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Segment 1 - Waterton - South Platte
Eddie and Sheena had hiked the west part of the trail several times
as just a day hike, but we needed to do the entire segment. We decided
the easiest way to complete the segment was to start at the South
Platte and hike east. This was mainly due to vehicle staging and
drop-off. Eddie's sister Juli (and friend) picked them up at Waterton
and dropped them at the South Platte. The hike was on the way.
Complete
6/23/2012 - Eddie, Sheena, and Suzanna Koeller
Rating
- ** - Waterton canyon in the summer is a nightmare. Almost half
of the hike is on the road in the canyon and it can get extremely
hot.
|
 The
South Platte start with Eddie, Sheen,a and Suzanna Koeller. The bridge
behind in the start of segment 2. |
 While
climbing out of the canyon, the views of the Buffalo Creek fire scar
are stunning. Raleigh peak can be seen where Eddie spent several years
climbing and putting up new routes. Segment 2 follows the burn line
and skirts the right of Raleigh peak. |
 Sheena
and Suzanna on the trail ascending out of South Platte canton. |
 When
the morning sun crested the ridge, it lit up the wild flowers with
stunning colors. |
 This
patch of grass that was blooming was a stunning site in the morning
sun. |
 The
wildlife along the trail is always a joy. While this butterfly was
serene and calming, the bear Eddie saw a little later was nerve racking. |
 After
dropping into Waterton Canyon, the sight and sound of Strontia Springs
Dam was a clear warning of the long hot road ahead that would blister
everyone's feet and cause some heat exhaustion. |
 The
end of the hike at the east end of the Colorado Trail. The Waterton
Canyon parking lot was a very welcome site with a refreshment stand
full of liquid gold (cold water and Gatorade)! |
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Segment 2 - South Platte - Little Scraggy Trail Head
Eddie has hiked and camped along the segment for years as part of
his climbing around Raleigh peak. Since the Buffalo Creek fire,
the Forest Service sold off much of the land and access to off-trail
areas is limited by the private owners (ass holes)! Eddie had the
pleasure of doing trail repair on this section with the Colorado
Trail Foundation (CTF) in 2014.
Complete
5/18/2013 - Eddie, Sheena, Suzanna Koeller, Brett Traudt, and Godiva
(the dog)
Rating
- *** - This segment is also difficult in the summer due to the
heat. This is a dry segment with little vegetation and no water.
|
 Once
again due to the car coordination, it was easier to start at the west
end at the Little Scraggy trail head and hike to the east. This is
Sheena, Suzanna Koeller, Brett Traudt, and Godiva (the dog) |
 When
entering the Buffalo Creek burn area, a bicyclist snapped a photo
of the group. Raleigh peak can be seen to the left. |
These girls are having way too much fun. Don't they understand this
is a hike and it's supposed to be hard work (not)! |
 Any
day on the trail is a great day. You can tell Eddie is having a great
time also. |
 Near
Raleigh peak there are lots of rock out croppings to scramble around
on. |
 Brett,
Suzanna, and Sheena coming through the burn area near the end of the
hike. |
 Even
in the devastation of the burn, beautiful wild flowers begin to fill
in. |
 Back
at a familiar spot at the South Platte trail head. Eddie and Sheena
are looking a little tired. |
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Segment 3 - Little Scraggy Trail Head
- Wellington Lake Road
Eddie hiked the 1st part from the Little Scraggy trail head while
exploring the area. The 2nd time Eddie, Sheena, and Suzanna started
at the Shinglemill trail head but since the 2nd driver had to back
out at the last minute, this hike turned around at the Meadows Group
CG. Finally, Eddie returned and finished the last section round
trip from Meadows Group CG into the Lost Creek Wilderness on segment
4 and back.
Complete
11/2/2012 - Eddie, Sheena, Suzanna Koeller, and Godiva (the dog)
in 3 parts
Rating
- *** - This is a very nice section, but no great views and can
be crowded with bikes.
|
 The
start of another great day. Stopped by the familiar Little Skraggy
parking lot and then Eddie, Sheena, Suzanna, and Godiva were off to
hike the trail. |
 A
beautiful fall day made for great aspen tree colors. The trail was
generally good except for bikes trying to run over hikers and the
bike damage to the trail. |
 There
were some views every once in a while where the cliffs that Eddie
has spent years climbing were viewable. In the distance to the right,
Cathedral Spires can be seen. |
 Eddies'
"girls" at the Meadow Group CG having a bite to eat before
turning around and returning to the Shinglemill trail head. |
 Some
more wonderful views of the aspen colors against the cliffs. |
 Eddie
and Sheena at the Shinglemill trail head after a great hike. |
 Just
a photo Eddie took of the trail sign at the end of segment 3 at Wellington
Lake road. |
 Eddie
decided to continue on a little further onto segment 4 to do some
recon for a backpacking trip. This was the lunch and turnaround spot. |
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Segment 4 - Wellington Lake Road to
Long Gulch
This was done east to west as a backpacking trip from Long Gulch
to Wellington Lake Rd. due to car logistics.
Complete
6/22-23/2013 - Eddie, Sheena, Suzanna Koeller, Brett Traudt, and
Godiva (the dog)
Rating
- ***** - Can you say Freak'n AWESOME?!
|
 The
start of our favorite segment to date. We decided to use this segment
as a practice backpacking trip. The gear hadn't been used in over
10 years so this trail was a great opportunity. |
 Juli
Cooley, Kristen Pederson, Carol Thomas, and Marcus Thomas were the
car shuttle crew. They were a great addition to the team. |
 Not
far uphill from the parking area is the access to the CT. To the right
is segment 4 and 8 miles to our camping spot. |
 The
1st 2 miles are uphill on a nice trail with good views of South Park.
Sheena and Suzanna are looking great for carrying backpacks. The support
team is just behind. |
 At
2 miles, the uphill stops and enters along downhill valley. This is
where the support team turned around and shuffled the cars. |
 The
trail was absolutely stunning. Godiva had a great time staying just
ahead of the team. |
 A
great view of the valley. The trail stays to the right for the next
5 miles to the camp site. |
 The
trail hugs the treeline making for great views for several miles.
Sheena, Suzanna, and Brett enjoyed a leisurely walk down the valley. |
 As
always, the butterflies are fun to watch along the trail. |
 An
unlucky hikers' last resting place. |
 The
evergreens were in full bloom during the hike, which made for clouds
of pollen when ever the wind blew. |
 Brett
and Eddie ready to start day 2. Another 8 miles to the car and cold
beer in the cooler. |
 Sheena
entering the Lost Creek Wilderness. A good assurance of no bikes for
the next 7 miles! |
 This
section of the segment had the most stunning aspen stands the team
had ever seen. |
 The
aspen were incredibly tall and healthy. The wild flowers below the
aspen were in full bloom. |
 Even
the springs were lush and green. It was a sight to just stand on get
lost in. |
 The
most prevalent flower in the aspen stands was were columbine, Colorados'
state flower. |
 YEAH!
The car was where we were planning and the beer hadn't been pilfered.
What an incredible segment! |
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Segment 5 - Long Gulch to Kenosha Pass
This is the segment that drove home the need to have a car shuttle
crew. It took hiking this segment in 4 parts due to the in-and-out
logistics without a 2nd car.
Point
G to F 6/12/2011 - Eddie and Bob Griffith
Point D to B 7/10/2011 - Eddie and Suzanna Koeller
Point D to F 10/15/2011 - Eddie solo
Complete point A to B 10/23/2011 - Eddie and Sheena
Rating
- **** - Beautiful segment. Probably 5 stars with a hike through.
Definitely a segment worth revisiting. Especially good hiking with
the close proximity to Denver.
|
 Segment
5 ends at Kenosha Pass making for great access from this end. The
hike southeast from Kenosha wanders uphill at an easy pace. Here Bob
Griffith is taking a short rest in a small meadow with views on South
Park. |
 While
Eddie and Bob were hiking in, they came across a fresh forest fire.
The fireman were still putting out hot spots. The heat coming off
the area was shocking. |
 After
about 3 miles from Kenosha Pass, the trail comes to an overlook before
dropping back down to the valley. The spring flowers are always wonderful
here. |
 Sitting
at the overlook is a great turnaround spot after a nice lunch snack. |
 Eddie
hiked segment B with Suzanna Koeller. The day was beautiful and flowers
in the shade were in full bloom. |
 Wild
iris was found along the trail between point B and D. |
 Eddie
always enjoys photographing the butterflies. |
 This
was a very unique aspen stand. Aspen are usually tall, straight, and
slender. These were short and gnarly. |
 Alpine
shooting stars were also outstanding between point B and D. |
 Later
the same year, Eddie returned to hike from point D to F. |
 Sadly,
the aspen had already dropped their leaves. |
 The
next week, Sheena joined Eddie to finish segment 5. |
 It
turned out to be an incredible fall day for a hike. |
 Sheena
working here way along the trail |
 As
always, in all seasons, the hike from Kenosha is wonderful. |
 For
New Years 2013, Sheena and Eddie placed an Xmas ornament on a tree
at the end of the hike. |
 Sheena
and Eddie in their 1st selfie. |
 And
no snowshoeing trip would be complete without the schnapps! Cheers... |
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Segment 6 - Kenosha Pass to Hwy 9 at Gold Hill Trail Head
Being one of the longer segments, this section was also broken into
multiple hikes. Starting from Kenosha Pass also makes this a convenient
segment to hike.
Point
B to C 7/28/2002 - Eddie, Sheena, Conrad Tseng, and Candy Giles
(also done at a TBD earlier date with Suzanna Koeller and Brett
Traudt) - No photos scanned yet
Point A 12/30/2011- Eddie solo recon
Point A to B 12/2/2012 - Eddie and Sheena
Complete point C to G 9/6/2013 - Eddie and Suzanna Koeller
Rating
- *** - Not totally stoked on this segment. A to B is nice in the
winter - keeps the bikes away. B to C is the best part and very
nice. C to G is just a long generic hike. However, any day on the
trail is a great day.
|
 A
little recon of trail access is always helpful and yep, Eddie got
off trail. |
 After
a couple miles of tree bashing, Eddie finally crossed the trail. Even
following the trail in reverse, Eddie could not find an 1/8 mile section
in the snow. This photo is also the background image for the page. |
 Even
when the trail is lost, the views were great. |
 Winter
hiking is an incredible world of serene quiet and solitude on the
trail. |
 After
hiking in a few miles up Jefferson Lake road, Eddie and Sheena finally
reached point B on the trail. |
 An
amazing (and dry) December day. Surprisingly, there were no bikes
on the trail. |
 The
trail can be seen in the distance rising to Kenosha Pass. It was decided
that the lack of bikes was due to the Denver Broncos game. |
 Back
at Jefferson Creek campground and only a few more miles down the road
to the car. |
 Eddie
decided to complete the last 20+ miles in one go. Kelly Thomas shuttled
Eddie and Suzanna Koeller to the east end at Georgia Pass. |
 Eddie
and Suzanna started the hike at ~12,000ft and wouldn't drop below
10'000ft for most of the hike. |
 Suzanna
getting one last view before dropping into the trees. |
 The
sunrise made for a great view of Mt. Guyot (13,370ft) and a heard
of elk on the slopes. |
 After
8 miles, Eddie and Suzanna were able to meet Sheena at a campground
for snacks and a change of gear from the previous night. |
 A
little worn out from the 1st 8 miles but the snacks were great and
the trail was good. |
 A
couple fellow trail users. A mama and young moose were enjoying a
midday snack. |
 Nearing
the end, Sheena met up with the hikers bearing the well needed cold
beer. |
 Eddie
and Suzanna Koeller at the sign post. Eddie hiked on from here a little
further to Hwy 9 across from the Gold Hill parking area. |
Just because the temp is -18F didn't stop Eddie and Bob from
enjoying a little snowshoeing just off Kenosha pass. |
 In
June 2015, Eddie volunteered with the CTF Trail Crew 215 for a 4 day
trail repair job. |
 The
crew sorting gear to start up the trail on day 1. |
 This
is what the trail looked like to start.. |
 Eddie
posing in front of a section of trail that was repaired. It was lifted
above the marsh and the water was provided drainage under the trail. |
Sunsets and sunrises were beautiful from camp. This is a picture of
sunrise over South Park. The sun is just shining through Kenosha Pass
and North and South Twin Cone peaks are rising above the morning clouds.. |
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Segment 7 - Hwy 9 at Gold Hill Trail Head to Copper Mountain
This is a great segment for a hike through and short enough to keep
it enjoyable without a lot of effort. This was the last prep hike
for Sheena and Eddie before leaving to hike the Inca Trail in Peru.
Complete
hike through 9/27/2014 - Eddie, Sheena, Juli Cooley and Liz Pedersen
(and dog)
Rating
- **** - This is a beautiful trail with a lot above timberline.
Awesome views and opportunities to summit a few peaks along the
way. The only draw back was the east side of gold hill. Lots of
timber harvesting leaving the landscape bare and not so pretty.
|
 The
hiking crew, Juli, Sheena, Lisa Pederson and dog. Eddie is taking
the photo. The start of another great day on the trail. |
 Several
parts of the CT are joined by the Continental Divide Trail (CTD),
which is a much more difficult trail. |
 Sheena
enjoying the trail as the morning sun comes over the ridge. |
 Sheena,
Lisa and Juli coming up the trail above timberline. The 3 prominent
peaks in the background (L-R) are; Peak 10, Crystal Peak and Pacific
Peak (with the notched summit). |
 The
gradual rise of the trail ahead shows why the CT is so wonderful. |
 Sheena
having a wonderful time on the trail on a wonderful Rocky Mountain
day. Again, the 3 prominent peaks in the background (L-R) are; Peak
10, Crystal Peak and Pacific Peak (with the notched summit). |
 Sheena
coming up the ridge line. |
 Cooper
Mountain resort and ski area from the summit of Peak 5. The car is
parked down there! |
 The
complete hiking crew on the pass. Including Eddie this time. |
 The
trail heading down to Gold Hill. |
 A
fellow hiker at the pass. Sheena, Juli and Lisa had a great experience. |
 While
the mountain goat was posing, Eddie was up on the summit of Peak 5
while this photo was taken. |
 The
dog decided she had had enough. Cold water was feeling good. |
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Segment 8 - Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass
9/22/2017 - Sheena's Bday week and a little seg 8 recon.
|
 Eddie
at the Copper Mtn. trail head. |
 Sheena
on the trail through the ski slopes. |
 Sheena
crossing over Union Gulch. |
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Segment 9 -
TBD
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Segment 10 -
TBD
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Segment 11 -
TBD
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Segment 12 -
TAD
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Segment 13 -
TBD
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Segment 14 -
TBD
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Segment 15 -
TBD
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