One Month on the Colorado Trail: Week 3

Trip Date: August 30 – September 6, 2023

Location: Boss Lake Reservior to Lake City

CT Mile: 235.4 – 357.8

The San Juans are what every hiker, backpacker, and thru-hikeron the Colorado Trail talk about. And it’s for good reason. If you know, you know. I know, only because I’ve been once before in 2019. I knew what I was getting myself into when I committed to the Colorado Trail but I didn’t think the trail would steal my heart the way it did, I blame the San Juans.

Giddy Up and I started moving quickly after the boys left. We’d hit Monarch Crest in 3-days, and it was exciting knowing what we were walking into. We enjoyed a burger and beer, while we charged electronics and chatted with other hikers and before you know it we were back on trail! Giddy Up has this thing where before we start hiking for the day, she’ll ask “heads or tails?” meaning, would you like to lead for a while or hang out in the back? I loved that. As a solo hiker, we worked well together. She’s pushing me to my limits (physically), but I am enjoying the challenge.

We filtered water from the most disgusting cow traught I’ve ever filtered water from. Thank goodness there was a water spigot. It rained, it poured. Upset that I was carrying so much water when it was freely falling from the sky. But the rainbow that appeared made up for it all. Not to mention the trail magic near CT Mile 300 (thank you, Candy!). Less than 50 miles to Lake City!

Talked into cowboy camping one night and that turned out to be a pretty awesome experience. As a cancer, this crab likes to crawl back into her shell every night, but this was definitely a treat. After a 17-mile road walk to follow the next day, I now understand why people don’t like them. It wasn’t hard, it was just long and boring. Headed towards San Luis Pass and as promised to Huckleberry Fish, I wanted to hit San Luis Peak. Unfortunately, a long windy day knocked me to my knees both mentally and physically as I attempted to even make it up and over the pass. As Giddy Up waited for me, I knew I was not going to make it to the summit. I cried, for the 3rd time on trail.

The following morning was tough. The entire day was long. I didn’t think we were going to make it to Lake City that evening, but Giddy Up was able to find us a hitch from the RV park we were staying at. Which means we had to pick up miles to meet our ride by a certain time. Nonetheless, it was nice to have a bed and shower to look forward to.

Our zero day in Lake City was everything I needed, and more! We were able to reserve the bunkhouse at the RV Park for the first night, and then we pitched and camped out for our 2nd night. We did laundry, took showers, and enjoyed the most delicious town foods, pastries, and beer! Resupplied on Fireball, and now carrying a pint to the finish line!

7 days to Durango!