I've taken this train before in the past so I decided to pass on it as well.
Right after the bridge over Animas River are cool campsites,
but I decided to keep going since it's a big uphill (3,700 ft) from here on.
Tired but still happy
I found a good campsite somewhere along Elk Creek right before it got dark. Another tent was nearby but I never saw the person come out that night, even in the early morning. The rushing water next to it was great for washing up my dirty legs. Fast flowing water usually bothers my sleep but I was so exhausted that night that it just became white noise.
Railroad track that goes from Durango to Silverton