Elevation gain since last update: 7,429m/24,373ft

Total elevation gain so far: 84,865m/278,428ft (equivalent of 9.6 Everests)

A Day Off and 2 More 14ers

I had this particular section highlighted as it includes the most climbing of any single day, as well as some of the more exhilarating ridge walking of the main CDT route. To prepare for this challenge, I planned a zero day in Denver to relax and recharge.

Peak Bagging in Questionable Weather

Before all that we still had a few days hiking ahead of us, with a weather forecast that was decidedly undecided. Pressing on until forced back, I ascended James Peak through a hail shower and a rising cloud base, while other (probably more sensible) SOBO hikers were turning around and heading in the opposite direction. The summit made it worthwhile, despite the biting wind, and I made my way down to the road into Denver.

Zero Day in Denver 

After a few gruelling days in the mountains, I needed a rest day, and also to prepare myself for the daunting ascents ahead. As a bonus, my favourite baseball team, the Seattle Mariners, were in town playing the Rockies, so the timing was perfect. I also got a free game used baseball thanks to Jim and the amazing staff at Coors Field.

Denver is also home to the second oldest cat cafe in the US, so I just had to spend a quality afternoon playing and fussing over all the cats they have there. They also re-home them, so it’s the purr-fect place to get to know your next pet before you take them home.

This was only my 4th zero (meaning zero miles logged for the day) but as I write this soaking in a hot tub under the stars in Breckenridge, I am seriously considering adding more of them!

Torreys and Grays

These would be my second and third mountain peaks over 14000 ft, and occur together right after getting back on trail from Denver. They are then immediately followed by a popular alt route called the Argentine Spine, which as a full day makes a vertical gain of over 9000 ft and my biggest day so far. 

The route immediately after Grays Peak is probably the most exhilarating I have experienced on the main CDT route, comprising a knife edge ridge with a steep drop on one side, and loose scree and rocks on the other. The best advice is to stay right on top of the ridge, but it takes some nerve, particularly with a gusty crosswind!

After a 16 hour day, both starting and finishing in the dark, I was well and truly ready for a soak in a hot tub! Next up – a day of 4 peaks over 14000ft!