MRT Day 9: West Clear Creek Canyon

Daily Miles: 16.6, Total Miles: 122.4

A clear, sunny and mostly cool day hiking across the juniper and pinyon flats for about 15 miles to the edge of West Clear Creek Canyon. I listened to an audio book for a bit more excitement. A large herd of elk ran single file across the trail in front of me. The pine trees got larger and the forest more dense as I got closer to the edge of the canyon. I did make note of a stock tank with the best name. Dirty Name Tank had a bit of very dirty water.

I worked my way down the steep and rocky Tramway Trail. Very impressive views of the deep pools at the bottom and sheer cliff walls. I recovered a bit at the bottom and chatted with the first people I have seen today. I then walked and waded downstream for about 0.6 miles before finding a campsite I couldn’t pass up. First task was to filter water and drink up!

The canyon is so narrow, I wasn’t sure if my inReach message got sent to Mrs. Haze – I hope so. I’m already in a little trouble for a very late message after my night hike a few days ago.