Writing
a conclusion to such an amazing journey is difficult. First, I would like to
thank the many individuals who have helped make this hike a success: the
Colorado Trail Foundation and its many volunteers and trail crews, the amazing
trail angels, those who helped with my resupplies, Mom and Dad, those who gave
me rides into/out of town, the maintainers of the Colorado Trail Friends’ Yurt,
the many hikers and other users on the trail, those who provided resources and
planning advice online, and those who offered prayers on my behalf and those who followed the adventure. I learned that
there are so many nice people still in the world today. Most of all I would
like to thank God for creating such beautiful country and protecting others, my
family, and me throughout duration of the journey!
I
hope in some way the summary of this journey may be of assistance to you,
whether you plan to actually hike the trail or simply enjoy experiencing
adventurers through the adventures of others.
I’m not much about reflecting while out on the trail as some people envision
hikes in the wilderness. I simply find
pleasure in long walks through beautiful terrain. The life of a hiker is so simple: wake up>
intermix hiking, eating, water treating, picture taking throughout the day>go
to sleep. Repeat until the next resupply
stop. Then repeat again and again until
the journey is complete!
The
Colorado Trail offers so much! From the
lofty peaks to open fields to dense forests to the beautiful lakes and
wildflowers there is so much to see! The trail is difficult to compare to my
other long distance hikes on the John Muir Trail and Wonderland Trail. I noticed several differences: the use of bikes/motorized vehicles and walks
on forest service roads, water availability, and more extreme weather. While some of these differences may be viewed
as downsides to the trail, they can’t take away from the magnificence of the
trail! I like the fact that the trail
can be shared by many different types of users. Finding water was occasionally
more challenging, but overall I was able to do just fine with a little planning
ahead. The weather also provided another
level of difficulty to avoid being caught up high during a storm. In some areas there simply isn’t anywhere to
go for miles! I just continued walking
but never felt that close to lightning. Others on the trail had scarier
experiences. All in all the Colorado Trail is one of the finest trails in
America!
One
of the questions I heard frequently while on the trail was: “Why didn’t you
start in Denver?” While I see the value
in thru-hiking an entire trail from end to end, I also find value in creating
my own personal journey with alternate routes.
Having read online that the trail near Denver isn’t quite as exciting as
down in the San Juans, I decided to skip out on the first six segments and add
in hikes in the Weminuche and Uncompahgre Wilderness Areas along with hikes to
the top of several 14ers. I do miss
that the fact that I didn’t have the chance to fully appreciate the divide by
walking all the way to it, but maybe someday in the future I will have that
opportunity.
When
I try to think ways that I would change my trip, not much comes to mind. This is most likely due to proper preparation
and adaptation before and during the hike.
My gear held up well with my shoes and Dri Ducks rain pants fairing the
worst. I had a reasonable diet that for
the most part appeased my appetite of hiker hunger. I do somewhat miss not going for the northern
section of the Weminuche High Route above Elk Creek, but that zero day was sure
special!
There’s
not much else to say. I’m sure the memories of this hike will be with me for a
long time and if I forget, hopefully I’ll still be able to find what I have
written here! So until next time, I encourage you to go out and experience some
beautiful nature! It’s most likely closer than you think!
