Waymaker on the Colorado Trail - Day 15


Thursday August 7, 2025

Mile 213.0 - Segment 13

Isaiah 29 - 30

Well, today’s hike was just as tough as I had feared.  The 4 mile climb was steeper than any portion of the trail that I’d encountered to date.  The sharp grade went on and on, necessitating frequent stops to rest.  I did hike part of the way with “Stoves”, another thru-hiker who had also hiked the Appalachian Trail a few years ago.  He’s a “seasoned” hiker like myself and takes the slow approach as well.

After climbing all morning, I reached the top of the ridge by early afternoon.  As the trail crested, off to the left was another trail that went up another few hundred feet.  My hiking app indicated that it went to a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains, and a “must see”.  Despite my fatigue, I decided to make the jaunt.  Boy was I glad I did.  What a wonderful surrounding view.  

After a brief rest, I started working my way down the back of the mountain, going almost as slow as climbing up, due to the similarly steep angle on the downslope.  I ended up stopping about 2 miles from the bottom, knowing I would be meeting with Doug Johnson the next morning.  My feet and knees were thankful when I pulled up for the night.  Tomorrow will be a well earned reset.

Until next time…





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