Chapter 5
@mycrazyadventurescalledlife
Mike Marker 80.6 to 98.4 (17.8 miles)
Several blowdowns in this section. Some have been cut through by amazing trail volunteers.
Today the Colorado Trail connected with the Continental Divide Trail! I was very excited! But before that, from my campsite, I had to go up about 3,500 ft in elevation. It should be considered a pass for us NoBos.
A lot of blowdowns early on
Going up a steep section, 1,500 ft in 0.6 miles! Peak Two in the background.
It's about 8 miles to the top but there's a section that gains 1,500 ft in 0.6 miles! Probably the steepest section on the trail, I hope! There was also a pretty cool switchback going up a waterfall with beauty that's hard to capture in photos.
After that, a small meadow to refill water and eat some more calories to tackle the final big uphill to the divide. Thankfully, the switchbacks to the top were graded pretty well that I didn't even have to stop to rest. Well technically I did because I had to capture some photos.
Switchbacks up to the Divide
Looking back at the switchbacks
I was so ecstatic when the Colorado Trail joined the CDT, and it will share the same trail for a few hundred miles. I celebrated of course by taking multiple photos and videos to remember this moment.
So excited to finally be on the CDT!
After joining the CDT, the trail stayed above 12,000 ft. Lots of ups and downs. I put my trekking pole away to go a little faster as the ascent to the divide took longer than I planned.
Getting close to Stony Pass with Canby Mountain in the background
There were some clouds initially which made it cool, necessitating putting on my buff. But when the clouds cleared, it got hot. The smoke in the area didn't help. It made it tiring. By 4pm, I was ready to call it a day. Most of the SoBos I came across that afternoon felt the same way. Some even expressed they can't wait to get done. The smoky surrounding was taking a toll. I took a little break by the water, needing some motivation, knowing I still have a lot of miles to cover. Even some upbeat music wasn't cheering me up. I was more mentally tired than physically.
My plan to camp at Cataract Lake wasn't gonna happen unless I hike into the night, which I did not want. As much as I like covering miles, I value seeing the scenery.
Canby Mountain view from the other side
As some afternoon clouds rolled in, it brought some wind and it got cold. It perked me up a bit, allowing me to ascent some elevation. However, ominous clouds started rolling in the direction of my hike. And uncertainty of campsites on this long exposed section began circulating in my head. When I saw this pond and a potential campsite, protected from the wind, I made the executive decision to end the day early, just before 7pm. The earliest I've set camp on this trip. It's kinda nice.
Pretty cool view from camp. Greenhalgh Mountain in the distance.