HIGHLIGHTS
Miles traveled: 13.8
Lift gain/loss: 3600/3000
Human Encounters: Sour Diesel; Julian; Quinn (Denver hiker!)
Wildlife Encounters: Pika (Heard But Not Seen)
Low: none!
High: Hiking along a beautiful ridge that allowed me to see Breckenridge and Copper Mountain at a glance.
TRAIL DIARY
Today, I “slackpacked” segment 7. loose packaging It involves leaving all heavy equipment for the night (tent, sleeping bag, extra clothes, food for a day, etc.) and walking with a lighter backpack. Segment 7 is the only segment I know of where hikers pack frequently. Most hikers stay in Breckenridge after finishing Segment 6, take a zero day in Breck, and then use public transportation to start at Copper Mountain Far East Lot, hiking the segment in reverse to Breck.
This method was perfect for today, as I desperately wanted to get back on the trail, but I was also a little afraid of pushing my feet to their maximum capabilities too soon. Fortunately, it worked well on my Altra Lone Peak 9s.
Reid dropped me off in Breckenridge at the Gold Hill Trailhead at 7:30 a.m. The hike began with a detour as crews were performing trail maintenance. Fortunately, the signage was excellent and I easily found my way back to the CT.
At the beginning of segment 7, in the trees.
At the beginning of segment 7, signage towards Copper Mtn
The first 7-8 miles were through the trees and the elevation gain was relatively stable.
The trail gained elevation quickly, ascending above the tree line. While the hike becomes more cardiovascularly difficult, it also becomes more beautiful by the minute. I LOVE climbing saddles and walking along ridges. The views are incomparable.
Approaching Peak 5, before crossing the saddle between Peaks 5 and 6
The views were pretty mind-blowing today when I realized I was standing at the top of a ridge that I frequently look at while skiing. The overlook from the ridge allowed me to see Breckenridge and Copper Mountain ski resorts simultaneously. I was even able to identify a Breckenridge ski slope that was my first black diamond! Yo can I’ve been taking photos and videos every 3 minutes, but who’s counting?
Hike the ridge between Peaks 5 and 6 in the Ten Mile Range
A hiker takes in the view of the ridge between Breckenridge and Copper Mountain ski resorts.
Views of Copper Mtn Ski Resort from the ridge; The view is very blurry due to the wildfires in the west.
Okay, just one last photo of the crest!
At the ridge, a fellow hiker named Quinn caught up to me. We walked the 5 mile descent together before meeting up with Reid and Rocky. We dropped Quinn off at the town of Copper Mountain where he planned to have dinner before camping in the backcountry.
For me, it was just another night in Leadville, complete with a pasta dish I made (thanks Mom for sending me the recipe!) after dreaming about it all day.
Pasta dish made by yours truly
I’m going to cure my blisters and go to bed. I have 2 mountain passes to summit tomorrow on segment 8 and ideally I’ll get through them before storms form.
Thanks for reading and see you there.
Britt
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