Jerry Reaches Highest Point on the Trail
07/15/20 – We had a very restless night, due to the wind and I suspect a lack of oxygen at 12,500′! After our oatmeal and coffee breakfast, we packed up and began our steep ascent to 13,000′. We all repeatedly had to stop and catch our breath as the lack of oxygen was very apparent (or could it be my advanced age?). We continued for an additional 3 miles to the high point of the Colorado Trail at 13,271′. A large colony of pikas was living in the rocks along the trail and they chirped at us as we walked by.
Highest Point on the Colorado Trail – 13,271’
We then descended over the next 2 miles to the Carson Saddle historic mining area (elevation 12,300′) and the end of Segment 22. We continued our descent into Segment 23, stopping at a creek and lunch spot just below 12,000′. Bruce and I had Sweet and Spicy Tuna with crackers for lunch. We then climbed once again to nearly 13,000′ in a 2 mile distance. We saw 3 bull moose down in the valley as we climbed the ridge above. Then we descended to our camp for the night near Cataract Lake (elevation 12,243′), after hiking 11.2 miles for the day.
Looking East Down the Lost Trail Creek Drainage We Had Just Climbed Through
Camping Near a Pond by Cataract Lake
After setting up camp, there were a few rain showers that came through. Between the rains, we had lasagna for dinner and settled in for the night. Once again, the clouds dissipated and the stars put on quite a show! The Big Dipper looked as if it had been set down right on top of the ridge on the other side of the pond! Click here for Pledge Form