From Twin Lakes to Frisco: Deep Forests and Smoky Mountain Views

We had an impromptu summer camp with our tram at Twin Lakes. We hosted 5 other hikers in our stylish two-bedroom apartment. It was the last room available in town, so we decided to make the most of it. We had a great time relaxing, watching movies, and letting everyone take a hot shower and do laundry. It felt a bit like being at university again, with everyone relaxing, sleeping on the couches or the carpet and just having fun.

Day 1

Miles Traveled: 21.86 Originally Planned: 22

Elevation Gain: 4,296 feet Elevation Decline: 3,428 feet

Highest point: 11,506 feet

Hours between camps: 9 hours 29 minutes

Weather: Partly cloudy, cooler. Sometimes dark in the forest.

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with the tram and then all set off on our own adventures for the next three days. Some people are ascending a pair of 14,000-foot mountains along the trail. We chose to go directly to Frisco.

Today we stayed at a lower elevation and walked along an undulating trail in the forest. The forest was very well maintained with only a few dead trees to climb. Today we crossed many beautiful streams. There were also some dry streams and you can see the effect of the drought on the ponds and lakes in the area.

There are more mosquitoes in the forest now. We will need to buy insect repellent in Frisco.

We practiced singing karaoke songs in the woods and got caught by a Colorado Trail hiker. He didn’t seem to mind the noise.

It is the first day and afternoon without wind in a long time. Weasel committed a serious offense and threw Fritos to the ground. Don’t worry, we made sure to clean them.

We decided not to try so hard and camp a little earlier in the evening for this section. We want to sleep a little more this week.

Day 2

Miles driven: 25.26 Originally planned: 22

Elevation Gain: 4,441 feet Elevation Decline: 3,825 feet

Highest point: 11921 feet

Hours between camps: 10 hours 23 minutes

Weather: 82 F Sunny, hot in the sun. Cool in the dark forest

People Found: No CDT hikers, many Colorado Trail hikers

We immediately climbed 2200 feet in the first 2.5 miles today. I wondered if we were going to have a 10,000 foot day if the first few miles were an example of the rest of the day. The trail then turned into easy forest miles with minimal elevation changes.

We hiked to Tennessee Pass near Leadville and a Missouri angel gave me a quart of water. He said he didn’t think there was any good water for at least 6 miles. I really appreciated the gift of clean water.

The forest turned into sagebrush meadows. We walked among a huge flock of sheep. I think there were thousands of them, we could hear them bleating half a mile away. I really wanted to pet one, but the sheep weren’t interested in pets.

We climbed another 1500 feet in the last 2 miles of the day and found an epic campsite next to a beautiful rock and stream that was a short walk away.

There was less water available in this section. The snow has melted and the snowmelt streams are beginning to dry up. We are planning our water stops a little more diligently.

I’m looking forward to entering Frisco tomorrow. We are booked into the Snowshoe Hotel in the walkable area of ​​downtown Frisco. We both have Indian food on our minds.

Day 3

Miles Traveled: 21.38 Originally Planned: 22

Elevation Gain: 2,049 feet Elevation Decline: 3,540 feet

Highest point: 12,531 feet

Hours between camps: 8 hours 21 minutes

Weather: 82 F Partly cloudy, sky was obscured by wildfire smoke

We passed through prettier forests and high meadows. The climbing was much easier today. We crossed the Kokomo Pass again. The first time was in 2020 when we hiked the Colorado Trail. It was fun to see him again.

The mountains were dark all day today due to the fires in Utah. We saw many marmots, one posed for us on a rock. There were some Pikas carrying grass and flowers in their mouths. I tried to get a video but they are too fast.

We walked to Copper Mountain Ski Area and talked to Danny and Coffee Break about taking the bike path directly into downtown Frisco. The ski resort was very busy with mountain bikers.

We hiked the 8 mile bike trail along a beautiful creek. There were also many old mines along the route. Indeed, the road went directly to the center and the post office. We took the free city bus for half a mile while Weasel carried 30 pounds of resupply boxes plus his backpack.

We arrived at the Snowshoe Hotel, got cleaned up and immediately walked to the local Indian restaurant. We ate two pounds of vegetable dishes and were so happy to be able to enjoy something other than burgers and pizza. I think we’ll go back tomorrow.

We had impromptu snacks at the local German restaurant with Christina from Durango (who we rode the ferry with in Lordsburg), Coffee Break, and Pac-Man.

Tomorrow is a busy day zero in Frisco. We have laundry and a visit to REI in our future.

We have new shoes in our restock, hooray! How nice to have inflatable cushions again. The tops of Weasel’s shoes were completely destroyed from all the scree on the mountain over the past few weeks.

The next town is Grand Lake in about five days. I can’t believe we’ve already increased CO2 so much.

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