CDT Day 41: Connejos Drainage to Summit Pass

Daily Miles: 16.6, Total Miles: 708.6

I climbed out of the N Connejos River drainage into the Adams Fork of the Connejos River.

Started off OK but then took me four hours to go four miles due to still heavy snow and traversing steep drainages on the north facing slopes.

Charles, the only other hiker I have seen since Cumbres Pass, passed by while I was eating a snack and thanked me for breaking trail. I told him it was his turn now.

Parts of the next section above 12,000 ft were exhausting and one near vertical snow descent downright terrifying. I fortunately slid/fell down to a small section of exposed trail, landing on my butt and grabbing rocks to keep me from continuing the slide. The alternative was going over an overhung snow shelf, only possible if I was a trick skier.

The more relaxing descent to Elwood Pass was welcome – talked to a few mountain bikers. Then climbed up beyond Summit Pass and found a nice flat spot with a good view. The thundershowers started as I was putting up my tent.