Colorado Trail at Kenosha Pass

Based on the weather forecast, my pack included a few items for the first time this hiking season.  A skull cap, knit cap, and glove liners will protect vital parts of my body if the weather turns ugly.  If the temperature remains as forecast, my upper body will be able to shield off the elements with a Capilene layer, then a LS-cotton tee, and a light fleece.


John stops for a trail map as members of the group make their way through stands of Aspen.

There would be 13 members of the High Country Hikers (HCH) group, boarding the bus for a 58 mile ride to the trailhead (TH).  A pit stop in Bailey allowed riders to stretch and refresh.  At the TH, we would be on trail in minutes after arriving.

Overnight showers followed by cool temperatures and overcast skies resulted in a wet trailbed as we headed North from Kenosha Pass on the Colorado Trail (CT).  The southern terminus of this popular path, is at Durango.  It leads north through the Rocky Mountains for 483 miles, much of it above 10,000' el.  It is considered among the most scenic and challenging long trails in the U. S.

We continue through stands of Aspen, Spruce and Pine, while gradually gaining a slim 500' of elevation within the first mile.  One of the morning rest stops provided a view of Mt. Evans (14,265'), Bandit Peak (12,444'), Mt. Logan (12,70'), Royal Mtn. (11,495'), and Kataka Mtn. (12,441'), all in the Mt. Evans Wilderness.

The view was nice. My thoughts, however, were about the views ahead.  My last visit to this section of the CT was September, 2011.  I knew what to expect.  The issue is, unless you are able to be shooting in IMAX HD, it's is impossible to capture the full magnitude of an unobstructed view of a landscape like we were about to experience.

Always on the hunt for that image, from the right vantage point, I will capture a 'Keeper' shot.  Maybe today, out of the hundreds edited, will come the shot worthy of a mat and frame and a prominent spot on the wall.

Close to a mile after leaving the TH, trail comes out of the trees to find the first of many spectacular views we will have of South Park.  The open landscape, vivid fall colors contrasted against the  mountains covered in an early white coat, all under a cloud-filled royal blue sky makes this place special. 

Colorado Trail heading north.

The thrill of being out here while absorbing the smells, sounds, and outright beauty of nature can be matched only by the fact that I am able to revisit the same images again and again during the editing process, retaining only the very best.

A typical day-hike can provide hundreds of images.  The one constant throughout the editing process, which can take a few days, is that images must be able to tell a story.

As each article is developed, a generous helping of local history, details of the national forest, state or national park, or wilderness area the group is hiking in is added.  Mention of a local point of interest, or nearby ghost town may add to the appeal of readers. 

This part of the CT is near and dear to one member of the group.  Kathy Tedrick would tell the story of her former husband, Tom Gamrath,  An avid hiker, Tom had plans to hike the entire CT, a section at a time.  This was a favorite section for him.  Months after Tom's passing, Kathy, along with a group of family and friends, carried the components for a pine bench to the site, in memory of Tom.


Kathy (center, in green fleece), and HCH group members at the bench memorial to Tom Gamrath.

Today, we would support Kathy while remembering Tom for his passion for hiking, and his love for Kathy.  The group stopped at the bench, on the way to lunch.  We would stop again on the return.

Trail now became open to the vast valley to the south.  Those with cameras were stopping again and again to capture images of this colorful slice of Colorado.

A solo hiker enjoys the landscape.

After a long gradual descent, trail crosses Guernsey Creek.  We continue through another section of Pine and Aspen trees, before arriving at Deadman Gulch.  Just beyond this stream is an open flat area with the remains of old campfires.

Looking south toward Jefferson and South Park.

Here we find a spot beside the stream littered with downed trees.  It would provide ample opportunity for everyone to sit and rest, while having lunch.


Lunch in Deadman Gulch.

On the return, I would stop less frequently to allow the enormity of the landscape to be enjoyed.

Back at the bench, Kathy and current husband John were prepared to conduct a bit of maintenance.  The bench needed a coat of polyurethrene to protect it during the coming months. 

Kathy proudly applies a protective coat to the bench built to honor her former husband, Tom Gamrath. 

Kathy was certain not to cover the bronze plaque on the back rest.  The plaque is inscribed "Donated by Tom and Kathy Gamrath" in full view for all who pass this special place.

Not yet mid-afternoon, we began the last mile of a 5+ mile day hike.  On a rest break close to the TH, a solo hiker approached the group from the south.  Moving thru the group, it was obvious from the size of his pack,  he was thru-hiking the trail.  As he reached the front of the group he was asked, "Where did you start?"  "At Durango," he responded.  We wished him a safe and happy journey as he disappeared into the trees.

During our return to the bus, overcast skies turned from threatening to actually dumping a brief light amount of freezing rain/snow.  A look to the horizon behind us proved it would be another day of unsettling weather.  The high country has been blanketed with snow for weeks.  Much more will follow.   

After arriving back at the TH, packs were removed while seats on the bus were taken for the return to Aurora.  A number of those on board asked Ed to stop across U.S.-285 at the Kenosha Pass campground for a pit stop.

While waiting, I noticed the thru-hiker, sitting at a picnic table.  It appeared he was eating lunch.  Moments later, he made his way to the bus asking if anyone had extra drinking water.  Seconds later a full bottle of water appeared.  The hiker eagerly poured the contents into his pack bladder.  That was followed by a member on board offering the balance of water from his own pack bladder.

"What's your name," I asked.  "Chris, Chris Miller," he said.  As Miller went on to explain, he started his month-long trek in Durango...the southern terminus of the CT...on August 31st.  His plan is to arrive at Waterton Canyon, south of Denver...the northern terminus, sometime on Friday, three days from now.

During our brief conversation, items of food were being passed from those in the bus to Miller.  Within a few minutes he had accumulated a handful of snacks.  A huge grin told us he appreciated the kindness of fellow-hikers.

We hope to hear from Chris after he completes his journey on the CT.   

Thru-hiker, Chris Miller with a handful of snacks.

As I boarded the bus, Miller was still grinning as he surveyed a number of unopened snacks and an orange in his hands.   We left Chris Miller, smiling from ear to ear, as he devoured slice after slice of the orange.  My guess, Smith would treat himself to a number of the treats he received long before reaching the end of his month-long trek.

On the way home, Ed pulled into The Knotty Pine, in Bailey for coffee and/or ice cream.  The quaint country store has a 1960's throw back atmosphere, including a few tables and chairs...usually filled, like today, with locals bantering about everything from who is going hunting with whom to what each one did since they were here probably siting in the same chair,  the day before, and the day before that.

The tables and chairs are crowded among the partly-filled shelves of canned and dry goods, camping/hiking items, tee shirts, and an area reserved for gift items.  On one side of the store is an old style wooden counter.  In front is a row of vinyl-covered pedestal stools where customers can sit for as long as they want. 

All of this is in one room.  This is not a place, or a town, that is one bit concerned about anything close to a fast pace. It is my kind of place.

The Knotty Pine in Bailey.

At the end of the counter is a soft ice cream machine, a popular attraction today.  Owner Barb Pilcher, moves behind the counter with a sense of easy going control of everything.  She is kept busy pouring coffee, making cones of soft-serve ice cream, while talking to every customer she comes in contact with.  Although we only stop in a few times each year, it's like we have known Barb for decades.

There is talk about a visit the group made a few years ago.  At the time, we were surveying group members to obtain information regarding the type of hikes they preferred.  Barb remembered the visit and the topic of conversation like it was yesterday.

I noticed all transactions...those made at the counter for sure...were made in cash, yes cash.  The dreaded plastic debit/credit card would not show its face here today.

Old style soda fountain counter and pedestal seats.

Before we left, Barb took time from her busy routine, to turn the screen of her laptop, open on the counter, in our direction long enough for her to show a series of images she captured a few days before on the trail we had been on today.

If you need a fix of nostalgia, and enjoy meeting and talking with locals in this small Colorado town, stop by the Knotty Pine on your way through Baily.

You are bound to leave with a renewed sense of what an easy going, slow paced, small town is like.  Maybe more important, you are likely to have gained a few friends for life. 

Another fun day outdoors in Colorado.

Total Miles Completed = 5.2

Front row (L to R):  Barbara Peck, Kathy Tedrick, Mary Kay Ryan, and John Tedrick.  Back row (L to R) Monica Richard, Jonelle Bidwell, Gary Merical, Joan Gabrielson, hike leader/driver, Ed Blum, Albert Barrientos, Nancy Bralic, and Jane Barber.

NEXT WEEK:  We will hike to French Pass.  The highlight of this 5.5 mile hike will be the 360 degree views at the summit.  Be prepared for cool temperatures, gusty winds, and possible rain or snow.  Wear comfy boots and layer your clothes.  Include water and a healthy lunch.  The bus leaves ACAA at 7:30 a.m. sharp.

REMINDER:  The annual High Country Hiker 'Gathering'  is planned for Saturday, November 15th at ACAA, from 11 to 3 p.m..  RSVP to the writer by October 31st., for you and a guest.  Dress is hiker casual.  Your attendance will be confirmed only with receipt of $10/person in advance of the event.  Join your fellow HCH members for hiking games, hiking trivia, and great door prizes.  Lunch will be provided.  If you are interested in helping to plan the event, contact the writer at 303-617-9479 or garyalleman@gmail.com