CHALK CREEK - Section 4

Perhaps the most stately section of the Sawatch Range is the portion known as the
Collegiate Peaks, a collection of 14,000-foot mountains rising above high-extended ridges and deep valleys. The Colorado Trail continues southward in this segment along the eastern slopes of the Collegiates, ascending and descending the magnificent terrain.

Participants raved about this week due to the improved logistics and new campsites!  The first hiking day of 18.5 miles is difficult, but traveling through the magnificent Aspen Groves and topping out on the Continental Divide on the fourth and fifth days make it well worth it.

During this week, you will have the opportunity to soak and take a hot shower at the Cottonwood Hot Springs (Tuesday) and the Mount Princeton Hot Springs (Wednesday).

For this week of hiking, DAY ONE…is no doubt the most difficult. Please be ready for it. It is probably one of the three most difficult hiking days of the entire trekking program. The hike is 18 miles long and has an elevation gain of 4500 feet and also has accumulated descents equaling 3800 feet. This hike partakes in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area.

DAY TWO…the hike is shorter (but still has some hefty climbing of 2500 feet in the first three miles) than the first day giving the hiker an opportunity to recover from the first day’s hike. Plus we have the opportunity to visit to the Cotton Wood Hot Springs, which is always an added bonus. The Cotton Wood Hot Springs is a funky groovy place to visit. It is like a trip back to the 70’s.

On DAY THREE…there are two segments of hiking this day.  The first segment is 4 miles long hiking right out of camp.   Due some steep cliffs and private property conflicts where the trail can not be re-routed, it is necessary to shuttle you about 11 miles on a paved county road to the next point where the Colorado Trail continues.  This last leg of hiking for the day is a moderate to easy nine-mile hike.  After finishing, you will take a short shuttle to the Mount Princeton Hot Springs to enjoy a soak and a shower.

On DAY FOUR… is a hike to Goad Wadi. During this day, you will experience hiking through some very gorgeous groves of large growth Aspen Trees. Goat Wadi is a beautiful meadow where Goat Herders had annual get togethers. No kidding!

On DAY FIVE…is a fabulous grand day where The Colorado Trail meets the Continental Divide again. From this point, The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail follow the same route for the next 130 miles. It is an 8.5-mile, (3100 elevation gain) to the top of the Divide where you experience spectacular views. However, we can’t stay here all day since we must push on for the next 5.5 miles to get to the last campsite located at Marshall Pass.