After reading accounts of the Eldorado Canyon Trail, and talking with park Naturalist, Constance Roth, I chose it as the first in a series of milestone hikes. First, I had to experience it myself.
It was the Friday before school started, and the last opportunity to share a day with one of my Grandsons. Dylan, who turned nine two weeks ago, (and a veteran hiker/backpacker) agreed to be my buddy for the day. We will walk trail, making mental notes, and later I will post details on the blog to inform readers.
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| First hot meal on trail Dylan prepared himself. |
I will qualify veteran by saying, Dylan was one of six to endure a multi-day backpack trip into the Weminuche Wilderness, last August. He was also the youngest.
One who rides a steam locomotive 15 miles up the Animas River Gorge, hikes seven miles (all up), with a full pack, in the rain, on unstable footing, on trail under 12 inches wide at places, with no forgiveness, to find a spot for and set up base camp, qualifies as a veteran.
TRAIL NOTES: Begin at the visitor center where a hiker is immediately challenged. Most of the 800’ elevation gain in this hike is at the beginning. The climb is eased only by solid rock and tie steps. The other feature helping hikers is a series of switchbacks.
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| On trail, two miles from TH. |
As we gain elevation on this OAB hike, we experience the canyons’ red sandstone cliffs jutting eight hundred feet above South Boulder Creek. Many of the rock faces are loaded with colorful lichen.
Trail surface is solid ground, minimal erosion, and few areas of exposed root growth and loose rock. Canopy is minimal so wear a cap and pack rain gear.
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| South Boulder Creek memories. |
The park is a Mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts. People from around the world come here to scale the canyons’ sheer vertical walls. Keep an eye on those walls as you enter the park. You may see climbers hard at play.
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