Turnaround Point, and stopped for lunch — According to my calculations, I was about three-and-a-half miles into my hike, and this log offered a great view and spot to eat lunch.
Hiking
Descending — Nearly down the south side of the ridge, and the trail is leveling out. It was quite rugged in places.
October 8, 2025 12:39
I could almost be in Hercules Glades — If the Glades were at around 10,000ft, that is. I’m following the trail as it runs along the northern side of the ridge.
October 8, 2025 12:21
Looking over the other side of the ridge — I’m facing roughly southeast. The drop on this side of the ridge is only 300ft. Hopefully not a very rugged descent, and not too far for me to climb up on my return.
October 8, 2025 12:15
Under an hour later and I’m on the top of the ridge — And what a view! The fall colors and mountains are spectacular. That was a lot easier than I expected, but it was very steep in places. It was worth it for the views.
October 8, 2025 12:01
On the Colorado Trail — Okay, I did a tiny bit of this trail yesterday, but I’m counting this as my first hike on a major through trail. I’ll only be going a total of seven miles or so, but that’s enough for me with all the elevation I’ll be gaining.
October 8, 2025 11:08
Chalk Cliffs from the Colorado Trail. Day 8 – Road Trip, October 2025. Of course, they are not chalk. They are white quartz left behind after other minerals have been leached from the original rock by hot water.
October 8, 2025 11:01
Day 8. Colorado Trail Segment 14: Chalk Creek to US Hwy 50. Day 8 – Road Trip, October 2025.
October 8, 2025 10:54
Cascade Campground. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 14:55
Approaching Cascade Campground. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025. 2
October 7, 2025 14:51
Trail sign, the western end of Narrow Gauge Trail #1432. With my short road hike and excursion up a brief bit of Section 14 of the Colorado Trail, I managed six and a half miles for my second hike. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025. 2
October 7, 2025 14:42
The western end of Narrow Gauge Trail #1432. The Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 14:41
Chalk Creek Cascade — This is just the start. The cascade runs for a tad under half a mile and drops over 250 ft. The Cascade campground is just around the corner on the left. The Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 14:37
This trail is really easy going — the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 14:15
Mt. Princeton — from the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 14:13
Looking west up Chalk Creek Canyon. Mt. Princeton on the right. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 14:11
View from the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail — Looking northwest. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 13:54
View from the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. This is looking eastward down the canyon. The colors were breathtaking. And I was right. It was cold in the shade, and I was glad I brought some warm clothes along for the hike. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 13:46
Rockslide over the trail — There was one point where a rockslide had covered the trail. Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025. 1
October 7, 2025 13:44
View from the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 11:45
Chalk Lake — from the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad Trail. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025.
October 7, 2025 11:32
Day 7. Narrow Gauge Trail #1432 — Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad. Day 7 – Road Trip October 2025. 1
October 7, 2025 11:24
Chalk Creek — There’s no water available at the campground, so I got mine from Chalk Creek. Day 6 – Road Trip October 2025. 1
October 6, 2025 18:30
Entrance to Chalk Creek Campground. Mt. Princeton in the distance. Day 6 – Road Trip October 2025. 1 3