The Last HIke on the Crest Trail This Year

I hiked on the Crest Trail toady. Probably for the last time this year. The day, November 20. The fact that I can go to 12,000 feet and hike on November 20th is a sad state of affairs for this part of the world. In a normal year, there would be 2-3 of snow on this trail by now.

I left the truck at 12:40, hoping to cover about 10 miles, without any pains from an ongoing knee injury. It only flares up after about 40-60 minutes of running. So, today I will hike. The trail quickly heads into the woods and I encounter snow. Maybe not a good choice of trails, I think. However, as the next mile or two go by, I only encounter small patches of snow, a hundred yards long, at the most. Because of the freeze / thaw cycle, it is firm and easy to walk on. Althouhg, it is icy at times. Not a good place to get hurt. Travelling solo, high in the Rockies, with a storm due to arive at 8:00 p.m.

After the first 2 miles, I am mostly free of the trees, and the snow. I am rewarded with miles of wide-open views. I can see Pikes Peak, about 80 miles to the east. I can see the San Juan mountains, about 70 miles to the west. And the trail. Dry as a bone. Actually so dry that it is sandy in spots. I lament that there is no snow at this late date. I would much prefer to be making some turns today. But, for now, I appreciate the fact that I am able to be here. To take in this amazing place I call my backyard. And, especially after having to rest from an injury, that I am able to just be out here.

As I crest above the treeline, the wind starts to howl. I am dressed pretty minmally for this day. It is 35 degrees, but the wind is a consistent 25 mph, out in the open. I am wearing fleece pants, a fleece top, a rain shell and a pair of very lightweight gloves. But, as long as I am moving, I am comfortable. So, I cinch down the hood and concentrate on moving at a quick pace while exposed to the wind.

A the 5 mile mark, I reach South Fooses Creek. I find a place somewhat out of the wind. It is an open saddle at treeline, straddling the divide. I pull out my PBJ, and eat half of it. I look at the time, 2:30 p.m. I've got a bout 2 hours before the sun goes behind the peaks. It will be getting colder very soon. Not a place to spend even a little time after dark, equipped as I am. So, I stand up and began to hike briskly back.

I spend an awful lot of time high up in the mountains, most of it alone. While I'm out, I often consider what would happen if things go wrong. I have been very lucky that it hasn't ever happened. But, I know that it could only take one small mistake to turn a beautiful, relaxing day into a disaster. I try to prepare for an emergency, but often travel very light in the name of a quicker pace and less time spent in a potentially dangerous situation. So, I carry on and carefully watch my steps, especially on the snow and ice sections.

This day leads me back to the truck by 3:55 p.m. I covered 10 miles in 3:15. Not blisterig. But, considering a hiking pace, the altitude and the weather, quite respectable. And how many people get to do high altitude training in mid- November?