Colorado Trail's highest point

I woke up to more rain this morning, but it cleared up as I was packing up, which was nice. The trail climbed right back above treeline. There was a lot of elevation gain, and I crossed the Colorado Trail's official highest point, at 13,250 feet - a very beautiful and isolated section of trail. And then I crossed over a to Carson Saddle, and was surrounded by motorized tourists - there was a jeep road up from the valley, and there must have been 20-30 people on loud, smelly ATVs running around. It was a bit shocking after not having seen anyone since leaving the Creede trailhead.

In any case, I crossed over another pass and was suddenly alone again, in a valley below Sunshine and Redcloud peaks. Kind of a strange interlude.

I had a shin splint starting up today - I blame my shoes, combined with all the climbing. But I took 4 ibuprofen and tied my bandana around my shin, and after 4 hours or so, it felt much better - that must've popped that stupid shin muscle back into place, to my relief.






Brent