Let’s start with dinner as tonight was Boone’s dinner choice – two packages of ramen noodles and a package of cheese crackers with peanut butter. Go ahead groan in disbelief (I would never feed my clients ramen noodles with crackers) but craving for salt made the inclusion of those foil packages oh so delicious.

But what you really want to know is, “Was today better than yesterday?” Of course! Legs have a few additional scratches and bruises but no trip is a good trip without some degree of battle wounds.

The Weminuche Wilderness was designated in 1975 by federal law to be, “An area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Colorado’s largest wilderness area, the myriad of terrain features and potential for natural encounters is seemingly endless.

We’d made it through the often described “moderate” section of our hike and the generally level bumps that accompany the trail. Sweeping vistas astound the prepared and unprepared. Lake basins are a paradise that is often indescribable. Lush drainages sparkle with water and waving flowers. Meadows vie for proclamation of being the most beautiful of them all.

The morning’s aspen glow provided a stunning start to the day. Gloves and fleece hats properly ordained our fingers and heads to maintain warmth as the day woke with the chatter of small birds. Monolithic rocks divided the pathway that crossed from one ridge to another seemingly daring a look on the other side. Small streams gurgled from hidden springs of a cold and crisp flavor that is sweet in taste.

Sunshine exemplified the darkness of Rio Grande Pyramid and the unique structure of The Window. Wide passes are a kaleidoscope of changing scenery where moose wallow and bear amble. The decadence of the minutest detail is a reminder of the changing natural landscape that happens over eons or merely over a few moments time. Clobbering rocks, avalanche chutes, winding water paths; details that can be so easily missed.

We rambled, and ambled and hurried when the clouds drew darker. Looking back we can see back to where we had come earlier in the day. The distance is so far. The accomplishment so rewarding. Over the lip of the ridge we descend on an interior hill slope with its ankle twisting rocks. Behind the skies are waiting … but barely. Just patiently enough for us to find a safe hold for the evening where the forward views are for miles and the landscape falling asleep for another night’s rest.

ABOUT US AND OUR ROUTE:

Together, Boone and I have over 30,000-miles of backpacking experience. We made a conscious decision to hike over 20-miles per day to reach our goal for this particular hike. We would not recommend you do the same but instead that you take the time to enjoy the grandeur of the divide.Our route followed the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail beginning at Spring Creek Pass and coincided with the guidebooks related to both trails.

If you would like more specific information pertaining to the planning details of this particular hike please contact Stacy at info@stepoutdoorscolorado.com.