Continental Divide Trail – Day 62
July 24, 2023
Miles Today/ Total: 21.8 / 1069.0
It was a little chilly this morning and I didn’t want to get out of my sleeping bag. Finally got around and started on the trail about 6:15
The first 3 miles was through Copper Mountain Ski Area and the trail was well maintained with just a few ups and downs as it slowly descended into Copper Mountain East Village. I found a chair there and booked my motel room for Dillon and placed an REI order for pickup in Dillon as well.
Back on the trail it followed the road out of Copper Mountain, crossed over I-70,and then turned off onto the Gore Range Trail. The trail began a descent of over 2000’ over the next 5.4 miles up to Uveta Pass. There were great views of Copper Mountain as I ascended and then a great view of ten mile creek valley from the pass.
The trail descended toward ten mile creek snd after crossing began another 2000’ ascent up to Eccles Pass with another great view from the pass.
The trail then began a long descent toward Silverthorne. The trail passed through high meadows then through a fairly rocky area as it descended. After a quick side trip to willow creek falls, I continued the descent into pine forest. The pine beetle kill was pretty bad here and I spent about an hour trying to find a suitable campsite where a tree wouldn’t fall on me overnight. I finally found a spot a short ways up the Mesa Cortina trail and set up for the night.
