CDT Day 39: Cumbres Pass to SJ Wilderness

Daily Miles: 15.4, Total Miles: 670.4

I flew into Durango yesterday and a friend picked me up and took me back up to Chama. Thanks Melissa!

I fortified myself with good Mexican food and a Marble IPA at Fosters. Thunderstorms for the next several days but a nice cool evening in Chama.

I took the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad back to Cumbres Pass. A late but unique start, well worth the ride on a narrow gauge up the steep grade on a beautiful morning.

The trail entered the Rio Grande NF and steadily climbed to nearly 12,000 ft. Much easier going than 16 days ago. A lot of snow has melted but still had to cross snowdrifts over the trail and navigate soggy ground and standing water. My waterproof socks will come in handy.

I entered the South San Juan Wilderness at the high point of the day but quickly dropped into a high valley and Dipping Lakes. Found a nice campsite near the lake – surprised the mozzies aren’t any worse.