FKT - 10 Canyon Traverse

Colorado Trail Days 10 and 11

Colorado Trail Day 9

Colorado Trail Day 8

Colorado Trail Day 7

Unsupported FKT. Northbound via Collegiate West.

Day 8 (9/2):
After the misery of the prior night, I was glad to start with ten flat miles as I navigated around Twin Lakes. From there, I climbed back into the mountains and began the relatively easy traverse north. Travel was smooth, but views were in short supply. By Mount Massive, I encountered a few day hikers who required navigational assistance. They were on the right path back to the trailhead, but were uncertain of it. At sunset, a grizzled man in a pickup asked if I had seen any elk (I had not) and warned of the “big bear” in the area. I told him I was continuing into the night.

Darkness fully fell as I continued past the trailhead into the Holy Cross Wilderness. To my surprise, I soon encountered the first people I had ever seen out at night. Two day hikers were heading back to the trailhead. They seemed unconcerned despite their inadequate lights. I again struggled with sleep deprivation and took a pair of 20 minute naps which proved restorative.

Hiking in a haze of sleep deprivation and darkness, I was surprised when light appeared like a mirage behind me. I would quickly learn this was Melinda, attempting a supported FKT, and Doug supporting her. We chatted briefly and continued on. We would leap frog several more times that night.

I stopped short of Tennessee Pass, not far from some of the 10th Mountain Division Huts, to get a few hours of sleep.

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Nathaniel G

Colorado Trail Day 8

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FKT - 10 Canyon Traverse

Colorado Trail Days 10 and 11

Colorado Trail Day 9

Colorado Trail Day 8

Colorado Trail Day 7

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