Elevation gain since last update: 9,402m/30,846ft

Total elevation gain so far: 94,267m/309,275ft (equivalent of 10.6 Everests)

Sidequests and Peak Bagging

Central Colorado is where I had planned a lot of potential alternative routes and side quests to hit some 14ers, depending on how my legs were holding up and also if the weather was cooperating. Having planned this from 6 months ago, I was prepared to adapt and change my routes, but hoping to complete at least some of the iconic peaks I was aiming to climb before the weather turns.

Fall Colours

Travelling South through the States means you get to see a prolonged end of summer/start of fall. People sometimes call it ‘chasing summer’ as you try and stay ahead of the cooler weather making its way down. This gives a very gradual change that is hard to perceive day to day, but every now and then you get a stunning moment when the colours just hit you, either from the leaves falling, or from the sunlight shining through the trees. Spending all day every day outdoors you do take it a little for granted, and I have to remember how fortunate I am to be out here.

More 14ers

One of the biggest factors in choosing to take on the CDT, rather than one of the other long distance thru hikes, is the proximity of so many mountains over 14000 ft. The main recognised CDT route only actually passes over one of these (Grays Peak which I did last week) so to include more peaks, a few side quests are needed. One such day allowed me to take in 4 peaks in one hike, the so called ‘DeCaLiBron’ loop. I was then planning on tackling a ridgeline to connect to Mosquito Peak, but when the ridge walk became more like a climb, I reached my limit and decided to bail. Unfortunately my escape route was a 30 minute slide on my ass down scree and loose rock, making me question my life choices.

The following day I bagged Colorado’s 2nd highest peak, Mt. Massive (and yes, it is indeed massive), and the day after I rounded out the set with the highest peak in the state, and no.2 in the lower 48, Mt. Elbert. This last one saw some ice and snow on top, and with cloudy and windy conditions there were no views at all, but you can’t have perfect weather every time.

Winter is Coming

Each passing day seems to get a little colder, and I find myself adding an extra layer of clothing in the mornings to get going, and tucking myself in a little tighter in my sleeping bag at night. Checking the weather forecast is becoming a regular habit, as this may decide if you take a high route over a mountain pass, or stay lower in the valleys. Of course, I almost always take the high route and regret it later! 

Snow at higher elevations is becoming a regular occurrence, but at least it is only a few inches deep, and soft enough to only need boots – no spikes or ice axe needed just yet!

New Boots Day

To help cope with the wintery weather and snow, I’ve switched to some leather boots. These are much more rugged to help cope with the rough, rocky terrain, and warmer to help insulate against the cold snow and mountain streams – after rainfall it feels like half the trails turn into streams! They are also better suited to fit microspikes or crampons, which might be needed as I head into the San Juans.