CDT Day 47: Ute Lake to Stony Pass

Daily Miles: 19.6, Total Miles: 808.8

I have a chance to get to Silverton for their always impressive 4th of July fireworks!

I enjoyed a nice sunrise over Ute Lake and then hiked up the chain of Ute Lakes to Mt Nebo.

Downhill on Nebo Creek then a steep uphill climb to Hunchback Pass. Quite a bit of snow here but no problem. I saw a small elk herd with a couple of knee-high little ones.

A very scenic, high-country route all the way to Stony Pass – flowers in full force.

Once at the pass, the first truck stopped and Josh and Taylor took me the next ten miles to Silverton. I secured a nice viewing spot on the fireworks hill, made dinner, relaxed and watched the best fireworks display I have ever seen. And I’ve seen several here in Silverton. No room available tonight so I will cowboy camp on the hill tonight. Hope I don’t get run over by departing revelers.