Colorado Trail Day 9 : A Very Trying Day

JULY 10, 2021 COLORADO TRAIL

Copper Mountain – Jones Gulch Road// Miles 119.3 – 137.4

A TRYING DAY ON THE COLORADO TRAIL

This hiking day was my most trying so far for me.

We started at the White River and wound our way around ski slopes through Copper Mountain Resort. I was physically tired that morning and could not warm up although hiking for hours.

Later the negative psychological factors started creeping in.

I’ve heard that the long trails are more of a mental game, the Colorado Trail was beginning to mind f*ck me into thinking I no longer wanted to be here. Why? 9 days on trail had been absolutely wonderful! The beauty, the laughter and the feeling of accomplishment overwhelmed me until day 9 when my mind began to make the decision that I no longer wanted to look at trees, meadows, flowers and views anymore.

I tried to push negative thoughts out. It worked for the day as I realized how strong my body is at 49 years old.

Follow the Beauty of the Trail

This section is beautifully forested! My hiking partner, Steph, and I witnessed the remnants of a massive avalanche! I couldn’t imagine the terrifying sound it made as it took trees and everything with it on the way down!

Colorado was getting record late rain this summer, there was rarely a time we didn’t cross a stream flowing with delicious, clear, cold water!

Hiking 18 miles that day was mentally trying for me but I made it over 2 passes and a ridge all above 12000’!