Waymaker on the Colorado Trail - Day 1




Thursday July 24, 2025
Waterton Canyon to peak campsite
13.5 miles hiked today / 13.5 total miles / 2660 vertical miles climbed

Reading Isaiah 1 & 2

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.                                                                      Isaiah 43:19  ESV

It seems only fitting that I start of my hike of the CT reading in Isaiah, as the foundational verse of my trail identity is found there in Isaiah 43:19.   

I spent the first few hours of this first day of the hike listening to Isaiah 1 & 2 and then Gary Hamrick’s  perspective into these chapters.  I found myself gleaning new insight into the amazing alignment of the prophesies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment through Christ in the New Testament.  As I start this journey, I am asking God to open my eyes anew to His wonders both in the world around me and in His Word.

That said,  today’s hike was a hum dinger.  I took my time, pausing frequently to catch my breath.  This altitude thing is the real deal.  Micah dropped me off at the starting point at 7 am, and within the first 30 minutes I had already seen large antler deer, bighorn sheep, and a number of rabbits, birds, and lots of mountain bikers.  The first 6 miles winds along a dirt road in the canyon that follows a river.  A relatively benign slope that I was able to maintain a decent pace on.

The trail then turns into the forest and start to climb.  Admittedly I have not had an opportunity to train in thinner air and high altitude conditions and I slowed considerably.  Pausing every 30 minutes or so, I slowly made my way up the mountain.  I was passed by at least 12 other (younger) hikers as I made my way to my planned stopping point.  Unfortunately, when I arrived, all available spots were taken.  I had no choice but to push on.  After 2 more miles of slow climb, I came to a summit where a spot was open to pitch my tent.  So, at about 4:30, I was able to stop for the day.  I piched my tent and will now fix myself a gourmet PB &J sandwich.

I did meet a couple of other thru hikers as I was taking my periodic stops, Andy and Sarah.  Both very friendly and I hope to see them again.  Tomorrow is planned as a 13.5 mile day.  We’ll see how it goes.

Until next time…

Blessings!










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