Little Craggy - CO. Trail (CT)

The early morning air even at the TH, felt considerably warmer than recent weekly outings.  It was not until I returned home, and heard the local weather report...the temperature reached 100 degrees at DIA today...that I realized it was a near record (102 degrees) day.

There were 10 members of the High Country Hikers group who boarded the bus, plus one new face, John Ferraro.  It would be one of the few times men outnumbered women on a day hike.

Our destination today is Little Scraggy TH,  off CR-550.  Driving south on Rt. 285 (Hampden Ave.) to Pine Junction, we turned left on CR-126 and followed it through the villages of Pine and Buffalo Creek.  A few miles beyond is CR-550 that leads us to the TH.


HCH women (L to R)  Kathy Tedrick, Marilynn Miciek, Mary Kay Ryan, Marcia McBurnett, and Angela Howard.

          This TH is significant in that it marks the end of section one of the Colorado Trail (CT).  The 16.8 mile section of this long trail begins in Waterton Canyon, on the southwestern side of Denver..  There are a total of 28 sections to this challenging and scenic trail. The 482-mile CT meanders thru 5 different wilderness areas in Colorado before arriving at the southern terminus outside Durango.


HCH members pass a CT marker.

This popular trail is used by equestrians, mountain bikers, as well as hikers.  A portion of the CT winds its way through the Buffalo Creek fire (1996) area.  We saw first hand, the extent of that devastating event on approach to the TH today. 

Wildflowers at the TH are a reminder that this is the time of year to be outdoors in Colorado.  We see more and more variety of colors and types of flora each week. 

Today, there were Wild Geranium, Alpine Sunflower, Globeflower, Prairie Trumpet, and Indian Paint Brush.

Rock outcroppings in the area can be seen at every break in the trees.  Overhead canopy varies from none at all to light, and at a few spots, full cover for hikers.  Canopy, regardless of the coverage is no excuse for not applying a layer of SP30 or better on all exposed skin before leaving the TH. was

Although the day was warm, it was and enjoyable day outdoors with other HCH members.


Front Row (L to R):  Kathy Tedrick, Mary Kay Ryan, Marcia McBurnett, and Joe Jackson.  Back Row (L to R): Albert Barrientos, John Tedrick, John Ferrero, Driver/Hike Ldr., Ed Blum, Angela Howard and Marilynn Miciek.

Ed stopped at a new place for coffee and ice cream.  Outside Conifer, Liks Ice Cream parlor opened recently.  A coffee shop is located directly above the shop, making it the perfect stop for the group.

Total Miles Completed = 6.0

Next Week:  Hike to Vasquez Pass and see Berthoud Falls.  Don't miss it.  This is the beginning of scheduled hikes in the high country...what this group of men and women are known for.  Remember to pack a healthy lunch, rain gear, and a minimum of 32 oz. of water.  Call ACAA today to register for this opportunity to explore the backcountry of Colorado with likeminded friendly people.