CDT Day 19: Apache NF & Mangas Mountain

Daily Miles: 23.9, Total Miles: 308.5

John took Sampson and I back to the Highway 12 TH for a fairly late start.

I entered the Apache National Forest and started a steady climb to Mangas Mountain, 9,600 ft elevation. The aspens are just starting to bud out.

Down the other side and looking for water, I found a yucky, muddy cow pond and scared up a large herd of elk that also wanted to partake. I loaded up just in case but found better water at a steel stock tank four miles later.

Both sides of the dirt road are posted for no trespassing but I found a break in the fence and got up behind some trees a fair distance from the trail.

A beautiful, sunny and cool day. Met two hikers today, Peru and Josh.