CT Day 1: Waterton Canyon & South Platte River

Daily Miles: 19.2, Total Miles: 19.2

I got into Denver yesterday and good friend, Carol, picked me up from the airport. After a most excellent Italian dinner and good sleep, we were out to Waterton TH by 6:15am.

I bid my farewell and joined a fairly steady stream of joggers/runners, mountain bikers, fishermen, and fishermen on bikes along the inviting South Platte River for six miles. I saw several bighorns along the way including a few young ones having a vertical leap contest. I enjoyed the morning shade and cool breeze on a day that’s going to be toasty.

The CT then left the river and dirt road and became a proper trail. Winding up and down over a few heavily forested ridges in Pike National Forest and rejoining the South Platte River. Very tempted for a quick dip while filtering water but a few fishermen wouldn’t have been happy.

Still early so decided to continue a warm climb up and out of the drainage adjacent to a large burn. I called it good on a small ridge when the skies got very dark and lightning got closer. Hail starting as I was setting up my tent.