Mile 261.9 - 283.4 We had a fairly easy day today. Most of the hiking was through fields of grazing cows, up and over small hills and through valleys. The heat of the sun did make it feel harder though. We also had a new experience today: the trail was open to hikers, bikers, horse … Continue reading Day 15. Cows

Mile 65.7cw - 82.3cw + 260.7 - 261.9 After a restful night off trail we started out in the morning with an energetic climb back up the steep Jeep road to rejoin the CT. We looked forward to another amazing pass and less-than-amazing off-season ski area Around mid-afternoon we reached the Monarch Crest gift shop … Continue reading Day 14. Monarch Pass

Mile 49.1cw - 65.7cw I finally got a blister. Small and unnoticed on my heel, it hurt just enough for me to alter my steps to favor that leg. Thousands of steps with my foot slightly twisted left the arch of my foot almost unable to flex. I picked a good day to screw up … Continue reading Day 13. Butterfly House

Mile 28.5cw - 49.1cw Today we get to see what all the Collegiate West fuss is about. We've been trying to describe the difference between these mountains and the Sierra. Maybe here there is more vegetation, even above treeline. Both provide the feeling of being immersed in an unending expanse. And plenty of walking through … Continue reading Day 12. Cottonwood Pass

Mile 5.4cw - 28.5cw Last night we pushed hard to get as far up the mountain as possible, but the grading certainly didn't make it easy for us. Every step got us only a few inches higher and the peak felt miles farther. We eventually collapsed and pitched our tents closer to another group that … Continue reading Day 11. Hope Pass

Mile 166.7 - 181.8 + 0cw - 5.4cw We planned a brief stop in the tiny town of Twin Lakes to resupply and hopefully get lunch. We started a little early because the town is a bit off trail and we wanted to leave time for walking in and back out. 1.4 mile road walk … Continue reading Day 10. Twin Lakes

Mile 145.2 - 166.7 Some moments from today as we get into some more remote areas...

Mile 123.9 - 145.2 There were no worries with rain today. Instead, we had sunny skies for miles of above treeline walking. Sunscreen is essential Near the end of the day we found a group of PCT hikers from a few years ago out doing trail magic. We stopped for a bit to chat and … Continue reading Day 8. Kokomo Pass

Mile 103.9 - 123.9 Today came in two distinct sections. First, some of the highest elevation passes yet were absolutely stunning. We lingered for long periods of time along the high ridge just absorbing the beautiful day. Then we descended into the Copper Mountain ski resort in all of its sad off-season splendor. It took … Continue reading Day 7. Copper Mountain

Mile 84.2 - 103.9 Looking down over Breckenridge Today was our first resupply on the Colorado Trail. We hiked several miles in a hail storm in order to reach a major road crossing by around noon, and took a (free!) bus into Breckenridge. We stopped to shower at a rec center first, and the staff … Continue reading Day 6. Breckenridge