MRT Day 32: Blue River & the Little Blue Box

Daily Miles: 16.4, Total Miles: 458.6

Definitely warmer last night with the lower elevations.

Since I had no resupply planned for Blue, there was an alternative put up by Brett Tucker (MRT creator) to hike south down the Blue River and then cut back to the MRT up Ladrone Canyon. Brett commented it may be more of a wilderness setting and a shortcut to boot – OK, I was sold!

I followed the Blue River downstream for about five miles, either on the riverbank or on cattle trails. Crossed the river many times with just enough stepping stones to keep my shoes mostly dry. Scared up a few cows along the way. Turned east into Ladrone Canyon, heavily shaded and the creek flowing well. The final few miles uphill then downhill to connect with the MRT at Auger Creek Spring were more difficult – lost the trail a few times.

Back on the MRT, I made my way down to White Rocks Cabin. The door was open so checked out the rustic, weathered interior, complete with rickety furniture, wood stove and informal trail register. A couple of MRT hikers ahead of me and a few cowboys looking for cows.

I met the refreshing Little Blue Creek and went into the Little Blue Box, a very cool narrows section where I finally did get my feet wet today.

The creek was mostly flowing along the three miles I went downstream. I didn’t make it to the 1/2-mile side trip to Hannah Hot Springs.

I found a rare sandbar amongst the rocks next to the creek to squeeze my tent into.