tag:hikerilluminati.com,2019-03-01:Hiker Illuminati2019-03-02T03:44:53ZMexico to Canada on the CDT#BF0222https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?height=60&url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FCmEr4TYEE3apqXEZpXMeFLdi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9211ac01a719fd45b408337f85f95d7c619685a803dc6e1f8f8dc1999571dac0&width=192&sign=15M35l-ZPbzEVOvACpJWYccJ43DewbGjY5dBEhi6o-Yhttps://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FPXDR8UfJjRNCXBNYtWvj6gSf%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2772415e3e17c2796fe58f28955548baebc79643ca14e375cf435a14e3c57dab&width=192&sign=aq64A1RFy9tmci7NrFKAB61Qkte6uOUpQpJAMEgLB8Mtag:hikerilluminati.com,2019-03-01:/2019/3/1/868/pct-advice-generally2019-03-02T03:28:41Z2019-03-02T03:44:53ZPCT Advice, generally <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2019/3/1/868/pct-advice-generally"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FtuP3azFcJZhy75jLKKdsKSeh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db9fb129f5cbf2663ddabce94cce2bdc520216c1246723b70b2c90936ad2dbd15&width=1280&sign=f9quxxGq-kzA9g_xCMxQPGE7SD7P62zMvV9i5bQhi4E 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FtuP3azFcJZhy75jLKKdsKSeh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db9fb129f5cbf2663ddabce94cce2bdc520216c1246723b70b2c90936ad2dbd15&width=2560&sign=dS743hhWu-64ru0BysH4NLheAk1bpP5P_PxH-rvSr5U 2x" alt="Near Kearsage Pass, CA." src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FtuP3azFcJZhy75jLKKdsKSeh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db9fb129f5cbf2663ddabce94cce2bdc520216c1246723b70b2c90936ad2dbd15&width=1280&sign=f9quxxGq-kzA9g_xCMxQPGE7SD7P62zMvV9i5bQhi4E" /></a>
<p>The PCT in 2017 remains my most formative hiking experience. Learning about water management in the desert, learning about snow work in the Sierras, learning to flip (god, so many flips) — it was all beautiful and hellish and exhausting and liberating, all at once.</p>
<p>The record high snow in the Sierras scarred me deeply in ways from which I still haven’t recovered. Few risks have truly scared me since, and I find myself strangely attracted to the things that do.</p>
<p>To our AT friends heading out on the PCT, make sure you pay attention to Postholer and Inciweb! The weather on the PCT is a lot more volatile. Multiple people died our year. It does happen and there were several moments when I thought I’d be the next. I know a little summit fever is necessary to hit your goals, but too much summit fever can be fatal. Take care and, if you ever don’t know what to do, picture my maternal face hovering nearby, telling you to drink water, eat a snack, take the safe route, and live to hike another day. <3 — K</p>
<p>GENERAL AND GEAR ADVICE</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Before starting trail, work on being well-hydrated for like a week beforehand. That’ll help once you get into the desert.
Umbrellas are really useful for most of the trail and sunscreen will be necessary for most of the whole trail. A base tan can help too, if you burn easily.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m PRETTY sure that Poodle Dog Bush isn’t as monstrous as people make it out to be. Definitely don’t touch it, but it’s not the plague. </p></li>
<li><p>We did print out the Half Mile maps but we really didn’t use them very often. I would say that getting the PDFs for your phone + Guthook would be a better option. If you’re encountering an area with a lot of risk, such as a burn area or high snow area, a big Nat Geo overview map would be useful. A couple times, we used downloaded batches of Google Maps to plan fire reroutes. Also check out what’s on Avenza, a good mapping app with a lot of free maps, or on Gaia.</p></li>
<li><p>Most people sleep with food in a opsak except where bear canisters are required. I could probably count on one hand how many times we voluntarily hung our food on the PCT.</p></li>
<li><p>Our coldest night — possibly on the whole Triple Crown — was a super windy campsite on the north side of San Jacinto. The desert gets real cold.</p></li>
<li><p>Mail yourself a pair of neoprene socks for the Sierras! Ours are the Randy Sun (yes, we know) ones from Amazon and we love them. We actually didn’t end up getting them til we were postholing in Oregon, but once we tried them, we take them every time there’s going be slushy snow. Layer them over your normal socks. If you’re doing river crossings, though, they don’t do much — water will just sluice in the top.</p></li>
<li><p>If doing a big ford, position watchers downstream on both sides of the bank with trekking poles out. We tried various group crossings for really high fords and found that the best, particularly if you’re helping a small person across, is linked-arm pairs with someone bracing from behind. A lot of the bigger people, myself included, prefer to solo fords though. Your mileage may vary, of course. We also had a record snow year, so god willing, the fords will be less torrential. </p></li>
<li><p>If a ford looks impassable, make sure you send scouts up and down stream — like, half a mile or even more, if necessary — to check on what other possibilities look like. Don’t do stupid fords out of vanity’s sake. </p></li>
<li><p>Unlock all backpack buckles for fords. And double-check pockets are zipped so no phones get away from you.</p></li>
<li><p>Microspikes instead of crampons. The fast on-and-off is critical. </p></li>
<li><p>We (and pretty much everyone, lol) use the Camp Coursa ice axe and it’s totally fine. Some people try to intentionally buy too small a size to save weight and that is a big ol’ mistake. This makes traverses more dangerous if you’re having to lean over. Buy one so that it hits just above ankle when you’re holding it straight down. </p></li>
<li><p>Those gin-gin ginger chews, or candied ginger, do really help with altitude adjustment for me. </p></li>
<li><p>It truly sucks, but if you’re new to snow work, do take the time to practice self-arresting on your first significant snowfield. I didn’t want to because I was cold, but I wish I had — had some spooky falls later.</p></li>
<li><p>Microspikes OFF for glissades for ankle unbrokenness.</p></li>
<li><p>If your pass is mostly snow, try to hit it very early in the day so that the snow isn’t slush. Much harder to climb slush.</p></li>
<li><p>Always have a bit of cash on hand — there were some surprise cash-only places.</p></li>
<li><p>In NorCal/Southern Oregon, there is a secessionist movement called the State of Jefferson, with a flag with a pair of Xs. It’s a little unsettling. We got DEEP into it when having to divert the route around fires. People were mostly nice, but also deeply afraid of the federal government. So try to keep conversation light. And if you’re from D.C., don’t bring that up. (Learn from our mistakes.)</p></li>
<li><p>You can get by without maildrops for MOST places, but there are a few places you’ll want to send to. Spend some time with Yogi and the Halfway Anywhere surveys to figure out what works best for you.</p></li>
<li><p>Two years later, I still haven’t fully decided if our first main flip from the halfway point to the northern terminus was the right choice overall. But it was DEFINITELY the right choice for us at the time, given the information and emotional fortitude we had. 2019 is shaping up to be a bad snow year as well. Flipping is a part of thruhiking, particularly as extreme weather and fire seasons force our hand. Don’t be afraid to flip if you feel like it’s the right choice for you.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>PCT LOCATION-BASED ADVICE
CALIFORNIA</p>
<ul>
<li><p>The Frodo and Scout ride to trail is amazing and a fun way to meet people before you start.</p></li>
<li><p>The Mt. Laguna outfitter is actually fantastic. Really cool owner. We were almost disappointed to not need anything from him! Cool place to check out there.</p></li>
<li><p>The Paradise Valley Cafe is extremely good shakes and burgers and they will let you camp for free if you ask nicely.</p></li>
<li><p>If you do sleep under the interstate outside Cabazon, be sure to sleep in a group. (We did this as it was the ONLY place out of the wind we could find.) We’ve been told that the local druggie population stays under a separate bridge a bit to the West, but it’s still a little dodgy. Also, sleeping DIRECTLY under the highway is somehow less noisy than staying slightly to the side.</p></li>
<li><p>Hiker Heaven and Casa de Luna are both super rad hostels, but totally opposite. Hiker Heaven is SUPER clean and the most efficient, precise hostel I’ve been to. My little Type A heart rejoiced. Casa de Luna is the more traditional hostel disorder but extremely chill. Enjoy a night at both! The forest behind Casa de Luna is an absolutely beautiful little manzanita grove to set up a tent in.</p></li>
<li><p>The Deep Creek Hot Springs are wonderful, even in hot weather. But a) keep your head above water due to water-borne parasites; b) the local hot spring bums sexually harassed our friends, so let your female friends know to keep a wary eye.</p></li>
<li><p>Nighthike the aqueduct for sure! There was a really nice wind farm just north of the aqueduct that let us chill and nap in their A.C. during the day.</p></li>
<li><p>Tehachapi versus Mojave is one choice you’ll have to make. Tehachapi is much nicer and has a lot more services, though I do hear people sleep at the Mojave airport if you’re low on money. But Tehachapi is really spread out. The Post Office is like way far out — we stayed near there and wished we were more centrally located. </p></li>
<li><p>Kennedy Meadows is not as fun as we’d supposed. We found it overcrowded and kind of stressful. This may have been our extreme snow year — everyone was trying to figure out if the Sierras were passable, whether they’d flip, etc. Yogi’s got a great outfitter there, though, if you need anything heading into the Sierras.</p></li>
<li><p>Mt Whitney obviously worth it. It’ll take an extra day, though.</p></li>
<li><p>Bishop is a really cool climber town. Very good brewery, good food, good outdoors shops. I really like it there. </p></li>
<li><p>VVR is a fun spot to hang out, but WILL suck up your money. They do a tally-as-you-go-pay-at-the-end system, so watch yourself and that beer tab. </p></li>
<li><p>Off Sonora pass, your resupply options are either Kennedy Meadows North and Bridgeport/Walker. There is no good solution here because they are all expensive and have limited services. We did KMN and spent less money than our friends, so fairly happy with that decision. They also had a good system for mailing your bear cans home, which is convenient.</p></li>
<li><p>Donner Pass has a little restaurant that will give a free beer to thruhikers. This is a trap, because then you will order a huge nachos and a burger and an entire pie and it’s probably worth it, but it is a trap nonetheless. Solid pie.</p></li>
<li><p>Sierra City was a harder resupply than we had been anticipating. The store was just sold out of stuff. I think it’s described in Yogi and other places as being a GOOD resupply, but that was not our experience.</p></li>
<li><p>Belden is an overwhelming scene that is constantly either currently-hosting or exhaustedly-recovering from giant party shows. It’s going to be tempting to hang out there because NorCal is the hottest place on Earth, but if you do, watch your packs from the partiers. Just to the north of town, there is a nice little footbridge with a cool stream and shade. That’s where me and HB siestaed instead. The Braatens weren’t around when we passed through — that may be a solution, too.</p></li>
<li><p>The Chester, CA Pine Shack Frosty shakes are extremely large and extremely good.</p></li>
<li><p>The Subway Cave in Old Station is actually really neat. Take an hour and check it out. Bring a headlamp. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>OREGON</p>
<ul>
<li><p>You have to get up early and get in line for the Morning Glory breakfast in Ashland but it may be the best breakfast I have ever had in my entire life, on or off trail. Highly recommend. There are some cheap hotels right nearby for planning purposes. Do not miss this breakfast.</p></li>
<li><p>The Timberline breakfast buffet does in fact live up to its reputation. If you’re feeling fLuSh WiTh CaSh when you get there, it’s a really nice hotel with a pool and sauna, but it’s expensive. </p></li>
<li><p>Don’t try to stealth at Crater Lake — they really are vigilant about enforcing that. The restaurants there are also extremely overpriced. Xanterra is the company that manages most of the National Parks accommodations and they are pretty garbage. I thought about getting a $10 “rice and broccoli vegetarian bowl” which turned out to literally be a stryrofoam container of Minute Rice and frozen vegetables.</p></li>
<li><p>Bend and Sisters are both good and expensive trail towns — you pass by the smaller Sisters on the way to Bend. Deschutes Brewery in Bend is really good. Whichever one you choose to resupply at will have good beer, good outfitters and good groceries.</p></li>
<li><p>Thunder Island Brewery in Cascade Locks gives out free beer to thruhikers. The extremely large soft serve at East Wind is an excellent choice.</p></li>
<li><p>Actually do consider wearing bright colors here as Yogi suggests — there were a ton of hunters out in the PNW during hunting season.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>WASHINGTON</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Definitely do a maildrop to Stehekin — there really is almost nothing in the camp store. It’s a great trail town though. Very friendly, and it’s cool that it’s so remote. Also, plan on at least half a day at the Stehekin Bakery. I am entirely serious when I say that it had life-changing quiche. There’s free camping in Stehekin, so maybe hit the Bakery up for a couple meals.</p></li>
<li><p>We surprise-didn’t-have-any-cell-phone service for the last 100 miles or so in Northern Washington, even with Verizon (including in Stehekin — you can buy a phone card there, though.) Let family know that.</p></li>
<li><p>Snoqualmie Pass is less than an hour from Seattle, so if you have anyone trying to meet up with you near the end of trail, that’s your best bet.</p></li>
<li><p>Goat Rocks in Washington is one of my favorite places on the whole Triple Crown. Take it a little slow if the weather is nice and enjoy!</p></li>
</ul>
Allie Ghamantag:hikerilluminati.com,2019-02-19:/2019/2/19/866/the-winds2019-02-19T19:53:12Z2019-02-19T19:53:12ZThe Winds <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2019/2/19/866/the-winds"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59DnnWrutR53py21S2wUsC8w%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7922f328eafe855e89ea2c7e8016d5a7c6e81222e046ca0775b5b347c7fecdf9&width=1280&sign=sDDmPbJCVS6q8zSObTkL7waBZkWKsKFNeM6_fwIrZK8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59DnnWrutR53py21S2wUsC8w%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7922f328eafe855e89ea2c7e8016d5a7c6e81222e046ca0775b5b347c7fecdf9&width=2560&sign=--qOdy9LNO7shTqP-R-kCfN1y47GnVePAnY-9gJDIWg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Person, Human, Outdoors, Ground, Nature, Mountain, Slope, Mountain Range, Dirt Road, Gravel, Road, Ice, Hiking" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59DnnWrutR53py21S2wUsC8w%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7922f328eafe855e89ea2c7e8016d5a7c6e81222e046ca0775b5b347c7fecdf9&width=1280&sign=sDDmPbJCVS6q8zSObTkL7waBZkWKsKFNeM6_fwIrZK8" /></a>
<p>Trying to write about the Winds but I’m not sure I have the right words. When I walked down Temple Pass, it was simultaneously a homecoming and a fairytale. </p>
Allie Ghamantag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-26:/2018/11/26/865/lewis-and-clark-national-forest2018-11-26T17:00:43Z2018-11-26T17:00:43ZLewis and Clark National Forest <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/26/865/lewis-and-clark-national-forest"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FCMcLwrmaHEiV2U9BhUmwCnsb%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D24a3e713dc8da92db9447c0cb1dc84e0beb89115a12f5621fe900dac243b1aa5&width=1280&sign=807qu7EJThyKsr2G6rOsRTNTOWr3A20VwM57UKIPRiw 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FCMcLwrmaHEiV2U9BhUmwCnsb%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D24a3e713dc8da92db9447c0cb1dc84e0beb89115a12f5621fe900dac243b1aa5&width=2560&sign=ppfvTGF4F4-xX79ZaJ8TV6Uh9OICy-3IT-JiTzDlQ-k 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, Person, Nature, Wilderness, Outdoors, Tree, Plant, Fir, Abies, Vegetation, Leisure Activities, Adventure, Clothing, Apparel, Ground" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FCMcLwrmaHEiV2U9BhUmwCnsb%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D24a3e713dc8da92db9447c0cb1dc84e0beb89115a12f5621fe900dac243b1aa5&width=1280&sign=807qu7EJThyKsr2G6rOsRTNTOWr3A20VwM57UKIPRiw" /></a>
<p>Low key one of my favorite parts of Montana - big skies in the Lewis and Clark National Forest.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-22:/2018/11/22/864/lodgepole-pine-forever2018-11-22T17:01:06Z2018-11-22T17:01:06ZLodgepole Pine Forever <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/22/864/lodgepole-pine-forever"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9idVE4P85vCj4hcsQfbBNnss%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0e89911d22eeb983d1ea0dc24a4cae262e3292cf118a52de1ab3a8769ccdb718&width=1280&sign=91lQeZgKXkKkRoIn8uGYCRLK3yfCUyUCF1Ye-KmQe5s 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9idVE4P85vCj4hcsQfbBNnss%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0e89911d22eeb983d1ea0dc24a4cae262e3292cf118a52de1ab3a8769ccdb718&width=2560&sign=MlwKOlTGfimpmtvEvUIQqTZ3Cg1lbhb-8VsolpnTvB0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Plant, Tree, Human, Person, Outdoors, Tree Trunk, Birch" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9idVE4P85vCj4hcsQfbBNnss%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0e89911d22eeb983d1ea0dc24a4cae262e3292cf118a52de1ab3a8769ccdb718&width=1280&sign=91lQeZgKXkKkRoIn8uGYCRLK3yfCUyUCF1Ye-KmQe5s" /></a>
<p>Although lots of Montana had great views, parts of it were just lots of lodgepole pine for days at a time. </p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-21:/2018/11/21/863/rainy-days2018-11-21T17:00:36Z2018-11-21T17:00:36ZRainy Days <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/21/863/rainy-days"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FMJSDnJ6M6pGzGZYuKdioZiJ6%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2cf2aab5f0303bf6d20576f548e2b149926bb045fc1f0ac7376cf3a4a2649786&width=1280&sign=FNsc8xVL3lZvi1mNBVn365VQzy0n4gyN0e1BIU6WXDY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FMJSDnJ6M6pGzGZYuKdioZiJ6%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2cf2aab5f0303bf6d20576f548e2b149926bb045fc1f0ac7376cf3a4a2649786&width=2560&sign=D1P6Yab3z8fZIXY6clYj24HwCqxs9qqwijShkdpF9t0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, Person, Footwear, Apparel, Clothing, Shoe, Tripod, Outdoors, Photographer" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FMJSDnJ6M6pGzGZYuKdioZiJ6%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2cf2aab5f0303bf6d20576f548e2b149926bb045fc1f0ac7376cf3a4a2649786&width=1280&sign=FNsc8xVL3lZvi1mNBVn365VQzy0n4gyN0e1BIU6WXDY" /></a>
<p>Back on the official CDT just north of Butte! Past this point (August 21), temperatures started dropping noticably. Supposedly it was 37 degrees this day and constantly drizzling, so we had on every piece of clothing on.</p>
<p>Note that wind paints certainly aren’t rain pants, but they will help keep you warmwe and they dry really fast.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-20:/2018/11/20/862/whitehall-farms2018-11-20T17:00:42Z2018-11-20T17:00:42ZWhitehall Farms <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/20/862/whitehall-farms"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7uKSufTudPtA7sj1vzJGEVmp%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D898d2c3ed81d40a4e2e60a55ddef9bf2bf522e6f30c2c5c43448d17a281ddf06&width=1280&sign=WMgUaHsgwfkJrrDmLjzQDcVP7hwaaT4OfR9HH28mRtg 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7uKSufTudPtA7sj1vzJGEVmp%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D898d2c3ed81d40a4e2e60a55ddef9bf2bf522e6f30c2c5c43448d17a281ddf06&width=2560&sign=1F8UnlxhUiKTLZLNirFsQDQ81PscXebjawpjxzrtqGc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Dirt Road, Gravel, Road, Human, Person, Tarmac, Asphalt, Walking" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7uKSufTudPtA7sj1vzJGEVmp%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D898d2c3ed81d40a4e2e60a55ddef9bf2bf522e6f30c2c5c43448d17a281ddf06&width=1280&sign=WMgUaHsgwfkJrrDmLjzQDcVP7hwaaT4OfR9HH28mRtg" /></a>
<p>Walking through farms on the edge of Whitehall. A surprisingly scenic broad River valley was a nice break from up and down mountains for a bit.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-19:/2018/11/19/861/cattle-guard-garden2018-11-19T17:00:34Z2018-11-19T17:00:34ZCattle Guard Garden <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/19/861/cattle-guard-garden"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5eJ6GtvyiVDKC8wK3J6WKWCw%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3547d11b07a574a1de37a50e0880520cff5d957c7aca14edc69c65538461e316&width=1280&sign=_1f1RdfnB4F4eVSyypAO0JsV5aahgNPSMbbqQ_G4je8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5eJ6GtvyiVDKC8wK3J6WKWCw%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3547d11b07a574a1de37a50e0880520cff5d957c7aca14edc69c65538461e316&width=2560&sign=DVfBsIRdGq0kwu38K8KSrOfdff6Hy-dcGPD7mdoH0HA 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, Person, Path, Trail" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5eJ6GtvyiVDKC8wK3J6WKWCw%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3547d11b07a574a1de37a50e0880520cff5d957c7aca14edc69c65538461e316&width=1280&sign=_1f1RdfnB4F4eVSyypAO0JsV5aahgNPSMbbqQ_G4je8" /></a>
<p>Cattle guards gardens on some back roads between Whitehall and Deerlodge National Forest.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-18:/2018/11/18/860/cowtinental-divide-trail2018-11-18T17:00:48Z2018-11-18T17:00:48ZCowtinental Divide Trail <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/18/860/cowtinental-divide-trail"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FRX9kiigZBTdNieCZc2ZGLEvW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9b4fc139f23f4437aa286baeed85cda386e9e12c6fec56343c4319e4f64d4656&width=1280&sign=VS3l4hfbag9pKaKh-X4G3XOdkjLJPKR4wEC3BOyFhQQ 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FRX9kiigZBTdNieCZc2ZGLEvW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9b4fc139f23f4437aa286baeed85cda386e9e12c6fec56343c4319e4f64d4656&width=2560&sign=UeAbo2f37r-0_cTA_-j-VqWjUMLWsryY9qTYSUsvHNU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Mammal, Animal, Cow, Cattle, Tent, Tree, Plant, Fir, Abies, Nature, Outdoors, Field, Grassland, Conifer, Countryside" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FRX9kiigZBTdNieCZc2ZGLEvW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9b4fc139f23f4437aa286baeed85cda386e9e12c6fec56343c4319e4f64d4656&width=1280&sign=VS3l4hfbag9pKaKh-X4G3XOdkjLJPKR4wEC3BOyFhQQ" /></a>
<p>Camping with the cows in Deerlodge National Forest. Given how much noise they make all night, I’m pretty sure cows don’t sleep.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-17:/2018/11/17/859/historic-junk2018-11-17T17:01:25Z2018-11-17T17:01:25ZHistoric Junk <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/17/859/historic-junk"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FD5KeTRTZ4DFp1YWrNpsgCmvT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dda4413905d3af6900c7fac4200c68f37455446ca343ce968a8b2577d00772cc3&width=1280&sign=n_WG3TE3dYP_fpc4LSmp5ujc2N8QBAK2Z4SPNAG36iY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FD5KeTRTZ4DFp1YWrNpsgCmvT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dda4413905d3af6900c7fac4200c68f37455446ca343ce968a8b2577d00772cc3&width=2560&sign=AmcjXqFcA3Qw4QTvVyvcJGaeCk__RtH7ksinx5Ozn6Y 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Bulldozer, Tractor, Transportation, Vehicle, Machine" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FD5KeTRTZ4DFp1YWrNpsgCmvT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dda4413905d3af6900c7fac4200c68f37455446ca343ce968a8b2577d00772cc3&width=1280&sign=n_WG3TE3dYP_fpc4LSmp5ujc2N8QBAK2Z4SPNAG36iY" /></a>
<p>It’s very strange to be walking through national forests and come across abandoned mining equipment, but it’s all over the west. Mostly it’s a reminder of the time people wanted to extract value from the land with no thought to the consequences, and that now that it’s public land, the Forest Service doesn’t have the resources to remove it.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-16:/2018/11/16/858/succulents2018-11-16T17:00:24Z2018-11-16T17:00:24ZSucculents <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/16/858/succulents"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FkBAKssJJmGikb5W4ZtEdEKWN%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D96f64eb66609da84dac896355260e391b571136db931e50424f7fea24bcdba8e&width=1280&sign=UH002AlL3K7a-oGAe3r0BNI9kVBnAR9YsNa02fniBWo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FkBAKssJJmGikb5W4ZtEdEKWN%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D96f64eb66609da84dac896355260e391b571136db931e50424f7fea24bcdba8e&width=2560&sign=biYzzD35UsjF1NtGLC6NppzkWUlJ1a7nP97KeyW0nGY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Road, Dirt Road, Gravel, Rubble, Ground, Rock, Food, Bread" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FkBAKssJJmGikb5W4ZtEdEKWN%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D96f64eb66609da84dac896355260e391b571136db931e50424f7fea24bcdba8e&width=1280&sign=UH002AlL3K7a-oGAe3r0BNI9kVBnAR9YsNa02fniBWo" /></a>
<p>Tiny little succulents in Beaverhead National Forest.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-15:/2018/11/15/857/beehive-basin-xc2018-11-15T17:00:38Z2018-11-15T17:00:38ZBeehive Basin XC <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/15/857/beehive-basin-xc"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F71BD3RqAh9iy37J8m4wVGjqq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D992b9010314fb48d359c8c1db4e0af6bba1493a72f47d8618a15c8d3f582b352&width=1280&sign=BW8MhZTDjRAc_7nbc1x8-JJ2VOmDut_WxxqP0Ax0rvA 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F71BD3RqAh9iy37J8m4wVGjqq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D992b9010314fb48d359c8c1db4e0af6bba1493a72f47d8618a15c8d3f582b352&width=2560&sign=_f_flUlDyA6NB75ArMU1moMOitH3MwvejO3Vljhna-A 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Outdoors, Human, Person, Sport, Sports, Nature, Leisure Activities, Adventure, Climbing, Mountain" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F71BD3RqAh9iy37J8m4wVGjqq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D992b9010314fb48d359c8c1db4e0af6bba1493a72f47d8618a15c8d3f582b352&width=1280&sign=BW8MhZTDjRAc_7nbc1x8-JJ2VOmDut_WxxqP0Ax0rvA" /></a>
<p>The Big Sky alternative was a bit of an unknown quantity, but we talked to a couple people that had done it and they all told us to take the XC route from Beehive Basin to Spanish Lakes. “It’s incredible!” they said. This is the last time I listen to a SOBO.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s clear from the photo, but this descent was the scariest part of the the CDT for me. Knock and I scrambled up to the ridge from Beehive Basin without issue, but coming down was “fucking awful” according to my journal. 4 hours to drop 1000 feet in 3/8 a mile on loose scree. We were crab walking on our hands most of the way to keep from sliding. Everything was sore for days afterwords.</p>
<p>Knock did an incredible job leading the way on this descent. I wanted to turn around but she was confident enough to find little routes to get another 20 feet down at a time. Now that we have a bit distance from this day, it’s not so much the fear of injury I remember, but how amazing she is.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-14:/2018/11/14/856/petrified-wood2018-11-14T17:01:00Z2018-11-14T17:01:00ZPetrified Wood <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/14/856/petrified-wood"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwdoHX5LB2GAfFNxvcYYqgLdA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De72a16bd818b3eee3341d71eee3cc3e67cf0b0e07ab9d13f4fb513fbe37556ff&width=1280&sign=dMC8yBhVZRUNAfqjMmXHSHwpbPmL5i_npaFU2DMV3FY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwdoHX5LB2GAfFNxvcYYqgLdA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De72a16bd818b3eee3341d71eee3cc3e67cf0b0e07ab9d13f4fb513fbe37556ff&width=2560&sign=D1yuryy-MwLyF55H6tqufKvZfetY77OXU1JcNxLtSjg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, Person, Wood" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwdoHX5LB2GAfFNxvcYYqgLdA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De72a16bd818b3eee3341d71eee3cc3e67cf0b0e07ab9d13f4fb513fbe37556ff&width=1280&sign=dMC8yBhVZRUNAfqjMmXHSHwpbPmL5i_npaFU2DMV3FY" /></a>
<p>A piece of petrified wood we found near Eaglehead Mountain in Gallatin National Forest.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-13:/2018/11/13/855/bacon-rind-fire2018-11-13T17:01:27Z2018-11-13T17:01:27ZBacon Rind Fire <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/13/855/bacon-rind-fire"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJg2vBLHfnvkGsD6z6wwuLtDW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0afcf4668ac6a4bcee46b8f91faf76d9bc3a7660d2c76bb6d0dfc7fa1d47845d&width=1280&sign=9NXT46BGXUZLVzbkmMF3e37ANShG8XuBNGYMDKwJEYY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJg2vBLHfnvkGsD6z6wwuLtDW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0afcf4668ac6a4bcee46b8f91faf76d9bc3a7660d2c76bb6d0dfc7fa1d47845d&width=2560&sign=AgAxkidpJVvm-ZFANnGmWwqjbvQzPPb1bEjne37PwDk 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Tree, Plant, Fir, Abies, Person, Human, Outdoors, Conifer, Path" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJg2vBLHfnvkGsD6z6wwuLtDW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0afcf4668ac6a4bcee46b8f91faf76d9bc3a7660d2c76bb6d0dfc7fa1d47845d&width=1280&sign=9NXT46BGXUZLVzbkmMF3e37ANShG8XuBNGYMDKwJEYY" /></a>
<p>The Bacon Rind Fire was just across the highway that makes up the western edge of Yellowstone. It was small when we approached it, but several nearby trailheads had been closed as a precaution. When we arrived to the one we had been rerouted to, a park police officer greeted us and radioed to get us a ride to where we needed on the other side of the fire. By far, the easiest fire reroute we’ve ever had!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-12:/2018/11/12/854/sportsman-lake2018-11-12T17:00:36Z2018-11-12T17:00:36ZSportsman Lake <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/12/854/sportsman-lake"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwMGDNmb2uyZVtZ8FpQrWJQV3%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D582a00ae1432176474d937b53d6a8750de4ac62a7e3631e1b2da5dbe528a0a7a&width=1280&sign=9h1360gYsW8BaMgRqSbuf_VDd9X6hCddKyhFG2epqZk 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwMGDNmb2uyZVtZ8FpQrWJQV3%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D582a00ae1432176474d937b53d6a8750de4ac62a7e3631e1b2da5dbe528a0a7a&width=2560&sign=dngyakv4HWXGTA5uJrPlb9qxmcXTsNhOe98FAtCJONg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Housing, Building, Person, Human, Countryside, Outdoors, Nature, Rural, Shelter, House, Cabin, Log Cabin" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwMGDNmb2uyZVtZ8FpQrWJQV3%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D582a00ae1432176474d937b53d6a8750de4ac62a7e3631e1b2da5dbe528a0a7a&width=1280&sign=9h1360gYsW8BaMgRqSbuf_VDd9X6hCddKyhFG2epqZk" /></a>
<p>On the last day of our Yellowstone itinerary, we crossed into Montana. We were also stopped by a trail crew at Sportsman Lake. They informed us of a small fire on our route, and asked us to camp nearby and they’d radio in to figure out what we should do. They were really friendly and used their sat phone to coordinate an alternative route for us to take. As always, a massive thanks to trail crews everywhere for their hard work!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-11:/2018/11/11/853/buffalo-skull2018-11-11T17:00:59Z2018-11-11T17:00:59ZBuffalo skull <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/11/853/buffalo-skull"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4sdGkR71x55BjwXH7Ykvu46V%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df31c8e95977a7a14fe5139ae2609a82ebafa901000c154e9455dec6a4120f51d&width=1280&sign=79HxWRcEbTfIX-2xiM8r2DPLIJ9kWQEhERlPpo6Q-ho 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4sdGkR71x55BjwXH7Ykvu46V%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df31c8e95977a7a14fe5139ae2609a82ebafa901000c154e9455dec6a4120f51d&width=2560&sign=nLh7elH4SC15AI5aXAjH2zfvPuEwVAsutKvdxWWAmyw 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Ground, Wood, Plant, Tree, Soil, Fir, Abies" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4sdGkR71x55BjwXH7Ykvu46V%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df31c8e95977a7a14fe5139ae2609a82ebafa901000c154e9455dec6a4120f51d&width=1280&sign=79HxWRcEbTfIX-2xiM8r2DPLIJ9kWQEhERlPpo6Q-ho" /></a>
<p>We were hoping to see a herd of buffalo in Yellowstone, but had to settle for a very cool skull and some single buffalo lounging far off in the distance. Also neat - lots of worn patches of dirt where they take dirt baths!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-10:/2018/11/10/852/grand-prismatic-spring2018-11-10T17:01:32Z2018-11-10T19:43:25ZGrand Prismatic Spring <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/10/852/grand-prismatic-spring"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbmHiUVtErbXRPyYNkRyKEPi1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1ab7dd40b41af9fb80f51a1fc8a95f371bbca5f23d3f15063fa205a339093058&width=1280&sign=agJhMX8-zJFSeoVhOlERhFuyuywNOke5fpouar-kBaI 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbmHiUVtErbXRPyYNkRyKEPi1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1ab7dd40b41af9fb80f51a1fc8a95f371bbca5f23d3f15063fa205a339093058&width=2560&sign=LJ6goJkAA3OSrJIDy_-QwPEmAICJ-fI79vIxX6p01Tc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Plant, Abies, Fir, Tree, Water, Nature, Mountain, Outdoors, Conifer, Basin, Land" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbmHiUVtErbXRPyYNkRyKEPi1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1ab7dd40b41af9fb80f51a1fc8a95f371bbca5f23d3f15063fa205a339093058&width=1280&sign=agJhMX8-zJFSeoVhOlERhFuyuywNOke5fpouar-kBaI" /></a>
<p>The Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowston has so many geysers and springs, it’s a little repetitive. Still, the last one we saw, Grand Prismatic, was a favorite. Never seen anything like it before. The different colors are different bacteria that thrive in particular temperature bands!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-09:/2018/11/9/851/lone-star-geyser2018-11-09T17:01:44Z2018-11-09T17:01:44ZLone Star Geyser <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/9/851/lone-star-geyser"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59LG4U2KdXqBYNYGi8DFcQY8%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D78ed4a54b49ca153a27b0004baf09670b7947d89d02f1a3aacb116280b51f835&width=1280&sign=3OFs7M-dpozLArC1YmCAb4FuFpeHMFpRUI2DCF3BMqs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59LG4U2KdXqBYNYGi8DFcQY8%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D78ed4a54b49ca153a27b0004baf09670b7947d89d02f1a3aacb116280b51f835&width=2560&sign=-Of4Hb9CYXZEcpyhi81MfjqGGTxkrpRd9nqncLTgJV4 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Mountain, Outdoors, Nature, Water, Volcano, Eruption, Person, Human, Geyser" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59LG4U2KdXqBYNYGi8DFcQY8%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D78ed4a54b49ca153a27b0004baf09670b7947d89d02f1a3aacb116280b51f835&width=1280&sign=3OFs7M-dpozLArC1YmCAb4FuFpeHMFpRUI2DCF3BMqs" /></a>
<p>We got up early to see Lone Star geyser erupt at sunrise. Knock, DG and I were the only ones there. It’s only three miles on trail from Old Faithful, where hundreds of people crowd around for a view. </p>
<p>If at all possible, get off the roads when you are in a National Park and explore a bit.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-08:/2018/11/8/850/llama-packers2018-11-08T17:00:28Z2018-11-08T17:00:28ZLlama Packers <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/8/850/llama-packers"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fxd3KVpfXKX7jQwTMGjSKgMVu%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd2231aa616ac9b718d1e2abab780fa85ff8c8d612b607949f2ba4f0e900a4a10&width=1280&sign=AKO2AIWFhgEb2vPOMoKnUm9wBYuZZ-z1NOITJUxPuwo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fxd3KVpfXKX7jQwTMGjSKgMVu%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd2231aa616ac9b718d1e2abab780fa85ff8c8d612b607949f2ba4f0e900a4a10&width=2560&sign=cqzeqGOuMkWCv-5-64KoC_3HgzR0Y_wZqsVY4xdHq0Q 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Person, Human, Mammal, Animal, Pet, Canine, Dog, Camel" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fxd3KVpfXKX7jQwTMGjSKgMVu%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd2231aa616ac9b718d1e2abab780fa85ff8c8d612b607949f2ba4f0e900a4a10&width=1280&sign=AKO2AIWFhgEb2vPOMoKnUm9wBYuZZ-z1NOITJUxPuwo" /></a>
<p>We met a group of llama packers in Yellowstone too! Turns out they don’t like hiking more than 10 miles or so a day though.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-07:/2018/11/7/849/yellowstone-hot-springs2018-11-07T17:00:31Z2018-11-07T18:50:22ZYellowstone Hot Springs <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/7/849/yellowstone-hot-springs"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FpQzriDveKmksZ8713fk91n3K%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9b6cd5c47e04d76b640323be0fcd9828f63554a66b14c891d719da062fb1f83f&width=1280&sign=iO_vpTwiFIvwIZfYZI8ftsR837dalRbgRdRCl3bDKRo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FpQzriDveKmksZ8713fk91n3K%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9b6cd5c47e04d76b640323be0fcd9828f63554a66b14c891d719da062fb1f83f&width=2560&sign=k6unbJJJzTq2wOjO-1Gcj6bqjUN03FfRHoBmt0p-nQs 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Plant, Tree, Abies, Fir, Conifer, Person, Human, Pine, Spruce" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FpQzriDveKmksZ8713fk91n3K%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9b6cd5c47e04d76b640323be0fcd9828f63554a66b14c891d719da062fb1f83f&width=1280&sign=iO_vpTwiFIvwIZfYZI8ftsR837dalRbgRdRCl3bDKRo" /></a>
<p>Our friend Cheesebeard tipped us off to a thermal area of Yellowstone with an excellent semi-developed hot spring. We set up our permits to make sure we’d be able to spend some time there, and it ended up being an absolute highlight.</p>
<p>We soaked in a built up shelf where several hot springs fed into a built up pool from a creek. The water temperature shifted all around you, but it was easy enough to find lovely hot spots. In a busy park, it was a rare solitary experience.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-06:/2018/11/6/848/bechler-meadows2018-11-06T17:01:13Z2018-11-06T18:03:28ZBechler Meadows <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/6/848/bechler-meadows"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcgZUitYyngddjLdkeLf2BCMC%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D08b76a4eb94fac6f55674c0b16b5e06794ccc2f8e4482d3608956f73227efc13&width=1280&sign=aruX_Wa_0UfyncBrtCWHRC9QT6r0XHTNs9cK_MC8eK8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcgZUitYyngddjLdkeLf2BCMC%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D08b76a4eb94fac6f55674c0b16b5e06794ccc2f8e4482d3608956f73227efc13&width=2560&sign=YpQ13dhURjYSeI8SBNW7wVsxjiFyXs7v6GRLmAuRa18 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Water, Nature, Outdoors, Land, Tree, Plant, Abies, Fir, Lake" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcgZUitYyngddjLdkeLf2BCMC%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D08b76a4eb94fac6f55674c0b16b5e06794ccc2f8e4482d3608956f73227efc13&width=1280&sign=aruX_Wa_0UfyncBrtCWHRC9QT6r0XHTNs9cK_MC8eK8" /></a>
<p>Bechler Meadows in the southwest corner of Yellowstone had some of the clearest, calmest rivers we’ve seen.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-02:/2018/11/2/847/notes-to-future-cdt-hikers2018-11-02T16:39:32Z2018-11-02T17:25:00ZNotes to future CDT Hikers <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/11/2/847/notes-to-future-cdt-hikers"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjF6uTxju5QdCPM31uBneBFrp%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0078ba6776a5a21453959a8955721f3975cc660393dd67994d8a3f02fd19da86&width=1280&sign=Lktbj7e0FSCbD2XuXBleLu8cgY6-3pD-fpaWechDngk 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjF6uTxju5QdCPM31uBneBFrp%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0078ba6776a5a21453959a8955721f3975cc660393dd67994d8a3f02fd19da86&width=2560&sign=FOxp3jIZSPU3yVC_IeBEPA9xUu80CMBZUDmR2tkbSMY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Nature, Mountain, Mountain Range, Outdoors, Peak, Countryside, Plateau, Hill" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjF6uTxju5QdCPM31uBneBFrp%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0078ba6776a5a21453959a8955721f3975cc660393dd67994d8a3f02fd19da86&width=1280&sign=Lktbj7e0FSCbD2XuXBleLu8cgY6-3pD-fpaWechDngk" /></a>
<p><strong>Honeybuns:</strong> Knock on Wood and I thruhiked the CDT in the summer of 2018.
Prior to this, we did the Appalachian Trail in 2015, the Colorado
Trail in 2016, and 2400 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017 (fire
and ice, etc). I mention this mostly to say we were pretty experienced
hikers going into the CDT, and we were grateful for it. The PCT gave us
a bit of experience in the desert, we dealt with record snow and
dangerous river crossings in the Sierra, and had already hiked most of
Colorado. <a href="https://www.postholer.com/postholer/cache/2_swe_20180401.png">2018 was a very low snow year in
Colorado</a>,
which had a significant influence on our hike. Just keep that in mind
that a lot of what we say here will vary depending on how much snow your
year has.</p>
<p>It’s assumed that the audience of this document has at least one prior
thruhike under their belt – preferably the PCT. We did meet a number of
people (even in Montana) that did the CDT as their first thru, but they
didn’t seem to be loving it.</p>
<p>There is a lot of fear mongering about the brutality of the CDT. It is a
hard trail, but as Yogi says, only 10% or so harder than the PCT or AT. You got this!</p>
<p><strong>Knock on Wood:</strong> For PCT ‘17 kids, there was only one point on the CDT, an
alternate we were bushwhacking, that rivaled the sheer terror of the
Sierras in 2017. Most years on the CDT have more snow work and therefore
more danger, but you should feel confident.</p>
<p>If anyone reading this has not done any thruhikes besides the AT, I
recommend looking a little into 'western backpacking’ before you get
started. Some of the main differences include waking up very early
(pre-dawn helps in the desert), hiking til nightfall, and usually doing
dispersed or ‘stealth’ camping, a little more water planning, a little
more backcountry navigation and longer distances between resupplies.</p>
<p>That being said, the basics are the same. Have fun and good luck!</p>
<h2>Suggested Reading / Watching</h2>
<p><strong>HB</strong>: I tend to do a lot of research before thru hikes, mostly because
it’s the main thing I think about all winter while working. This isn’t
an exhaustive list, but some resources we liked:</p>
<p><strong>Reading</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.yogisbooks.com/continental-divide-trail/yogis-continental-divide-trail-handbook">Yogi’s CDT Handbook</a> -
I really liked Yogi’s CT/PCT handbooks, and this one was no
different. Before the CT I learned a lot from her general gear
advice, and I really like that she gets perspectives from a lot of
different hikers. She also does a good job running down the major
alternate choices and what each state is like, which got me really
excited about the CDT. After reading the first half of the book,
we used <a href="https://1dollarscan.com/">1dollarscan</a> to
get a PDF of the town guide’ part of the book, which we put on our
phones and was a great resource when we were on trail.</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/continental-divide-trail/cdt-thru-hiker-survey-2017/">Halfway Anywhere’s CDT Thru Hiker Survey</a> - We used this to inform a lot of alternate choices and where we
wanted to send resupply boxes.</li>
<li> <a href="https://www.walkingwithwired.com/2013/10/advice-to-future-cdters.html">Wired’s Advice to Future CDT Hikers</a> -
Hm, sounds familiar. Wired has a great blog and tons of good
information. We read a decent bit of her trail journals too.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Watching</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgSHhGFPxE5_QLRbeQJpPNhub9vCz1fCO">Jawnzee’s 2015 CDT Thruhike</a> - I really doubt anybody reading this hasn’t watched this already but if not, do it.</p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4p96ziEpQP2eG1Y3FWvc5qaguL020_NL">Joe Brewer (aka Backcountry Banter’s) 2015 CDT Thruhike</a> - Jawnzee’s videos are a little too epic and beautiful, and Joe’s feel a lot more like what hiking is actually like to me. Not as captivating, but great to put on in the background when doing chores.</p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNDlE7NoSF8&t=4s">Documentary of the First Women to Hike the Continental Divide Trail</a> - These women are incredible and way tougher than me.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Also random, but the <a href="https://twitter.com/CDNST1">CDTC
Twitter</a> was the best way for
to hear about fire closures. Even if you don’t use Twitter, it’s an
easy website to check.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> Adding in a few more favorites:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Married-Trail-Hiking-Continental-Divide/dp/1555664636">Married to the Trail</a> A first-person narrative of the CDT, which is one of my favorite ways to get hype for a trail.</p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://www.postholer.com/planner/Continental-Divide-Trail/2">Postholer’s CDT planner</a> - We used this in conjunction with the Halfway Anywhere survey to rough out our mileage and where we wanted resupply boxes. (We have never put this much legwork into planning the logistics of a hike. I’m glad we did though.)</p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ebupAUtkKN7MuevscjJPhKz9hcPAm0xU4jxA69D7WDI/edit?usp=sharing">Our resupply boxes and their contents</a> - The first two-thirds of this are pretty accurate. Once we hit the Winds, we veered off our original plans. However, it was nice to have a list of the contents of all the boxes we had set up, so we could ask for specific ones to be sent to us on our new route, and know what we had in them.</p></li>
</ul>
<h2>NOBO/SOBO</h2>
<p><strong>HB</strong>: Historically, SOBO has been more popular, but I think NOBO has been
in the past few years - it certainly was in 2018.</p>
<p>NOBOs usually have to deal with snow in Colorado. Possibly even fresh
snow. Some years, avalanches are a concern. You are also trying to beat
early snow in Montana. On the plus side, New Mexico is a great warm up
state - especially the bootheel, because it’s relatively flat. Finishing
in Glacier is also extremely choice.</p>
<p>SOBOs will probably have to deal with snow when they start in Glacier,
and have the possibility of early season snow in Colorado. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwk-EHlO-F/?taken-by=cheesebeard_hikes">Some
friends of our were forced down to the Creede Cutoff (thus missing the
San Juans) around Oct 1 due to
snow</a>.
There may be an argument that dealing with Colorado ¾ of the way through
trail is good because you’ll be in peak shape, but I’m dubious.
Finishing at the Mexican border is probably pretty anticlimactic.</p>
<h2>Maps</h2>
<p><strong>HB</strong>: This can be a bit confusing so let’s lay out the common choices:</p>
<p>The official CDT exists, and is for the most part, well marked. I don’t
know of anyone that used “official maps”, or if such a thing exists.</p>
<p><a href="http://bearcreeksurvey.com/pdf_maps.htm">Bear Creek Survey
Maps</a> is the
source data for the Guthook app, and includes most alternates. They are
available in paper if that’s your jam. Guthook is probably the most
frequently used form navigation, and a decent amount of people only use
that. (<strong>K:</strong> But they are nuts. Have some backups.) Note that the
official Bear Creek route sometimes deviates from official CDT.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/cdt-notes-additional-photos/Colorado-Section02-Rocky-Mountain-NP.png?auto=compress&s=516292fb44cb29fbe248e37c74c12b97" alt="Jonathan Ley example map">
<em>An example page of the Ley mapset in CO</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.phlumf.com/travels/cdt/cdtmaps.shtml">Jonathan
Ley</a>
curates a map set of the entire CDT. The Ley ‘red route’ (his main
route) mostly coincides with official trail, but follows what would be
considered alternates in the Bear Creek maps. I think of it as an
opinionated route for the CDT. For example, the Ley red route goes
through the Gila River, which is not official CDT, but a very common
alternate. His maps also contain purple alternates (usually just called
‘Ley alts’) that are smaller than the big named alternates — sometimes
it’s some XC cut off distance, sometimes it’s a longer route to hit a
scenic spot.</p>
<p>The Ley maps are a very good resource, because they have water sources
and notes from previous hikers that are missing from Guthook. We took a
lot of Ley alternates, and they are usually great, but I guarantee you
will also scream and curse Jonathan Ley too.</p>
<p>Most hikers that carry paper maps print out the Ley mapset, which you
can get my emailing him. To get them on your phone, follow these
instructions from Ley himself:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If you’re carrying a smartphone with GPS, you can use the free Avenza
Maps app. This will enable you to see your position right on the map
as you go. These are 2016 data, but I hope you’ll find them useful
regardless.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>First install the Avenza Maps app from the iTunes Apps store, or Google Play (sorry, no Windows Phone support)</p></li>
<li><p>Back on your PC, create a Map Store account on the Avenza website at <a href="http://www.avenzamaps.com/">www.avenzamaps.com</a> and log-in.</p></li>
<li><p>Then go here: <a href="https://www.avenzamaps.com/vendor/1321/jonathan-ley">https://www.avenzamaps.com/vendor/1321/jonathan-ley</a></p></li>
<li><p>“Buy” the maps you need. (They’re all there, and they’re free).</p></li>
<li><p>Then go on your mobile device to Avenza Maps, log into your Map Store account, and download the bundles to your device.</p></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>Our recommendation - Guthook and download the Ley maps to Avenza on your
phone. I was constantly going back and forth between the two. Guthooks
is much easier to use but the routes are wonky and the data isn’t great.
Ley maps have great data but are a bit of a pain to use because they are
basically print maps in an app and you have to constantly switch map
pages.</p>
<p>If you decide to get into some adventurous alternates, I recommend the
Gaia app for iOS users. Paying for the subscription is a drag, but it
was worth it.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> I also downloaded large batches of Google maps offline for areas
when we were taking alternates or needed fire reroutes. There were a few
times where something appeared on the Google maps, like forest service
roads, that weren’t on the other map sets. Would recommend.</p>
<h2>Gear</h2>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/f3000ade8ae6f7721134fcd38899338ab58d3809.jpeg?auto=compress&s=0b0e3fbca724258a6580b1e99c853f47" alt="Drying everything out after a storm in the San Juans">
<em>Drying everything out after a storm in the San Juans</em></p>
<p>We had freezing temperatures in every state on trail, so I’d recommend a
true 20 degree quilt or an EE 10 degree. In general the dirt level was
not as bad as the PCT so a liner isn’t necessary, but I was really glad
we got ours in Montana. Nights in NM and CO were cold, and then again
towards the end in MT. <strong>Sleep with your filter every single night</strong>,
because it will freeze when you don’t expect it to. (<strong>K:</strong> Also: Bear
spray! Bear spray is not supposed to freeze.)</p>
<p>Rain jackets of some kind are a necessity. When we got precipitation is
was usually brief, but not warm, and we had a few days of 40 degrees and
constant rain in Montana. We used wind pants as rain pants on those
occasions and they worked pretty OK. I also used my rain jacket on windy
ridge walks in lieu of a wind jacket.</p>
<p>When choosing a pack, consider the distance between resupplies. We had
five sections that were longer than 100 miles. In some cases the terrain
was easy and this wasn’t an issue, but in others, we’d be carrying 5 or
6 days of food.</p>
<p>Virtually everyone just sleeps with their food in NM/CO, and we’ll get
into grizzly country later.</p>
<p>Consider that there is a lot of sun exposure for the entire trail. We
both wore sun hoodies and love them until switching to synthetic zips as
it got colder in MT.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> I carried my bug head net for the entire trail and had no
regrets. There were quite a few places where, after a long time of
seemingly bug-free trail, you would walk into a wet area that was
swamped with mosquitoes or gnats.</p>
<p>Keep in mind you will be walking by the Melanzana store in Leadville, so
save up a little money for a nice new fleece there.</p>
<p>I also was really happy we had the Garmin InReach. We used it maybe a
dozen times for weather checks, and every day for checking in with parents
and logging our camping location. But it was a nice security net for
when we had to go a bit off-book, whether for a fire reroute or for an
alternate, as there are some pretty remote places out there.</p>
<h2>New Mexico</h2>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/42a3e91ac6080c82efcd9bdb5449ed81018ac87e.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=86f4744950b8f8fb8e543b11d3daeddf" alt="Hiking up and down mesa's south of Grants NM">
<em>Hiking up and down mesa’s south of Grants NM</em></p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> For NOBOs, the first big question in NM is which terminus to start at.
We didn’t talk to anyone that started in Antelope Wells, and only maybe
one person who did Columbus. Probably 95%+ of people start at Crazy Cook
now, and take either the CDTC shuttle or Buddy BackPacker’s shuttle.</p>
<p>We started April 29, and were happy with that date. CDTC shuttles will
fill up, so book early.</p>
<p>Our logistics to get to the terminus - flew into El Paso, took a
Greyhound to Lordsburg (border patrol checked out our bus on the way),
and got picked up in Lordsburg by Dion, the Buddy Backpacker Dad, who
took us down to the teeny-tiny of Hachita. Dion rented out the community
center there where we stayed the night and then drove out to the
terminus early the next morning. His shuttle gets there before the CDTC
one, which is nice. We met everyone else who started the same day
anyway; the Crazy Cook to Lordsburg section (aka the Bootheel) is very
water-cache-to-water-cache and there isn’t much shade (umbrellas are a
value-add item).</p>
<p>Sometimes people drive to the terminus themselves, but I’d strongly
advise against it - it’s unmarked roads with massive ruts. The CDTC
shuttle includes water caches, but if you don’t take their shuttle you
can still donate $10 to them for access to the caches. Between the
terminus and Lordsburg we hit the five caches and I think two other
water sources. You’ll learn to love solar wells and windmills and make
friends with cattle.</p>
<p>There isn’t a water report like on the PCT, but people use the Guthook
comments to approximate it.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> We had heard lots of horror stories about fetid water sources and
were bracing for the worst, but it really wasn’t too bad. Comparable to
the PCT desert. There were a few times that we ended up at some tractor
tire cow troughs, and for those we did both a Sawyer Squeeze AND a
Aquamira treatment. Probably overkill, but it gives a little comfort.
Make sure you’re always aware of what your next source is and if there
are any alternatives that may have better water. Also keep your eyes up;
a couple times we spotted unmarked solar wells for some nice water.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> The Bootheel is also a great place to start DIYing your route.
Look at the Ley maps and Guthook. Maybe following the road to avoid a
PUD sounds good to you, maybe not. Lots of short alternates to do here.</p>
<p>Be forewarned there is a big road walk into Silver City. We walked in on
NM-90, and it sucked - hot, dry and next to the highway for 10+ miles. I
don’t think the official route is much better, but maybe it is. We
actually did every road walk in NM, but by the time we were in MT, would
hitch any highways.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> There are two ways into Silver City — the NM-90 route we did or
the official, which has some major arroyos. Our shuttle friend Dion
strongly recommended the former. There’s an RV park (Burrow Mountain
Homestead) just off this alternate that is super hiker-friendly and
provides wifi, showers, water and camping for free. Be nice to them, we
love them.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Silver City is a cool little college/artsy town. Decent brewpub.
We were there for CDT days just before we started trail, which was cool
- met some current thruhikers and well-known previous hikers, they had
a big gear raffle we didn’t enter, and learned some stuff at the talks.
Significantly smaller and chiller than AT/PCT trail days. We took the
Walnut Creek Alternate out of Silver City, and would recommend that
since it’s more direct.</p>
<p>Almost every town in New Mexico had some kind of store store (grocery,
Dollar General, Walmart, etc) that has dehydrated refried beans. If you
haven’t tried them, give them a shot - great mixed into just about any
cooked meal, and fritos + beans is a great no cook meal.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/cdt-notes-additional-photos/IMG_5008-1.JPG?auto=compress&s=3119146dd22dba4f3ef8132907883250" alt="">
<em>The middle fork of the Gila River</em></p>
<p>The absolute highlight of New Mexico is the Gila River. Hiking through a
river canyon like that was really unique, and it’s just absolutely
beautiful. That said, we were glad to get out of there when we did
because the food carry is long and constantly going in and out of the
water can <em>really</em> dry out your skin. A lot of people got painfully dry
skin, so think about putting a bit of moisturizer in your box to Doc
Campbell’s. Check out the Gila Cliff Dwellings, take the Little Bear
Canyon Ley alternate, and hit up Jordan Hot Springs.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> I would strongly consider doing the Gila river walk for most of
the alternate until the path crosses the Gila *high route* again.
Depending on how you’re feeling and the weather, getting out of the
river at that point may be nice. I had some pretty painful cracking of
the skin on my legs from the constant immersion then drying, plus
bush-whacking.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> We did a long food carry from Doc Campbell’s to Pie Town, but
supposedly Reserve has a decent resupply too. Everyone that hitched into
there seemed to like it. We took the “Pietown Road Walk Alt” (blue
route), which is confusingly named because it actually has a shorter
road walk then the official route. Would recommend.</p>
<p>The Toaster House in Pie Town is a really good place to zero — Nina
opens it to hikers and cyclists, it’s got camping and rooms and couches,
a full kitchen, laundry and a shower. It’s very DIY and volunteer, so do
some cleaning and/or make a donation. It’s definitely a vortex. Know
that there are couple restaurants in town but absolutely no store. Mail
a box or raid the massive hiker box.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/1b4c2e454e1989a3f1dd74a234e15571a1882aa3.jpeg?w=2208&q=90&auto=format&s=9f39bde2a6e0dfa40e15d5ed074c62b4" alt="Road walking into Grants">
<em>Road walking into Grants</em></p>
<p>Between Pie Town and Grants was my least favorite part of trail -
something like 50 of the 75 miles in that section are road walking, on either gravel or paved roads. Water is pretty scarce in this area, so have a water plan
when you leave Pie Town. We took the Cebolla (brown) alternate just to
break up the road walks, and that was actually a pretty nice area. Walking
in to Grants on the official route was among the worst I ever felt on
trail since my feet and legs were destroyed by all the road walking, so
it may be worth considering the Bonita-Zuni alt.</p>
<p>Grants is extremely spread out and sort of a pain to get around. Note
that the post office is far away from things so we burned a good part of
a zero picking up a package. Stay by one of the cheap motels by the
Walmart, and grab some incredible and cheap breakfast burritos at
Blake’s Lottaburger on the way out of town. Yes, they have veg ones.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> The brewery you pass on the way into Grants is good and
technically on-trail. Don’t miss it!</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> We skipped Mount Taylor because of the time of day when we got
there, but people that did it seemed to like it. Other than the Gila,
the north half of NM is better than the first half. The area south of
Cuba has some classic big desert views, buttes and sandstone and plateaus - a
sleeper NM highlight. A lot of people speak highly of Rebel’s Roost in
Cuba as another quirky hostel/trail angel, but we missed it.</p>
<p>We did the Ghost Ranch alternate (green) and mailed a box there. It’s a
very striking area, but the climb out of there was really rough -
super hot and steep. The cafeteria breakfast was extremely meh for
vegetarians for what it’s worth. No strong recommendation on doing Ghost
Ranch or official here, but it’s a good option if it works for your
resupply strategy.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> I have more fondness for Ghost Ranch than HB, it seems. The
scenery around there is quite pretty and the Georgia O'Keeffe connection
is neat. But we made the mistake of leaving in early afternoon and it
was insanely hot and exhausting. Try to leave at a cooler time of day.
Also, there’s a Ley alternate into Ghost Ranch that is a big help,
following a fenceline instead of the road.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> One final thought - be aware fire closures happen in New Mexico.
Parts of the Gila River closed on May 24 2018, and Sante Fe National
Forest closed May 31. Try to get ahead of that if you can.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> Concur ^^. New Mexico generally is a good place to try to grind
out some miles and keep your nose down. Save up your free time for
cooler sights later.</p>
<h2>Colorado</h2>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/bef940e69750b1263119a3ed90b84aca28cb818e.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=a60515180c6858b25009ce3d06737831" alt="Above treeline in the San Juans">
<em>Above treeline in the San Juans</em></p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong>(( Just a heads up, mile per mile, CO is probably the hardest state on
the entire triple crown. You are at high elevation for a long time, and
the up and down is unrelenting. Colorado made me question if I actually
liked ridge walks or not.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> I cried a <em>lot.</em></p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Elevation can play tricks on you, but remember you are getting a
lot of sun exposure, and you won’t notice your are sweating - make sure
you are staying hydrated.</p>
<p>Confusingly, right after crossing into Colorado you’ll hitch back down
south the Chama in NM. There isn’t a ton going on in Chama but it’s a
nice little town. We split a big room at the Y Motel with a bunch of
hikers, which works well because there is a supermarket just across the
street. Our room had a kitchen. Plan to pick up your snow gear here.
Caveats about low snow aside, we carried microspikes, ice axes and
waterproof socks. The waterproof socks were choice because even though
there wasn’t a lot of it, San Juans snow isn’t like the packed-down snow
of the Sierra - there were still drifts and postholing and lots of wet
feet. It kept us warm and happy. FWIW, we hiked out of Chama on June 1,
which was day 34 for us.</p>
<p>We had one bad storm between Chama and Pagosa Springs that we knew was
coming from weather reports. We ended up only doing ~6 miles that day
because we weren’t about to head above treeline for 8 miles when there
was lightning and thunder. Be very aware of the weather and know how
long you’ll be exposed before going above treeline - sometimes it will
be for many miles.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> You should of course plan on your mileage dropping in the San
Juans. The Postholer app can help you with these predictions.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> We only had one sketchy snow traverse where the ice axe was
useful, but we did use the microspikes a number of times. In general,
I’d recommend reading elsewhere about CDT snow advice.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/3f80b18ca4df675642736542948f66e4f7f3efbb.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=08c47f093c4d3584567fa6b042b5bab0" alt="Smoke from the 416 fire">
<em>#nofilter. This was all smoke from the 416 fire near Durango.</em></p>
<p>If at all possible, you’ll want to follow the official CDT through the
San Juans. Our experience there was marred a bit by smoke from a fire
near Durango, but it’s beautiful alpine hiking. Once the CDT connects
with Colorado Trail near Silverton, the trail quality goes way up and
stays good for most of CO.</p>
<p>We went into both Pagosa Springs and Lake City. In general, <strong>lodging
and food in CO are notably more expensive than other states</strong>, so plan
accordingly. (<strong>K:</strong> However, restaurant food is generally easier for
vegetarians than in NM!) Pagosa is probably your first spot to hit a
dispensary. However, it took us two hours to hitch back to our hotel
from the far-from-downtown Walmart because white women in Range Rovers
just kept avoiding eye contact with us.</p>
<p>Lake City has a limited/disappointing store, despite pretty good notes
in Yogi; we’d mail a box there if we did it again. We mailed our snow
gear home from there, but again, we had much less snow than other years.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> There’s a reportedly good hostel in Lake City, though we stayed
elsewhere. Warning, there’s VERY VERY little phone service in Lake City,
on any carrier. There are a couple public wifi spots and the cafe has
wifi.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> If you are interested in 14ers, there a couple that are Ley
alternates. The most common is Mount Elbert, the CO high point and
second highest point in the continental US. We did it when we hiked the
Colorado Trail, but skipped it on the CDT. If you want to do it, try to
summit early. The trail is such that you can do it as an alternate and
not have to backtrack on the CDT.</p>
<p>Leadville and Salida were our favorite trail towns in CO. Leadville is
the highest incorporated city in the US, has an awesome view of Mount
Massive and is home to Melanzana. There are two hostels in Leadville,
but they book up so call at least a few days ahead to get a spot. Salida
has a really cute downtown on the Arkansas River, a Walmart, breweries,
a hostel, good outfitters and lots more. We <em>strongly</em> recommend
Moonlight Pizza there, especially the ginger beer.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> When looking for a place to stay in Salida, look for a downtown
place near the river, rather than the area by the highway. The cool food
and sights are downtown. We hit Salida for FIBArk, an annuak
boating/artsy festival. That was pretty rad but it did mean a lot of
things were booked up. Keep an eye on the calendar and try to book a
hostel spot in advance if you can; there are lots of concerts and summer
events in Salida.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> One of our favorite parts of Colorado is the section between
Salida and Twin Lakes. Great views, and tons of time above treeline.
Hope Pass on the south side of Twin Lakes feels like an endless climb,
but it’s more long than steep. (<strong>K:</strong> Strong disagree. The first part
of that climb is steep as fuck. But it’s insanely beautiful and worth
it. There’s a little campsite midway up that’s a good spot for a snack
break and contemplating your life choices.)</p>
<p>There should be a Ley alternate to go clockwise around Twin Lakes rather
than going all around the lake counter-clockwise. Definitely do the
alternate there. Lots of stealth options in and around Twin Lakes, and
the gas station is friendly enough to let you charge phones and drink a
beer or two outside.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> There are no public toilets at the Twin Lakes general store and
by all accounts, the public toilet across the street is <em>rull</em> gross. Do
your pooping on trail. DG also hitched to visit a friend in Aspen from
here, without much difficulty.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/624b2be594384ed9606ac55e10b4c71c51e43b72.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=defaa575482e9184c48f7269c4effa78" alt="Walking the bike path between Copper Mountain and Dillon">
<em>Walking the bike path between Copper Mountain and Dillon</em></p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> We opted to do the Silverthorne alternate and skipped
Grey’s/Torrest because we were feeling beat down at this point and
didn’t want to do 14ers. We actually walked a very chill bike path from
Copper Mountain ski area into Dillon rather than the normal alternate.
Everyone that did Grey’s spoke highly of it (and a lot of them saw
mountain goats), but since it\‘s a very accessible area, we’ll probably
try and go back and do it someday. Note that although getting into
Silverthorne was easy, there was some unexpected XC and some missing
trail on the way back to the CDT north of Silverthorne.</p>
<p>Rock Mountain National Park requires bear cans so most hikers take the
orange shortcut route to skip most of the park. We wanted to see the
park though, so we stayed two nights at the very cool Shadowcliff hostel
in Grand Lake (highly recommended), and did a 26 mile loop through the
park as a day hike. I was nervous about the distance since we weren’t
doing as many miles in CO but since we only had daypacks it flew by, and
you get to feel cooler than the people that do the same hike over four
days. (<strong>K:</strong> “What is the point of thruhiking if not to condescend to
others?” — Honeybuns, somewhat joking)</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> The trail was very well-maintained and we saw a family of moose,
but honestly, it wasn’t much more remarkable than a lot of the above
treeline sections we’d already done a lot of in CO.</p>
<p>Approaching Steamboat Springs had a surprising amount of road walking,
since we really hadn’t done any since NM. It’s another expensive resort
town, but thankfully the last for a while. You’ll have to decide here if
you want to go into Encampment/Riverfront which can be a hard hitch, or
if you want do the long food haul to Rawlins.</p>
<h2>Wyoming</h2>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/63e144e23ae0a9c3ae9bbec50cea7d800fa56e03.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=b39306e103ab7e633795e0472d63c603" alt="Knock and DG north of Temple Lake on the Cirque of the Towers alternate">
<em>Knock and DG north of Temple Lake on the Cirque of the Towers alternate</em> </p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Our favorite CDT state! We didn’t have much of a preconception about
Wyoming but ended up loving it. Great ready for the Great Basin (aka the
Red Desert to locals), the Winds and Yellowstone.</p>
<p>We picked up a mail drop in Encampment and camped at a donation RV park
in town, and I think Riverside actually has a convenience store of some
sort.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> The Encampment RV park is literally a donation-based patch of
grass by the senior center. There’s a toilet and a spigot but no shower.
The little coffee shop in Encampment next to the Post Office is lovely
though the breakfasts are very small. The Riverside RV park is a longer
hitch but has showers, more people and amenities and costs some small
amount of money.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Around Sage Creek Road (Guthook mile 1570), you’ll start the
Great Basin. Wide open spaces for miles and miles, and some of the rare
water sources are too saline to drink.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> There are a couple routes in here. They were doing major
construction on the highway as we walked, so this area may look
different in the future. Pay attention to the Ley options and bring lots
of water. We did find a decent spring just after the salinated flats.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> We mostly followed the red route and I think took a Ley
alternate into Rawlins just to mix it up a bit. Rawlins is kind of
spread out, but hit up the Thai AYCE buffet at Anong’s. The buffet is
disappointing for vegetarians, but we ordered some delicious entrees off
the menu.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/4970fdf0e02a646262772b514822617125259094.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=ad6632ff31c63465ddc9a5207646b3f9" alt="Sunset in the Great Basin">
<em>Sunset in the Great Basin</em></p>
<p>The Basin is a vast and monotonous. It’s an pretty interesting geography
though, and certainly one of the more unique areas we hiked through. We
aren’t big mileage hikers, but did the 121 miles from Rawlins to Lander
in 4 full days (left Rawlins after dinner and got into Lander first
thing in the morning). There really isn’t anything to do but keep hiking
there and get water. Definitely load up on podcasts before.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> There is literally no shade, so bring an umbrella. We also
<em>easily</em> hit 30s with like no prior planning or waking up extra early or
anything, because you literally don’t want to do anything besides keep
moving.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Lander was one of our favorite trail towns. NOLS is
headquartered there, and they have an incredible bulk food / gear store
at 502 Lincoln Street. Probably our favorite resupply on trail, and
cheap. We went into Pinedale to resupply in the middle of the Winds, but
this would be an excellent spot to load up if you want to do a long food
haul through all of the Winds. We also picked up bear spray at the NOLS
gear store, and they gave us a solid discount since we were CDT hikers.
Lander also has free camping in the park.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> We picked up a bunch of dried veg packets at the Lander NOLS
store which lasted us for weeks. Also, there are a few different
NOLS-branded places around town, so when google mapping, look for 'NOLS
Rocky Mountain.’ The shop has a sign that says ‘Gulch.’ Has used and new
gear.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Immediately after leaving Lander you enter the Wind River Range,
which is an absolute highlight of the entire CDT. It’s pretty tough
hiking so our mileage dropped considerable, but it’s beautiful. Do
Cirque of the Towers (blue), but know it’s slow - we had a 12 mile day
going over Temple, Jackass and Texas Pass. Some of the best alpine lakes
of the CDT are in this section. Texas Pass is part of some Wind River
High Routes too, and it’s easy to see why - it’s a big climb, and if you
try to follow the Ley route, there really isn’t any trail. Several
hikers around us talked about trying to incorporate the high route into
their hike but didn’t, mostly due to the time/food carry required. That
said, this area is so good, it’s near the top of our list for future
hikes.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/eaf1d6d52a4c5513f12eb5e592cd890df243329a.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=f6c479d1773982a50fc88d80571bb3f6" alt="Knock and DG approaching Knapsack Col. We took the rock scramble route on the right side.">
<em>Knock and DG approaching Knapsack Col. We took the rock scramble route on the right side.</em></p>
<p>We did the side trail into Pinedale, which felt like a quick ~10 miles
or so. The trailhead there is busy so you should get a ride pretty
easily. We strongly recommend taking the Knapsack Col (pink) alternate
too. It’s probably the hardest pass on the entire CDT - there was still
a decent amount of snow and we didn’t have any microspikes/ice axes, so
we did a rock scramble up. Incredible views and really fun climb though.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> Good beer in Pinedale. There’s a free church hostel called St.
Andrew in the Pines, a few doors down from the outfitter. Go down their
driveway to the first floor door on the right, and there’s a sign with
info for staying. The outfitter there is really good too. I would really
recommend going to Pinedale, rather than trying to push through the
Winds in one fell swoop. The whole area is SO beautiful and rugged and
you want to enjoy it, rather than lugging a massive pack around.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> North of the Winds is where we started to significantly divert
from the official CDT. Our group of three really wanted to see the
Tetons, and we met up with some friends in Pinedale that had designed a
route (The Greater Yellowstone Traverse) coming from there and just
hiked it coming south. This is <em>not</em> a common alternate, so at this
point, we started using Gaia and linking together route files from a
couple people. Francis Tapon was probably the first person to write
about doing the Teton’s as part of the CDT, but has removed his GPX file
from the internet unless you do some Google cache / Wayback machine
digging.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/photos/d9fb309c3f2f73c6bde424f211a3806e00cbac65.jpeg?w=2048&q=90&auto=format&s=ae8788350affdc61fbcd1bf4f07fa3f3" alt="Bushwhacking to get into the Gros Ventre wilderness">
<em>Bushwhacking to get into the Gros Ventre wilderness</em></p>
<p>We went through the Gros Ventre range to cut west from the Winds to the
Tetons. It’s an incredible mountain range, but also remote and somewhat
neglected because of the more famous ranges in WY. Getting <em>into</em> the
Gros Ventre was difficult - the route we had planned didn’t exactly go
due to some roads and 4x4 trails on forest service maps not actually
existing or being extremely overgrown and private property. We did a lot
of bushwhacking and adjusted our plan several times, but this was the
kind of CDT experience we had long dreamed about - making your way
across rarely traveled wilderness.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> Type 2 fun. The bushwhacking was INTENSE. The above picture was
NOT fun.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Jackson is a rough town for hikers – it’s expensive as hell.
There is a good free bus and great library though, and we were lucky
enough to meet a trail angel at the post office that put us up. (<strong>K:</strong>
Read: he offered us a shower, we parlayed that into a stay.) We took
some time here to get maps of Yellowstone and called ahead to set up our
backcountry permits.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> Some people have told us to hitch and stay across the border in
Idaho instead of Jackson; a lot of the not-fancy people who live in
Jackson commute in that way.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Fortunately, the geography of Teton National Park is such that we
were able to always camp in the national forest to the west of the park,
meaning we didn’t have to get backcountry permits or carry bear
canisters. That said, this is definitely grizzly country, so it’s wise
to be hanging your food. We made sure to cook early and hike for another
hour before finding a campsite, and would tie our Ursacks to a tree.
Probably overkill, but it gave us peace of mind and we never had any
problems.</p>
<p>Getting to see the Teton’s up close was really cool, but smoke from
fires did diminish the experience. We took a pretty aggressive XC path
up from Lake Solitude to connect the southern part of the Teton Crest
Trail to the northern half. The north side of the park was also a bit of
a drag - lots of burn areas and unmaintained trail made it a slog.</p>
<p>We hitched out to Flagg Ranch and then down to Colter Bay to resupply,
which took most of a day because National Park tourists don’t like
hitchhikers. (<strong>K:</strong> The Flagg Ranch breakfast buffet was the best
National Park food we found.) From there, we kept following the Greater
Yellowstone Traverse route into SW Yellowstone itself. We got to see a
lot more of the park this way - the official CDT is really a small
section that people tend to blaze through in 2 or 3 days.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/cdt-notes-additional-photos/IMG_6340.jpg?w=2048&s=72fca406de437ee22b28e1f530106851" alt="Sunrise at Lone Star Geyser">
<em>Sunrise at Lone Star Geyser</em></p>
<p>Old Faithful was pretty disappointing, but if you can get a campsite
nearby, try to see Lone Star geyser at sunrise. We were the only people
there, which was a great experience. Around Old Faithful Village we
split off the CDT again to take the Big Sky alternate. This would let us
see more of Yellowstone, go through Big Sky to see a friend, and hey,
cut off the ID/MT border which a lot of people had told us was full of
PUDs.</p>
<p>In large, I think Yellowstone was neat but underwhelming. The crowds and
road crossings are a bit of a bummer, and you just never feel very
remote. We did see a bison which was kind of cool, but not a big herd or
anything. On the plus side, you will see so many dang geysers and some
of the springs (Grand Prismatic) are unlike anything else you’ll ever
see on trail.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> Final notes: or those hikers who enjoy… uhh… the fruits of
Colorado, have a care when you enter Wyoming. By all reports, Wyoming is
STRICT with drugs offenses. Also, north Yellowstone was <em>very</em> low on
potable water. The groundwater has a lot of sulfuric hot spring water
flowing around. If you see your path is taking you near thermal areas,
bring lots of extra water. If the water is warm, don’t drink it.</p>
<h2>Montana</h2>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/cdt-notes-additional-photos/IMG_6641.JPG?w=2048&s=6fec55e92e1481413b6e010e48272dfc" alt="Walking the divide north of Lincoln">
<em>Walking the divide north of Lincoln</em></p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Almost there! The big highlights of Montana were the Spanish Peaks (if
you are on the Big Sky alternate), the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and of
course, Glacier National Park.</p>
<p>We unknowingly entered Montana in Yellowstone, and headed towards Big
Sky through the Gallatin Wilderness. Some cool ridge walks in there, and
a ton of different routes you can do. Big Sky is a bourgeois town, but
at least resupply is easy. Despite what lots of people tell you, we’d
recommend <em>not</em> taking the XC routes in Spanish Peaks, especially for
NOBOs - we ended up in a sketchy situation with a super steep scree
descent. Spanish Peaks feels like a mini Sierra Nevada though - alpine
lakes, lots of healthy pine, and good views.</p>
<p>After Spanish Peaks, the Big Sky alternate is pretty forgettable getting
up to Butte and back onto official trail. We walked out of Butte on the
“Butte Connector” (brown) alternate on August 20. Around here
temperatures started dropping and the rest of trail, nights were pretty
cold and we were very careful in rain to stay warm.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/cdt-notes-additional-photos/IMG_6634.JPG?w=2048&s=299f072a1d58391e22d54ae0ade7f9dd" alt="Lodgepole pine for days">
<em>Lodgepole pine for days.</em></p>
<p>A lot of Montana is uneventful hiking through lodgepole pine, but don’t
worry, there are a bunch of sneaky exposed ridge walks north of Lincoln
too. Lincoln is another favorite trail town - small, but has a good
grocery, cheap motels, friendly locals at the bar, and a free sculpture
park that is well worth a visit. (<strong>K:</strong> Local angel Gary can hook you
up with a ride out of Lincoln: 406-781-7111.)</p>
<p>After those ridge walks, you drop down into a river valley and enter the
Bob Marshall Wilderness. Word to the wise - there is a significant
amount of burn area in the Bob. It’s still a great area and fun because
it’s scenic and remote, but fires have really ravaged the area the past
few decades. You should see the Chinese Wall in here, although we didn’t
get to due to a fire reroute. (<strong>K:</strong> Very little service in here. The
Bob is real remote. Make sure you have all your maps downloaded before
you get in there. Because it is frequently on fire, download maps for
the surrounding areas, not just the CDT, too. We ended up using a
combination of different maps for our fire reroute, including a GAIA map
and the GPS app that came with our InReach.)</p>
<p>We heard numerous stories about packages being stolen from Benchmark
Guest Ranch, and didn’t want to deal with their fee/delivery system, so
we hitched out to Augusta for a resupply. It took about two hours to get
a ride, but there is a trailhead there frequented by horsepackers and
weekenders. They have a decent grocery in town there.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/cdt-notes-additional-photos/IMG_6651.JPG?w=2048&s=79fc46b3c4d99016b9ac5d9368b338fd" alt="The Sun River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness">
<em>The Sun River in the Bob Marshall Wilderness</em></p>
<p>Fire closures made us take an unusual path through the Bob, largely
following the Sun River. Spotted Bear Pass was closed as part of this,
so no idea if it’s worthwhile or not. The Bob is another area that just
feels so big and beautiful, it’s easy to see why people love backpacking
here and keep coming back.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> East Glacier is a really awesome town and it was heartwarming to
see all the hikers that we had been missing for a while clump up -
it’s the portal into and out of the Glacier NPS. There are some hotels
around that are fine, but Brownie’s Hostel is real legit. Lots of
non-thruhikers there too, though, but it’s still worth a stay. The best
spot in town to resupply is the General Store across from the train
station. One of the awesome things about going NOBO, and one of the
silver linings of the frustrating NPS permit system, is that a lot of
hikers will get bunched up at Glacier together. If you stay at the big
sites, like Two Medicine and Many Glacier, you can have a little
end-of-trail slumber party with other hikers, with the kind of
comraderie that is frequently missing from the CDT. So unless you’re in
a massive hurry, don’t sweat it too hard if your Glacier permits make
you stay a little longer than anticipated.</p>
<p><strong>HB:</strong> Due to the their inane permit system, we opted to walk into Two
Medicine from East Glacier and get our permits there. A number of hikers
around us hitched from East Glacier to Two Medicine, got permits and
then came back. We ended up with a decent itinerary, but had one 25+
mile day, and one short one too. No advice for how make this any better
than luck of what you can do when you get there. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯</p>
<p>Be aware that services start shutting down in Glacier after Labor Day.
Two Medicine’s store was closed when we got there, but Many Glacier was
still open. There is also a very nice bus/shuttle in the park, which we
took to Saint Mary on our short hiking day to resupply. We finished on
Sept 10 and the first bits of snow hit just a few days after. Every year
is obviously different, but <strong>pushing hard to finish by mid September is
probably a good plan</strong>.</p>
<p>One nice thing about the Glacier campsite/permit system is the CDT
hikers ended up bunching up a lot. We rarely saw other thruhikers when
we weren’t in town for the rest of the trail, but in Glacier, we got to
camp with friends the last couple days.</p>
<p><img src="https://clifff.imgix.net/cdt-notes-additional-photos/IMG_7297.JPG?w=2048&s=b277aa489c12e392686dfd2227cf1ac2" alt="DG on Siyeh Pass in Glacier National Park">
<em>DG on Siyeh Pass in Glacier National Park</em></p>
<p>Glacier absolutely delivered on all the hype we’d heard before getting
there. It’s stunning, and an incredible place to finish your hike.
Waterton Lake was closed due to a fire and we were a little
disappointed, but Chief Mountain is a beautiful finish too.</p>
<p>Note that the border crossing gate at Chief Mountain has limited hours
after Memorial Day too. We got lucky hitching out with a car that had
been likewise turned away from the border crossing, but other hikers had
to spend the night there before being able to get a ride back to East
Glacier or up into Canada.</p>
<p>For most people, the easiest exit strategy is probably to take the
Amtrak in East Glacier to Spokane, where there are cheap flights to most
major airports. There are rental cars in East Glacier too, but we found
it was significantly cheaper to hitch to the airport in Whitefish and
get one there.</p>
<p><strong>K:</strong> In conclusion, the CDT is probably the most beautiful of the
Triple Crown, but is also very remote and can be a little lonely. Make
sure you’re drinking lots of water, particularly at elevation. Be sure
to shake off any expectations of purity or white-blazing. <strong>The sooner you
realize that you <em>can</em> do whatever alternates you feel like, the more
fun you’ll have. It’s a truly liberating and exhilarating feeling to
just decide to go <em>someplace</em> and make your way there.</strong> DG didn’t do
<em>any</em> food resupply boxes and enjoyed that freedom, but being veg, I was
glad that we had prepared food in advance. Have fun and hit us up if
there are any questions we can answer for you:
contact@hikerilluminati.com.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-09-10:/2018/9/10/844/hello-canada2018-09-11T01:25:50Z2018-09-11T01:25:50ZHello Canada <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/9/10/844/hello-canada"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FZW2JHcVgNeK9ijsSNqXRdyRe%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D260cd9408f2aac45137eefc955bdc2309dfff54e2076ce5495e5c00bc8f04326&width=1280&sign=rdQmkMHlQz-KSNQ_RICuUcmYd8-1PEsG9UZcwExao-s 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FZW2JHcVgNeK9ijsSNqXRdyRe%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D260cd9408f2aac45137eefc955bdc2309dfff54e2076ce5495e5c00bc8f04326&width=2560&sign=XdHaM_vlxxtAH8vkWj0yg-Hc5LKdjkQCdKQfnzfVB-M 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FZW2JHcVgNeK9ijsSNqXRdyRe%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D260cd9408f2aac45137eefc955bdc2309dfff54e2076ce5495e5c00bc8f04326&width=1280&sign=rdQmkMHlQz-KSNQ_RICuUcmYd8-1PEsG9UZcwExao-s" /></a>
<a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/9/10/844/hello-canada"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FHG5Ruke9XVFvY8HeiUzzCiUd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc1e33ef666f17ef4ee6f81f6c0f657e3956fe82f123827bd16d52f45fd725c1a&width=1280&sign=sBWWA86TuexZQD1KECFaY8BCz6TmqFaWpGQoE9E5tAw 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FHG5Ruke9XVFvY8HeiUzzCiUd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc1e33ef666f17ef4ee6f81f6c0f657e3956fe82f123827bd16d52f45fd725c1a&width=2560&sign=LjZWodqah0zVB32A-TU7XcSRKo_2P4LmyJ4DdYSKsCU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Beard" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FHG5Ruke9XVFvY8HeiUzzCiUd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc1e33ef666f17ef4ee6f81f6c0f657e3956fe82f123827bd16d52f45fd725c1a&width=1280&sign=sBWWA86TuexZQD1KECFaY8BCz6TmqFaWpGQoE9E5tAw" /></a>
<p>Knock, DG and I made it to the Canadian border today at Chief Mountain, completing the Continental Divide Trail. 132 days from the Mexican border to here, April 29 to September 10.</p>
<p>The CDT was a perfect finish to our triple crowns*. We pushed our limits, took challenging alternates both common and of our own design, and saw some of the most amazing parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. </p>
<p>More photos to come (especially from Montana), but for now, we figure out how to get from a remote border crossing to a warm shower and beers.</p>
<ul>
<li>- Technically, Knock and I have an asterisk until we wrap up 240 bonus miles in Oregon…</li>
</ul>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-11-05:/2018/8/25/843/yellowstone-swamps2018-08-25T17:01:03Z2018-11-06T01:26:12ZYellowstone Swamps <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/25/843/yellowstone-swamps"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhNLYjZixLp9UXkjAUWUsDsJT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da8daa8fcf39a9a3ccbdb7c8f2610600bc1b409b037df31452e0804c525fc917c&width=1280&sign=JiQywripdDfbRO441Iww0hcHeYylPdfEOVlfUQGO2X0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhNLYjZixLp9UXkjAUWUsDsJT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da8daa8fcf39a9a3ccbdb7c8f2610600bc1b409b037df31452e0804c525fc917c&width=2560&sign=UOOH2NYEk--Sz00zvRDi6Gnr2rbPj8miFJaY9IOgBc0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Outdoors, Nature, Land, Water, Person, Human, Tree, Plant, Bog, Marsh, Swamp, Vegetation" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhNLYjZixLp9UXkjAUWUsDsJT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da8daa8fcf39a9a3ccbdb7c8f2610600bc1b409b037df31452e0804c525fc917c&width=1280&sign=JiQywripdDfbRO441Iww0hcHeYylPdfEOVlfUQGO2X0" /></a>
<p>Turns out the Falls River Basin area of Yellowstone has some pretty swampy parts.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-23:/2018/8/23/842/entering-yellowstone2018-08-23T14:45:58Z2018-08-23T14:45:58ZEntering Yellowstone <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/23/842/entering-yellowstone"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcmnWU6v8nfP1Hn5i9TeGboRi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1aa504a7f7a28ac3e79d370f193f646e40e2690e068d7c852cc021a9b56d54c4&width=1280&sign=bUIBAGe0u-mB_fucx4fgy7xFBw8lR6X4W9huCJ_tHC8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcmnWU6v8nfP1Hn5i9TeGboRi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1aa504a7f7a28ac3e79d370f193f646e40e2690e068d7c852cc021a9b56d54c4&width=2560&sign=GlAGNp8HXZX2xY7ui1eir5Z1_N7x8wfUw-bWp59551w 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Abies, Conifer, Fir, Flora, Plant, Tree" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcmnWU6v8nfP1Hn5i9TeGboRi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1aa504a7f7a28ac3e79d370f193f646e40e2690e068d7c852cc021a9b56d54c4&width=1280&sign=bUIBAGe0u-mB_fucx4fgy7xFBw8lR6X4W9huCJ_tHC8" /></a>
<p>We finally hit Yellowstone! The normal CDT hits a relatively small part of the park and people go through it in two days. Coming up from the Tetons and then taking the Big Sky alternate, we’d spend about five days in the park and get to see a lot more of it.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-23:/2018/8/23/841/northern-grand-teton-np2018-08-23T14:45:45Z2018-08-23T14:45:45ZNorthern Grand Teton NP <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/23/841/northern-grand-teton-np"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FqrmtgMvdPv6Bnksz95uZYVgn%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2ee0dafd0f1b0ae467555e7f392045890df6105fb1ba5f268e8f874c0b0ddd12&width=1280&sign=iduS9DL-MaPGMhw9tQ7XYeDQUCCEyvguJ1Yan1JP1Xc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FqrmtgMvdPv6Bnksz95uZYVgn%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2ee0dafd0f1b0ae467555e7f392045890df6105fb1ba5f268e8f874c0b0ddd12&width=2560&sign=6k4wVDzMnUxssB-a99fkcfq8qAG2e1ib6KqtDXCG9tU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FqrmtgMvdPv6Bnksz95uZYVgn%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2ee0dafd0f1b0ae467555e7f392045890df6105fb1ba5f268e8f874c0b0ddd12&width=1280&sign=iduS9DL-MaPGMhw9tQ7XYeDQUCCEyvguJ1Yan1JP1Xc" /></a>
<p>The northern end of Grand Teton NP was much less visited, and I kind of see why. We lost trail in overgrowth, cut up our legs crossing meadows, precariously crossed streams and generally found no shelter from the heat since it was a burn area.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-23:/2018/8/23/840/targhee-sunset2018-08-23T14:45:30Z2018-08-23T14:45:30ZTarghee Sunset <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/23/840/targhee-sunset"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwyNPQBtdyoaU3fFXVRqZ5cnd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6b067a8bfd02b79a48b5960806f935b1bba99624eb5386ec99da745f5f31708f&width=1280&sign=mrYfdOjuYxwPK0pb2hWuULKuJ4goDYOzhxaJ89Sg1GA 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwyNPQBtdyoaU3fFXVRqZ5cnd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6b067a8bfd02b79a48b5960806f935b1bba99624eb5386ec99da745f5f31708f&width=2560&sign=MgY6U95trtpPBYKno4Uv3aI6AFlhgpEc980BazFyNL4 2x" alt="" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwyNPQBtdyoaU3fFXVRqZ5cnd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6b067a8bfd02b79a48b5960806f935b1bba99624eb5386ec99da745f5f31708f&width=1280&sign=mrYfdOjuYxwPK0pb2hWuULKuJ4goDYOzhxaJ89Sg1GA" /></a>
<p>Sunset over Targhee National Forest, just west of Grand Teton NP. No permits needed!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-23:/2018/8/23/839/littles-peak2018-08-23T14:45:11Z2018-08-23T14:45:11ZLittles Peak <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/23/839/littles-peak"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7WfewEqHMBVWdAQ4L8hGscpx%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D65b5eb20e4642481567341d2b2a0e56a636f0fefc14a492340d70202517c674a&width=1280&sign=44zZbTWTgOONj-T5tlDinhufuGCii3PFcWIViYMCVI0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7WfewEqHMBVWdAQ4L8hGscpx%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D65b5eb20e4642481567341d2b2a0e56a636f0fefc14a492340d70202517c674a&width=2560&sign=Dv8QC6cREwmPYsCK0BTzo4IfWIG4wLmaUoQqvAroDkU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Alps" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7WfewEqHMBVWdAQ4L8hGscpx%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D65b5eb20e4642481567341d2b2a0e56a636f0fefc14a492340d70202517c674a&width=1280&sign=44zZbTWTgOONj-T5tlDinhufuGCii3PFcWIViYMCVI0" /></a>
<p>The best part about getting off the official CDT and into some more adventurous alternates has been getting more comfortable with alpine cross country travel. Here, we are navigating a ridge near Littles Peak in Grand Teton NP.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-22:/2018/8/22/838/snack-with-a-view2018-08-22T20:34:26Z2018-08-22T20:34:26ZSnack with a view <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/22/838/snack-with-a-view"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbLHsWhzD7yTjPixr4LaopsaM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D976d95f83db89ec071fc8eb93269458b9dc6f9c03d26dc339792e97c115d36ac&width=1280&sign=R8adHg8g9zdvUWaDr25qkIc3SF46HLzbcIZ_yI9esQE 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbLHsWhzD7yTjPixr4LaopsaM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D976d95f83db89ec071fc8eb93269458b9dc6f9c03d26dc339792e97c115d36ac&width=2560&sign=961ys7WMK4VrK05xkYcWXdyQEvu0F7aT--kFV7C4ioo 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Adventure, Climbing, Leisure Activities, Outdoors, Sport, Sports" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbLHsWhzD7yTjPixr4LaopsaM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D976d95f83db89ec071fc8eb93269458b9dc6f9c03d26dc339792e97c115d36ac&width=1280&sign=R8adHg8g9zdvUWaDr25qkIc3SF46HLzbcIZ_yI9esQE" /></a>
<p>Knock enjoying a well earned snack with a view after our 1300 foot climb in 0.8 miles from Solitude Lake.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-22:/2018/8/22/837/lake-solitude-xc2018-08-22T17:00:35Z2018-08-22T17:00:35ZLake Solitude XC <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/22/837/lake-solitude-xc"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FY1PqmZB3D78Aqeu2ef44gXYZ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De403ce349cb31f6d528da261be098ea3e7f9d1d071f29f745a409cc96810935c&width=1280&sign=PzVWEsSt54p0gDgkGUwznNMgfKGiQVgL71ff-WAxqII 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FY1PqmZB3D78Aqeu2ef44gXYZ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De403ce349cb31f6d528da261be098ea3e7f9d1d071f29f745a409cc96810935c&width=2560&sign=Ulw5oHQL2Rrst1kMhMG7_UycZco3JpInWVovFKi2gEc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Alps, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Glacier, Ice, Snow" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FY1PqmZB3D78Aqeu2ef44gXYZ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De403ce349cb31f6d528da261be098ea3e7f9d1d071f29f745a409cc96810935c&width=1280&sign=PzVWEsSt54p0gDgkGUwznNMgfKGiQVgL71ff-WAxqII" /></a>
<p>The north and south sections of the Teton Crest Trail are oddly unconnected, so we did some cross country from Solitude Lake up to a ridge to connect them. </p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-21:/2018/8/21/836/grand-and-middle-teton2018-08-21T17:00:32Z2018-08-21T17:00:32ZGrand and Middle Teton <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/21/836/grand-and-middle-teton"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57Q9R9rHVrWppudsKKKKaCFD%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5c906b0177001b2d5eab269442a3cd5de973c34eba30613f851bf8b96a04d6b8&width=1280&sign=gYO-gw8ODBXvnhzS3AmTQlAjGgn_YeYEMfl2kiXgzbk 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57Q9R9rHVrWppudsKKKKaCFD%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5c906b0177001b2d5eab269442a3cd5de973c34eba30613f851bf8b96a04d6b8&width=2560&sign=H21b4jYXSj6LncXw8SCnrrpTgymy5i72WCEg4LdlhKo 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57Q9R9rHVrWppudsKKKKaCFD%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5c906b0177001b2d5eab269442a3cd5de973c34eba30613f851bf8b96a04d6b8&width=1280&sign=gYO-gw8ODBXvnhzS3AmTQlAjGgn_YeYEMfl2kiXgzbk" /></a>
<p>DG in front of Grand and Middle Teton on a hazy morning. For some reason the french trappers that named them this thought they looked like breasts.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-20:/2018/8/20/835/teton-crest-trail2018-08-20T14:29:50Z2018-08-20T14:29:50ZTeton Crest Trail <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/20/835/teton-crest-trail"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FEwUDje6YbFTSN1bqdiyA2Fqj%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2317c59f88e164a0e39de71e94a17a71a1b8ada661e4000abc16e695bec3937f&width=1280&sign=G8cEwfE2LE0UlqJUscobDBZr2rUMX0Nmu1EBiDS5_Iw 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FEwUDje6YbFTSN1bqdiyA2Fqj%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2317c59f88e164a0e39de71e94a17a71a1b8ada661e4000abc16e695bec3937f&width=2560&sign=A0YljxDG_JC4QJMx8_NFm8bQ5A1BCA4Q5a3DTq6MGCM 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Peak" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FEwUDje6YbFTSN1bqdiyA2Fqj%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2317c59f88e164a0e39de71e94a17a71a1b8ada661e4000abc16e695bec3937f&width=1280&sign=G8cEwfE2LE0UlqJUscobDBZr2rUMX0Nmu1EBiDS5_Iw" /></a>
<p>We followed the Teton Crest Trail through most of the park. The southern third had tons of wildflowers and other backpackers.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-20:/2018/8/20/834/yellowstone-planning2018-08-20T14:29:41Z2018-08-20T14:29:41ZYellowstone Planning <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/20/834/yellowstone-planning"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FVCPdsevniD6HxNkPUrdDPc4h%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df204d4edd2a3ca2baaac36a4c7fd5db7c8326cc0b6b817742b6ea242d9028ae6&width=1280&sign=_cJRMBz5phNQ5qAfGNis5DmS0ro8F8qzvTl9qEB68-0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FVCPdsevniD6HxNkPUrdDPc4h%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df204d4edd2a3ca2baaac36a4c7fd5db7c8326cc0b6b817742b6ea242d9028ae6&width=2560&sign=F8q55AtFXTl2jruSLFlOCl-sjCqBegv3IGv4_MmU8QM 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FVCPdsevniD6HxNkPUrdDPc4h%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df204d4edd2a3ca2baaac36a4c7fd5db7c8326cc0b6b817742b6ea242d9028ae6&width=1280&sign=_cJRMBz5phNQ5qAfGNis5DmS0ro8F8qzvTl9qEB68-0" /></a>
<p>While in Jackson, we hunkered down in the public library to figure out our route through Yellowstone, which we’d hit immediately after Grand Teton National Park. We were able to camp in the wilderness area adjacent Teton NP so we didn’t need permits there, but Yellowstone required us to file an itinerary to get a back country permit. Normally we just hike until it gets dark, so this kind of planning was a bit of a change.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-20:/2018/8/20/833/scenic-hitching2018-08-20T14:29:31Z2018-08-20T14:29:31ZScenic Hitching <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/20/833/scenic-hitching"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJg54fpX8cWzjm7FBbHERhvYP%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D21ee1c1d62cfa12454cdd607bf566e726c7cea480bc8fcbeb4a4ebd9a0bc3bbb&width=1280&sign=0IMG74TazJMkiIyzAQjhXuc2Tjxp1zODG7Tm-TLOmDM 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJg54fpX8cWzjm7FBbHERhvYP%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D21ee1c1d62cfa12454cdd607bf566e726c7cea480bc8fcbeb4a4ebd9a0bc3bbb&width=2560&sign=JTgE150Ia6OUjdHetEL3XnvQZUBPGBbKHzW5ShPyh8Y 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Backpack, Bag" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJg54fpX8cWzjm7FBbHERhvYP%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D21ee1c1d62cfa12454cdd607bf566e726c7cea480bc8fcbeb4a4ebd9a0bc3bbb&width=1280&sign=0IMG74TazJMkiIyzAQjhXuc2Tjxp1zODG7Tm-TLOmDM" /></a>
<p>One of the most scenic places we’ve hitched - right in front of the Grand Tetons.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-19:/2018/8/19/832/shoal-lake2018-08-19T16:57:35Z2018-08-19T16:57:35ZShoal Lake <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/19/832/shoal-lake"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhsqBnSHppupG1KExhrLzkbdQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2de0645c3f1eb9930ed475d510e02072fbb1a38eff5705f1c2bd11cb66dc257b&width=1280&sign=SJt-2lOmFmcOK843wtlwhIFrEZ1t0RSSE4cdJEVU37Q 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhsqBnSHppupG1KExhrLzkbdQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2de0645c3f1eb9930ed475d510e02072fbb1a38eff5705f1c2bd11cb66dc257b&width=2560&sign=Ra5awew_05Bl4eowRUjv9AvlGvxn6sUQ2UpeZ8hRQhc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhsqBnSHppupG1KExhrLzkbdQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2de0645c3f1eb9930ed475d510e02072fbb1a38eff5705f1c2bd11cb66dc257b&width=1280&sign=SJt-2lOmFmcOK843wtlwhIFrEZ1t0RSSE4cdJEVU37Q" /></a>
<p>After a bit of lovey alpine cross country (which is fun, unlike subalpine cross country) in the Gros Ventre, we descended past Shoal Lake towards Granite Creek Hot Spring. After a slow couple days we were running low on food and hoping this route would go well for us.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-19:/2018/8/19/831/toothless2018-08-19T16:57:25Z2018-08-19T16:57:25ZToothless <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/19/831/toothless"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FmZQ35niwYmTFvEtGn5HhCdqy%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D398456729530aa6357d944752baae25187d33a9ad98c8959a7d27ea158e4f18f&width=1280&sign=LItDCUgAOG2mUkMl-Vdjm_LnOqawIqS8cPsoyqqD8_M 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FmZQ35niwYmTFvEtGn5HhCdqy%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D398456729530aa6357d944752baae25187d33a9ad98c8959a7d27ea158e4f18f&width=2560&sign=weyzU22v1BmGCs_ldrIIGzhfq1kyJaqhGS3esUC5ooY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Beard" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FmZQ35niwYmTFvEtGn5HhCdqy%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D398456729530aa6357d944752baae25187d33a9ad98c8959a7d27ea158e4f18f&width=1280&sign=LItDCUgAOG2mUkMl-Vdjm_LnOqawIqS8cPsoyqqD8_M" /></a>
<p>DG and his hiking partner, Toothless. Toothless was a gift from his neices before he started the AT, and has been sitting on his backpack for over 7000 miles.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-19:/2018/8/19/830/gros-ventre2018-08-19T16:57:17Z2018-08-19T16:57:17ZGros Ventre <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/19/830/gros-ventre"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgWbam2YphcPSk3ZE8jViWyAg%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6517d2deb21d527e652cd9ddb2b259c95ded0af08919afbe2e4a0c171017b21f&width=1280&sign=7qZKmf-jzUXYIILNfu7-AkKvNYIJiyxpg7GqcnCzRfY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgWbam2YphcPSk3ZE8jViWyAg%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6517d2deb21d527e652cd9ddb2b259c95ded0af08919afbe2e4a0c171017b21f&width=2560&sign=pamqQ-a5OXi2bs2R5Vp7pbKOmSDfGPB88y6smAmbFg0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Apiaceae, Blossom, Flora, Flower, Plant" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgWbam2YphcPSk3ZE8jViWyAg%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6517d2deb21d527e652cd9ddb2b259c95ded0af08919afbe2e4a0c171017b21f&width=1280&sign=7qZKmf-jzUXYIILNfu7-AkKvNYIJiyxpg7GqcnCzRfY" /></a>
<p>Fortunately, the trial of getting into the Gros Ventre was totally worth it. It’s a beautiful wilderness area with very few people, tucked between the Tetons and the Winds. Jackson is nearby, but somehow it’s overlooked with all the other incredible options in Wyoming.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-19:/2018/8/19/829/green-river-to-gros-ventre-wilderness2018-08-19T16:57:08Z2018-08-19T16:57:08ZGreen River to Gros Ventre Wilderness <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/19/829/green-river-to-gros-ventre-wilderness"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FecTd8YKq466i4BJC2WY4whBi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5500bec409d6e01c98ffc7f668d793c12bbc226a8719e61ccf556de635448ad8&width=1280&sign=CcEWZzaU27jpyRZ7ZUdjJJbRg7yYsFRS-z_nIpoDOTk 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FecTd8YKq466i4BJC2WY4whBi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5500bec409d6e01c98ffc7f668d793c12bbc226a8719e61ccf556de635448ad8&width=2560&sign=XWCPiR2QadlGA7UvGWh0rnPt0vDKThkgNXOakyRGGXI 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FecTd8YKq466i4BJC2WY4whBi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5500bec409d6e01c98ffc7f668d793c12bbc226a8719e61ccf556de635448ad8&width=1280&sign=CcEWZzaU27jpyRZ7ZUdjJJbRg7yYsFRS-z_nIpoDOTk" /></a>
<p>We knew connecting over to the Tetons would be a bit of adventure, and it really did deliver. We hiked over a mountain entirely without trail, climbed over deadfall on severely overgrown two track and trail, and bushwhacked through thick six foot tall brush. Eventually, we made it into the Gros Ventre wilderness, which actually had trail.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-19:/2018/8/19/828/squaretop-mountain2018-08-19T16:56:59Z2018-08-19T16:56:59ZSquaretop Mountain <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/19/828/squaretop-mountain"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnnfieA2UF6tEkcSk6woozgf8%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1fe9fcd5be16b67968eb61b7d2d60ec590603feabe062dd6813392204640dfe9&width=1280&sign=2DdTpLv-3NmXK_YIWyD4EOiWlpH2kfzioYOhvUNmCCg 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnnfieA2UF6tEkcSk6woozgf8%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1fe9fcd5be16b67968eb61b7d2d60ec590603feabe062dd6813392204640dfe9&width=2560&sign=xskjdtXCUV6VeKPsLn-WTYRtF2OqdXFO2uDWX8MaE_g 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Conifer, Flora, Larch, Plant, Tree, Field, Grassland, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnnfieA2UF6tEkcSk6woozgf8%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D1fe9fcd5be16b67968eb61b7d2d60ec590603feabe062dd6813392204640dfe9&width=1280&sign=2DdTpLv-3NmXK_YIWyD4EOiWlpH2kfzioYOhvUNmCCg" /></a>
<p>Squaretop Mountain sits majestically above the Green River. This would be our last stretch on the official CDT for a while, as we were about to veer west and head away from the Continental Divide and towards the Grand Tetons!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-18:/2018/8/18/827/peak-lake2018-08-18T17:01:04Z2018-08-18T17:01:04ZPeak Lake <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/18/827/peak-lake"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzwxwNmMoBiJ4SYmhDixnFd68%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da95879a6d72f19f495c4a7de9b98aa165f9f44832fee1e83e32f79346d3d4fbf&width=1280&sign=SfQjOeM4dqIVSjdx7Ynerfi8viI-2yYMIkEIVkvO1Cc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzwxwNmMoBiJ4SYmhDixnFd68%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da95879a6d72f19f495c4a7de9b98aa165f9f44832fee1e83e32f79346d3d4fbf&width=2560&sign=lEVN6_FZZaFcAD_Z5TjvxmbEIbqspfeTEw2rm8yxwHU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Alps" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzwxwNmMoBiJ4SYmhDixnFd68%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da95879a6d72f19f495c4a7de9b98aa165f9f44832fee1e83e32f79346d3d4fbf&width=1280&sign=SfQjOeM4dqIVSjdx7Ynerfi8viI-2yYMIkEIVkvO1Cc" /></a>
<p>Peak Lake is a beautiful spot on the north end of the Knapsack Col alternate, and is the origin of the Green River, which is a primary tributary to the Colorado River.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-17:/2018/8/17/825/knapsack-skypilot2018-08-17T16:47:56Z2018-08-17T16:47:56ZKnapsack Skypilot <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/17/825/knapsack-skypilot"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbaSh2Aqy4BfjmXproEMcs7HC%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D157530b581e23c2142414e685cdcf4e5c4b0a2772337d58d0a8c16c531ac91dc&width=1280&sign=J3Wq0n7yPnNaGeYVPZLovKZGL1W4l0PR3nisN-M4Hjg 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbaSh2Aqy4BfjmXproEMcs7HC%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D157530b581e23c2142414e685cdcf4e5c4b0a2772337d58d0a8c16c531ac91dc&width=2560&sign=WoHyC2oxOCdTmU-BBfFKBoyGTXOIRT52SD50tqBXQOw 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Blossom, Flora, Flower, Geranium, Plant" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbaSh2Aqy4BfjmXproEMcs7HC%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D157530b581e23c2142414e685cdcf4e5c4b0a2772337d58d0a8c16c531ac91dc&width=1280&sign=J3Wq0n7yPnNaGeYVPZLovKZGL1W4l0PR3nisN-M4Hjg" /></a>
<p>A cluster of Skypilot on Knapsack Col 😍</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-17:/2018/8/17/826/knapsack-col-scramble2018-08-17T16:47:48Z2018-08-17T16:47:48ZKnapsack Col Scramble <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/17/826/knapsack-col-scramble"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaHHxzYWXuRVArwbuZkJbWjoA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D01be92ab2c4acd2a3a1b9193fa592583921f0081d8323b2926ff1cb06a3bfcba&width=1280&sign=jV9dL7dn7WMq0w7Py-iBthsNwepesFlqOqZcYeV2zNs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaHHxzYWXuRVArwbuZkJbWjoA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D01be92ab2c4acd2a3a1b9193fa592583921f0081d8323b2926ff1cb06a3bfcba&width=2560&sign=NswUxhEdv68QuYp53MdgLtk4K3CF5y_Lv2KwYk19x4s 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Adventure, Climbing, Leisure Activities, Outdoors, Sport, Sports, Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Rock, Hiking" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaHHxzYWXuRVArwbuZkJbWjoA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D01be92ab2c4acd2a3a1b9193fa592583921f0081d8323b2926ff1cb06a3bfcba&width=1280&sign=jV9dL7dn7WMq0w7Py-iBthsNwepesFlqOqZcYeV2zNs" /></a>
<p>We opted for the rock scramble route up Knapsack Col. We had to stash our poles and go hand over foot and dodge some falling scree from one another, but it was a really fun ascent.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-16:/2018/8/16/824/knapsack-col2018-08-16T17:00:56Z2018-08-16T17:00:56ZKnapsack Col <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/16/824/knapsack-col"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FFwUwhfvw7vo7mRQf5eDH4weG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd0ff14660170ca41b88fb2546e0bbb456bc92493d333ca999e01e03532104fa3&width=1280&sign=Ob34oGcaEkxvGh-0GWOf4w_XrUHzCvTP4_feXuf_YKA 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FFwUwhfvw7vo7mRQf5eDH4weG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd0ff14660170ca41b88fb2546e0bbb456bc92493d333ca999e01e03532104fa3&width=2560&sign=cn4LNxo2GbXSOQ0m6vEdzrkWq_nX0O0mlcZX4CogXNc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FFwUwhfvw7vo7mRQf5eDH4weG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd0ff14660170ca41b88fb2546e0bbb456bc92493d333ca999e01e03532104fa3&width=1280&sign=Ob34oGcaEkxvGh-0GWOf4w_XrUHzCvTP4_feXuf_YKA" /></a>
<p>Knapsack Col has a reputation as one of the hardest, but most scenic passes on the CDT. It’s technically an alternate, but who could pass it up? </p>
<p>As we approach, we debated the best approach - steep snow wall without ice axes or traction, or rock scramble?</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-15:/2018/8/15/823/island-lake2018-08-15T17:00:36Z2018-08-15T17:00:36ZIsland Lake <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/15/823/island-lake"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FF6DBqtuBwGKe5ZUeUYousBPM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D54327b311dcdbd3af784f134b5a7ef1231add6b506a4d63463282f754ca8abc4&width=1280&sign=06KuyEuzodlSfFzLstN7ddj_4HpeHQ4CscrLnH9-87U 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FF6DBqtuBwGKe5ZUeUYousBPM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D54327b311dcdbd3af784f134b5a7ef1231add6b506a4d63463282f754ca8abc4&width=2560&sign=qF_g-19w1ZUfSOJmI3JYUwZlzB-nEYut68dokLapsS8 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Hiking, Leisure Activities" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FF6DBqtuBwGKe5ZUeUYousBPM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D54327b311dcdbd3af784f134b5a7ef1231add6b506a4d63463282f754ca8abc4&width=1280&sign=06KuyEuzodlSfFzLstN7ddj_4HpeHQ4CscrLnH9-87U" /></a>
<p>With storm clouds rapidly approaching, we hustled down to the scenic Island Lake for shelter. Fortunately, there were lots of campsites for us and all the weekenders, and the storm passed quickly.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-14:/2018/8/14/822/blaze-the-cdt2018-08-14T15:32:39Z2018-08-14T15:32:39ZBlaze the CDT <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/14/822/blaze-the-cdt"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6Hb3oRkMRxH6micyCJx5aqHT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D97d9f5cc76064f4d80b5cca37c52d63783cdc80599aff4db13046f01071f3a2f&width=1280&sign=EaAveF0QimRR8kV0cAmgNNKaDNr_sAbRLMag3CL8DRs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6Hb3oRkMRxH6micyCJx5aqHT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D97d9f5cc76064f4d80b5cca37c52d63783cdc80599aff4db13046f01071f3a2f&width=2560&sign=q83PgREvaNd-IDZ-6RuDHNvIChyowgUSAp4PhfYPOPs 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Conifer, Flora, Plant, Tree, Yew, Backpack, Bag" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6Hb3oRkMRxH6micyCJx5aqHT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D97d9f5cc76064f4d80b5cca37c52d63783cdc80599aff4db13046f01071f3a2f&width=1280&sign=EaAveF0QimRR8kV0cAmgNNKaDNr_sAbRLMag3CL8DRs" /></a>
<p>Although the CDT is 40 years old this year, its not the clearly marked from start to finish like you may expect. This year, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition organized volunteers to blaze 750 miles of unmarked trail with markers like this.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-14:/2018/8/14/821/spider-lake2018-08-14T15:32:30Z2018-08-14T15:32:30ZSpider Lake <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/14/821/spider-lake"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJewuLDB7FrwuLLCxJWE5FX79%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5ea1a07c7ac8156b41312afc95e3e2dd926d2ab9cd67bbb4b5d80f6102d048e6&width=1280&sign=ATAgWjIA_N9HhQ31tSK9ZwwC1fKZqh7Wdx3hKeTiwoc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJewuLDB7FrwuLLCxJWE5FX79%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5ea1a07c7ac8156b41312afc95e3e2dd926d2ab9cd67bbb4b5d80f6102d048e6&width=2560&sign=R__BjhSQumSNSKfvxgJYjpTdD4froiQkDbGQcLMB4fs 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Hiking, Leisure Activities" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FJewuLDB7FrwuLLCxJWE5FX79%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5ea1a07c7ac8156b41312afc95e3e2dd926d2ab9cd67bbb4b5d80f6102d048e6&width=1280&sign=ATAgWjIA_N9HhQ31tSK9ZwwC1fKZqh7Wdx3hKeTiwoc" /></a>
<p>Overlooking Spider Lake, near the Pole Creek Trail into Pinedale. Like I’ve said a few times, the Winds are incredible.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-14:/2018/8/14/820/indian-paintbrush2018-08-14T15:32:22Z2018-08-14T15:32:22ZIndian Paintbrush <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/14/820/indian-paintbrush"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7a6auUv8rGRAiyJw1xYcoT3q%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D22e696f6cdf2310cdc6059ccf4f92e431910b27b7199a5146ed97836f0a8b3a5&width=1280&sign=45LtcABUgLZVwKaf0Rk4besFle9sj4wAKlC-XHpfCPs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7a6auUv8rGRAiyJw1xYcoT3q%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D22e696f6cdf2310cdc6059ccf4f92e431910b27b7199a5146ed97836f0a8b3a5&width=2560&sign=aHMtNLyrTsMRmx5uXOPvZsiNKyWGBixtBTXDmVugb8I 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Flora, Plant" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7a6auUv8rGRAiyJw1xYcoT3q%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D22e696f6cdf2310cdc6059ccf4f92e431910b27b7199a5146ed97836f0a8b3a5&width=1280&sign=45LtcABUgLZVwKaf0Rk4besFle9sj4wAKlC-XHpfCPs" /></a>
<p>Wyoming’s state flower - Indian Paintbrush.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-14:/2018/8/14/819/first-fire2018-08-14T15:32:14Z2018-08-14T15:32:14ZFirst Fire <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/14/819/first-fire"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FFQbLZcfyLKDiwUCap5V2DUSj%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0ef29972ed03aeb4753fe4931c534d5417185af70fa58c1f65a6002632cb0b09&width=1280&sign=7MEn8waU7-hXHXUU1gHxU2samNMBdGJg4QYtc5gbDwY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FFQbLZcfyLKDiwUCap5V2DUSj%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0ef29972ed03aeb4753fe4931c534d5417185af70fa58c1f65a6002632cb0b09&width=2560&sign=1M1H26PHDK23ceJKXMfuADDhhUpgstcUfrmFiouyRBg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Bonfire, Campfire, Camping, Fire, Flame, Leisure Activities" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FFQbLZcfyLKDiwUCap5V2DUSj%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0ef29972ed03aeb4753fe4931c534d5417185af70fa58c1f65a6002632cb0b09&width=1280&sign=7MEn8waU7-hXHXUU1gHxU2samNMBdGJg4QYtc5gbDwY" /></a>
<p>After fire restrictions in New Mexico and Colorado, we finally got to make our first fire on trail in Wyoming. DG is particularly fond of having a fire in camp, always quick to find some wood and get one started after we find a spot for the night.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-13:/2018/8/13/818/texas-pass2018-08-13T17:01:20Z2018-08-13T17:01:20ZTexas Pass <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/13/818/texas-pass"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5yH5pjtDibqqdyRD2WzcQCh5%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6be4ccab943794770aa46366a19cc8bbc3d43550731a5cc7d2149276235c1efa&width=1280&sign=gj_72Jg-ToXM1cw0ZqWHBoilPOZdgT1ZKPG-rFcagMo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5yH5pjtDibqqdyRD2WzcQCh5%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6be4ccab943794770aa46366a19cc8bbc3d43550731a5cc7d2149276235c1efa&width=2560&sign=Tzvhhr0Kt2yGbtZkfXrnXXlNTCmqWGzB5k6EiaqYrMw 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Rock" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5yH5pjtDibqqdyRD2WzcQCh5%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6be4ccab943794770aa46366a19cc8bbc3d43550731a5cc7d2149276235c1efa&width=1280&sign=gj_72Jg-ToXM1cw0ZqWHBoilPOZdgT1ZKPG-rFcagMo" /></a>
<p>Texas Pass on the north side of Cirque of the Towers proved more of a challenge than expected. With conflicting routes on our two maps, we followed the Ley route which resulted in climbing over large boulders covered in spiders in mosquitos. The rest of the climb was steep and without trail, and true to Wind River form, the north side was steep and rocky.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-12:/2018/8/12/817/cirque-of-the-towers2018-08-12T17:01:22Z2018-08-12T17:01:22ZCirque of the Towers <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/12/817/cirque-of-the-towers"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FSQ6tKFxxvZfroiVyyGMAcqEi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df57725dc543ba34a78aff1ea873213518eba3f6ad9939abcc4ecb3afcfaef9cb&width=1280&sign=QPgyEFSVtQ-O7A9xDetghSEkbYo5Ep03ZqDMVxGcfyI 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FSQ6tKFxxvZfroiVyyGMAcqEi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df57725dc543ba34a78aff1ea873213518eba3f6ad9939abcc4ecb3afcfaef9cb&width=2560&sign=WIzwi0xhOIg7N7H6RyGF_UqcqMoAlIqyG447Gz1CyUg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FSQ6tKFxxvZfroiVyyGMAcqEi%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df57725dc543ba34a78aff1ea873213518eba3f6ad9939abcc4ecb3afcfaef9cb&width=1280&sign=QPgyEFSVtQ-O7A9xDetghSEkbYo5Ep03ZqDMVxGcfyI" /></a>
<p>A highlight of the Wind River Range - Cirque of the Towers. Massive granite walls abound here - easy to see why we saw lots of climbers.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-11:/2018/8/11/816/big-sandy-dogs2018-08-11T05:25:29Z2018-08-11T05:25:29ZBig Sandy dogs <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/11/816/big-sandy-dogs"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FyLtJMkGYH81ciQoaKDoERxko%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D322e28168a37a40c081513d05b3407a7ab17f13746085a4a5883fd63425b4c4f&width=1280&sign=Krzc76RhW7lREHMPddhPcKip-h724bCQL8wWFgxUXLM 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FyLtJMkGYH81ciQoaKDoERxko%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D322e28168a37a40c081513d05b3407a7ab17f13746085a4a5883fd63425b4c4f&width=2560&sign=gG8K5TLwO1xB-4fMC4C7HSBuijUydOGIke1taQSIjlk 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Flora, Moss, Plant, Outdoors, Wilderness" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FyLtJMkGYH81ciQoaKDoERxko%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D322e28168a37a40c081513d05b3407a7ab17f13746085a4a5883fd63425b4c4f&width=1280&sign=Krzc76RhW7lREHMPddhPcKip-h724bCQL8wWFgxUXLM" /></a>
<p>The Big Sandy trailhead allows for easy access to parts of the Wind River Range, meaning there are a decent number of day hikers, and more importantly, dogs to pet.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-11:/2018/8/11/815/cirque-wildflowers2018-08-11T05:25:17Z2018-08-11T05:25:17ZCirque Wildflowers <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/11/815/cirque-wildflowers"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FvTscWqRSi7aHUhwHAxMjFVR7%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0a56c5d2702609d93756c259dead27ef98ac2591fb1bc98e42f6f676e29a2e6d&width=1280&sign=kh2CBbhoytbtQKJ9nyCtaio9syZNiHJUtXHRqjWWmks 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FvTscWqRSi7aHUhwHAxMjFVR7%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0a56c5d2702609d93756c259dead27ef98ac2591fb1bc98e42f6f676e29a2e6d&width=2560&sign=6OyeT1JjzAhE52iOtUQC-Rvl1UF0DmIuVxaoKaqhnhQ 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Countryside, Farm, Field, Grassland, Meadow, Nature, Outdoors, Rural, Aster, Blossom, Flora, Flower, Plant, Daffodil" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FvTscWqRSi7aHUhwHAxMjFVR7%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0a56c5d2702609d93756c259dead27ef98ac2591fb1bc98e42f6f676e29a2e6d&width=1280&sign=kh2CBbhoytbtQKJ9nyCtaio9syZNiHJUtXHRqjWWmks" /></a>
<p>Wildflowers near Big Sandy Lake.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-11:/2018/8/11/814/deep-lake2018-08-11T05:25:02Z2018-08-11T05:25:02ZDeep Lake <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/11/814/deep-lake"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhmZ2H1jpaEAVfTH3zj6eeMWe%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db9ba344a6dbeeef1e56bdbc493865449bc3ff5dfa8b40d863749a3febef97d27&width=1280&sign=Omc5Zfcbk_8rlKSWEDMQywDeatRfug3LPnv9n3ChuNs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhmZ2H1jpaEAVfTH3zj6eeMWe%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db9ba344a6dbeeef1e56bdbc493865449bc3ff5dfa8b40d863749a3febef97d27&width=2560&sign=vtJg1YGnajCC6EpohZ9bEqDTMcQ2Ok8ZWezyTruTGos 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Outdoors, Conifer, Flora, Pine, Plant, Tree" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhmZ2H1jpaEAVfTH3zj6eeMWe%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db9ba344a6dbeeef1e56bdbc493865449bc3ff5dfa8b40d863749a3febef97d27&width=1280&sign=Omc5Zfcbk_8rlKSWEDMQywDeatRfug3LPnv9n3ChuNs" /></a>
<p>DG at his freshly proclaimed new favorite lake, Deep Lake. Turns out, he had to reevaluate this hierarchy a lot in the Winds. Definitely take this Ley alternate!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-10:/2018/8/10/813/temple-lake2018-08-10T17:01:29Z2018-08-10T17:01:29ZTemple Lake <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/10/813/temple-lake"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39MsRXx29QmdMnUKckKZB1aH%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D109e80af0a04466b643195d08e809dc4bc1c0680c44f61ff39d02858fb1780eb&width=1280&sign=IjVUEX4IAnM0YlklhenHZY4_qwu_jFB7qG7Av1puCZ8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39MsRXx29QmdMnUKckKZB1aH%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D109e80af0a04466b643195d08e809dc4bc1c0680c44f61ff39d02858fb1780eb&width=2560&sign=iiwQM1GvGX1bFuSb6DU9ebRdGrUUDksQzIK_eUbnnMU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Hiking, Leisure Activities" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39MsRXx29QmdMnUKckKZB1aH%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D109e80af0a04466b643195d08e809dc4bc1c0680c44f61ff39d02858fb1780eb&width=1280&sign=IjVUEX4IAnM0YlklhenHZY4_qwu_jFB7qG7Av1puCZ8" /></a>
<p>One unfortunate part of the Winds is every pass seems to feature steep rocky descents on the northern side. On the plus side, there are views like this from the top.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-09:/2018/8/9/812/temple-pass2018-08-09T17:00:35Z2018-08-09T17:00:35ZTemple Pass <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/9/812/temple-pass"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcbzCVo6mnNdG8Z41fvN9QbBs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0b44c91f1777a4c5e4f2082085cf0a86b561efa4b91ad9a6474ba27edae8348f&width=1280&sign=XbApHY3SY0G9O-mMcyivewaq5w65V9bkCsCcn31eW3o 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcbzCVo6mnNdG8Z41fvN9QbBs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0b44c91f1777a4c5e4f2082085cf0a86b561efa4b91ad9a6474ba27edae8348f&width=2560&sign=SnaEbn4rpauAzOqztiU3_PnA0KninhNZptOB_pjXycc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Landslide, Glacier, Ice, Snow" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcbzCVo6mnNdG8Z41fvN9QbBs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0b44c91f1777a4c5e4f2082085cf0a86b561efa4b91ad9a6474ba27edae8348f&width=1280&sign=XbApHY3SY0G9O-mMcyivewaq5w65V9bkCsCcn31eW3o" /></a>
<p>Temple Pass was our first of three notable passes this day on the Cirque of the Towers alternate. Despite crushing miles in Colorado and the Basin, the combination of beauty and ruggedness of the terrain meant we only covered 12 miles that day - about half our usual.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-08:/2018/8/8/811/dg-entering-the-winds2018-08-08T17:01:38Z2018-08-08T17:01:38ZDG entering the Winds <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/8/811/dg-entering-the-winds"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FQ2Hmv2hD7MuMqmxv4PUya7As%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df8b35fd8c5bbaa1d6d821edb4b4ad18b1560d401f6756a0e4c959b86defa903c&width=1280&sign=EJkqqY7woQ329XrHB6Thgby3AlHY8dCUw0TtKlhyWr0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FQ2Hmv2hD7MuMqmxv4PUya7As%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df8b35fd8c5bbaa1d6d821edb4b4ad18b1560d401f6756a0e4c959b86defa903c&width=2560&sign=-AWAwqaM-pSuea7ZERgrH6WtL0K26-630cJ-T-CTkMM 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Leisure Activities, Hiking, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FQ2Hmv2hD7MuMqmxv4PUya7As%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df8b35fd8c5bbaa1d6d821edb4b4ad18b1560d401f6756a0e4c959b86defa903c&width=1280&sign=EJkqqY7woQ329XrHB6Thgby3AlHY8dCUw0TtKlhyWr0" /></a>
<p>After the expanse that is the Great Basin, we entered the Wind River Range… which is absolutely incredible. A very welcome change of pace, and one of the parts of trail I was most excited to finally see.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-07:/2018/8/7/810/forest-prince2018-08-07T17:00:36Z2018-08-07T17:00:36ZForest Prince <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/7/810/forest-prince"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FWe9EL2k9XZc9LHmKpseVbeEh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D69076b7b45a06b8ac0bb7d63d07f8f1dbb1044532b552ae43176b799481acbdf&width=1280&sign=fB0kAa1EVIHGbm4uZ-7-FpY49Gpv81l7JkwUQuJD2oE 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FWe9EL2k9XZc9LHmKpseVbeEh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D69076b7b45a06b8ac0bb7d63d07f8f1dbb1044532b552ae43176b799481acbdf&width=2560&sign=_MVve9creIWc_YQtZa0l10QsgmcdCyi6BIktzGFoNYQ 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FWe9EL2k9XZc9LHmKpseVbeEh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D69076b7b45a06b8ac0bb7d63d07f8f1dbb1044532b552ae43176b799481acbdf&width=1280&sign=fB0kAa1EVIHGbm4uZ-7-FpY49Gpv81l7JkwUQuJD2oE" /></a>
<p>Knock gifted DG a bracelet made of woven grass and flowers, which I’m pretty sure makes him a forest prince now.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-06:/2018/8/6/809/hiker-reunion2018-08-06T17:01:00Z2018-08-06T17:01:00ZHiker Reunion <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/6/809/hiker-reunion"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaQVaAwAqBkM1WJNMq7fBt3ef%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De187c2892d35dba1b18db0de52e0c0536c5bd5060ad7cb21e569d93d52a78c16&width=1280&sign=UvpJX6H-a3DaXFggo8VPoDFVJm0QwGxUN0JoV2OI8-s 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaQVaAwAqBkM1WJNMq7fBt3ef%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De187c2892d35dba1b18db0de52e0c0536c5bd5060ad7cb21e569d93d52a78c16&width=2560&sign=5fZI8LVsFu3J5SYLTD-tlDmThfL_6MByyzziSYRlRsI 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Goggles" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaQVaAwAqBkM1WJNMq7fBt3ef%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3De187c2892d35dba1b18db0de52e0c0536c5bd5060ad7cb21e569d93d52a78c16&width=1280&sign=UvpJX6H-a3DaXFggo8VPoDFVJm0QwGxUN0JoV2OI8-s" /></a>
<p>After days of not seeing any other people or signs of civilization in the Basin, we were reunited in Lander with Gary, DG, Hercules and Quetzal. Naturally, we all piled into a tiny Kia Sol to get back on trail.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-05:/2018/8/5/808/we-found-a-tree2018-08-05T17:11:15Z2018-08-05T17:11:15ZWe found a tree! <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/5/808/we-found-a-tree"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FZ1Z31BWBgXeV7pAyF3Pg2kpA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dcb29fa5b8ca8484ad1c333767279dee5a1714e983eb59150d99c49f34c078597&width=1280&sign=KPMZoQhcur-YDx9X_rnbI0hf_1XLpvDYkcq-qTe4BhY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FZ1Z31BWBgXeV7pAyF3Pg2kpA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dcb29fa5b8ca8484ad1c333767279dee5a1714e983eb59150d99c49f34c078597&width=2560&sign=ndZklNKN3dIyi7MAz2U56S-ZIaDqbVbVCyo1JCp6zoQ 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Dirt Road, Gravel, Road" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FZ1Z31BWBgXeV7pAyF3Pg2kpA%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dcb29fa5b8ca8484ad1c333767279dee5a1714e983eb59150d99c49f34c078597&width=1280&sign=KPMZoQhcur-YDx9X_rnbI0hf_1XLpvDYkcq-qTe4BhY" /></a>
<p>We got slightly lost in the Basin a few times by taking the wrong turn at unmarked dirt road intersections. One of these mishaps led to us finding our first tree in over 60 miles!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-04:/2018/8/4/807/crossing-the-oregon-trail2018-08-04T17:00:40Z2018-08-04T17:00:40ZCrossing the Oregon Trail <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/4/807/crossing-the-oregon-trail"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FTZSxbDEvwAnYRwAtQUFf9RGq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7d07d57951e5b7b876cd0df10a340d1618fc541b4c21cca8af464aaa8aa2f694&width=1280&sign=ePayhE51zuqSxqnNIArD6ganMOcJqBze-cddKCQSJpU 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FTZSxbDEvwAnYRwAtQUFf9RGq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7d07d57951e5b7b876cd0df10a340d1618fc541b4c21cca8af464aaa8aa2f694&width=2560&sign=YyvaKwzwIZik5MGSlTl-NWZ-AAnBob0L3C2afMLxcIs 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Frost, Ice, Outdoors, Snow, Field, Grassland, Mound" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FTZSxbDEvwAnYRwAtQUFf9RGq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7d07d57951e5b7b876cd0df10a340d1618fc541b4c21cca8af464aaa8aa2f694&width=1280&sign=ePayhE51zuqSxqnNIArD6ganMOcJqBze-cddKCQSJpU" /></a>
<p>Apparently the CDT intersects the Oregon Trail in southern Wyoming, which is marked by these concrete posts every so often. </p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-03:/2018/8/3/806/nightjars2018-08-03T13:36:20Z2018-08-03T13:36:20ZNightjars <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/3/806/nightjars"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FB9vxwWCiJC42FNWkMa9e8ZcX%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6e18c68aa4488749b5d472a5da78f16a9d2e2c2fc1c96a9475ae3d518c00bc10&width=1280&sign=W-ZmRTxtgiV1QhatdWHgyqcjM0Pz5srQ75c3FrqBSwQ 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FB9vxwWCiJC42FNWkMa9e8ZcX%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6e18c68aa4488749b5d472a5da78f16a9d2e2c2fc1c96a9475ae3d518c00bc10&width=2560&sign=pOzQU67-uiayoL6R0R1WoGdMLcXOh7X2D4NsKzksnIU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Agelaius, Animal, Bird, Blackbird" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FB9vxwWCiJC42FNWkMa9e8ZcX%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D6e18c68aa4488749b5d472a5da78f16a9d2e2c2fc1c96a9475ae3d518c00bc10&width=1280&sign=W-ZmRTxtgiV1QhatdWHgyqcjM0Pz5srQ75c3FrqBSwQ" /></a>
<p>One highlight of the basin - we found a group of nightjars resting the day away on some fences. They are nocturnal and absolutely adorable.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-03:/2018/8/3/805/time-is-a-flat-basin2018-08-03T13:36:08Z2018-08-03T13:36:08ZTime is a flat basin <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/3/805/time-is-a-flat-basin"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3B9cWbZZziwepoNNC6J5hGrD%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5bd0dc951dfe8a634104f863a77fc668b11bb54d21ed08a44209564e594d57bc&width=1280&sign=LYZbNgqXdtAMkY_FK4o75U1FPxd1Ejh3lJfch1jw-dw 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3B9cWbZZziwepoNNC6J5hGrD%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5bd0dc951dfe8a634104f863a77fc668b11bb54d21ed08a44209564e594d57bc&width=2560&sign=KQxCr4CjSq1bDJA2RNIhnJgw-fhMpmKX7tN9JAMK8a0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3B9cWbZZziwepoNNC6J5hGrD%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5bd0dc951dfe8a634104f863a77fc668b11bb54d21ed08a44209564e594d57bc&width=1280&sign=LYZbNgqXdtAMkY_FK4o75U1FPxd1Ejh3lJfch1jw-dw" /></a>
<p>Did I mention the Basin was vast and barren? On the plus side, we did multiple 30 mile days in there 🤷♀️</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-02:/2018/8/2/804/basin-sunset2018-08-02T17:00:32Z2018-08-02T17:00:32ZBasin Sunset <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/2/804/basin-sunset"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwkJ9d7AU3Sck54CEo8uhEB4v%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9f2040240298735eb67e3a6e713dcd0b943f166a7ec070a340f00db9f6ee3033&width=1280&sign=C4xcyBofvx8jevQovBRUzaaluty23ERaMHnGkRvNjSY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwkJ9d7AU3Sck54CEo8uhEB4v%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9f2040240298735eb67e3a6e713dcd0b943f166a7ec070a340f00db9f6ee3033&width=2560&sign=aAQKn_XTABZDuEabCpipBZI1yQARlHa3hsUi15UlMG4 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Dirt Road, Gravel, Road" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwkJ9d7AU3Sck54CEo8uhEB4v%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9f2040240298735eb67e3a6e713dcd0b943f166a7ec070a340f00db9f6ee3033&width=1280&sign=C4xcyBofvx8jevQovBRUzaaluty23ERaMHnGkRvNjSY" /></a>
<p>The Basin was mentally one of the weirdest parts of trial. Something about following a dirt road for 12 hours at a time, day after day, progressively unhinges you. Kind of fun and beautiful though - I got caught up on a lot of podcasts.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-08-01:/2018/8/1/803/barbed-wire-is-back2018-08-01T05:24:32Z2018-08-01T05:24:32ZBarbed Wire is Back <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/8/1/803/barbed-wire-is-back"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FU2fkN4n47GvowvKV3CUfxYKQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D60d4eed09418b06ff23383302c080a3aa0cd8c369ff45ecc02b47cdc246cced2&width=1280&sign=a07XF9Rk_y4Bs3z9GdLLoWa2_X__mB-G85Wy-1CKfgg 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FU2fkN4n47GvowvKV3CUfxYKQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D60d4eed09418b06ff23383302c080a3aa0cd8c369ff45ecc02b47cdc246cced2&width=2560&sign=ETXfKbfb8027MkO58GHv15o15LUuu_4qTc9mL_mus2k 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Backpack, Bag" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FU2fkN4n47GvowvKV3CUfxYKQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D60d4eed09418b06ff23383302c080a3aa0cd8c369ff45ecc02b47cdc246cced2&width=1280&sign=a07XF9Rk_y4Bs3z9GdLLoWa2_X__mB-G85Wy-1CKfgg" /></a>
<p>With New Mexico behind us, I thougt climbing under and over barbed wire fences was in the past. I was very wrong.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-31:/2018/7/31/802/rawlins-cattle2018-08-01T04:53:17Z2018-08-01T04:53:17ZRawlins Cattle <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/31/802/rawlins-cattle"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FLRvLyrhc23RbjhtyCZdFFsNa%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D17fcd90511e7d91b5805fe0c70821864f7bf675f2d17ca2b9a18326d282c6fa0&width=1280&sign=uai6R7DjJ3R0V7CRJkZNTXEOPD6jMWr7QLLq33oaxf0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FLRvLyrhc23RbjhtyCZdFFsNa%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D17fcd90511e7d91b5805fe0c70821864f7bf675f2d17ca2b9a18326d282c6fa0&width=2560&sign=jQ0yoW7DF0DZLc0XbGOawDNCDKCc6sUk7mTS0SPdwj0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Field, Grassland, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FLRvLyrhc23RbjhtyCZdFFsNa%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D17fcd90511e7d91b5805fe0c70821864f7bf675f2d17ca2b9a18326d282c6fa0&width=1280&sign=uai6R7DjJ3R0V7CRJkZNTXEOPD6jMWr7QLLq33oaxf0" /></a>
<p>Cattle in the setting sun as we head out from Rawlins for 121 more miles in the Great Basin.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/801/welcome-to-wyoming2018-07-25T02:59:16Z2018-07-25T02:59:16ZWelcome to Wyoming <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/801/welcome-to-wyoming"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnCgAMSETcoC8mrYTBgT6AzhG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D47b5041386a93ade08c97c42a43b137f6f79782f70d01b283d6113a57a0a3908&width=1280&sign=nlAV8FCj5gClgZoFzfwvmG-AuDh7H1Rf6EhSpniny-Q 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnCgAMSETcoC8mrYTBgT6AzhG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D47b5041386a93ade08c97c42a43b137f6f79782f70d01b283d6113a57a0a3908&width=2560&sign=oJpbc-BdTc3XBn7tBPLs2vqI-ZdT9RBnadp4vebSt3U 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Flora, Plant, Redwood, Tree, Path, Trail" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnCgAMSETcoC8mrYTBgT6AzhG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D47b5041386a93ade08c97c42a43b137f6f79782f70d01b283d6113a57a0a3908&width=1280&sign=nlAV8FCj5gClgZoFzfwvmG-AuDh7H1Rf6EhSpniny-Q" /></a>
<p>We made it to Wyoming! New Mexico and Colorado down, Wyoming, Montanta and maybe parts of Idaho left.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/800/wyoming-cross-country2018-07-25T02:53:03Z2018-07-25T02:53:03ZWyoming Cross-country <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/800/wyoming-cross-country"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FBt4g37g4xgtkxJZZxQVFLYxv%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df2cec470fe5829531d18a9d28b557c3b3425528b399e028a2d3e3e7a973dc267&width=1280&sign=68-bufUN5pX3cal53ZptiWSb2GtBbRxuz0-QzDzd-v8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FBt4g37g4xgtkxJZZxQVFLYxv%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df2cec470fe5829531d18a9d28b557c3b3425528b399e028a2d3e3e7a973dc267&width=2560&sign=HY46xKwATJ80TktdvPaKrNJoOkL2mrfosIRsk5RtVNU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Soil" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FBt4g37g4xgtkxJZZxQVFLYxv%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Df2cec470fe5829531d18a9d28b557c3b3425528b399e028a2d3e3e7a973dc267&width=1280&sign=68-bufUN5pX3cal53ZptiWSb2GtBbRxuz0-QzDzd-v8" /></a>
<p>Knock avoiding a bit of the basin roadwalking by following the trail and going cross-country.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/799/roadside-campground2018-07-25T02:52:53Z2018-07-25T02:52:53ZRoadside Campground <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/799/roadside-campground"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FxavXCCyGJPV9yH6vppxgrsK1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D467f444f20193e3e81489da399d2eba0bc6b9ec872afb3f0f1a2481a39626cee&width=1280&sign=3LAHlBLrw5HbQnnChlH9SGO2c__EvVDokWKoqvGniXg 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FxavXCCyGJPV9yH6vppxgrsK1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D467f444f20193e3e81489da399d2eba0bc6b9ec872afb3f0f1a2481a39626cee&width=2560&sign=gOXYh_s9jWIgsZ2k9arQcJ6L-Vb5kzrBhl1C3oS_xD0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Camping, Leisure Activities, Tent, Mountain Tent" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FxavXCCyGJPV9yH6vppxgrsK1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D467f444f20193e3e81489da399d2eba0bc6b9ec872afb3f0f1a2481a39626cee&width=1280&sign=3LAHlBLrw5HbQnnChlH9SGO2c__EvVDokWKoqvGniXg" /></a>
<p>Deep Water and Liminal surveying the scene of our roadside campground in the basin after a stormy night.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/798/great-basin-roadwalk2018-07-25T02:52:42Z2018-07-25T02:52:42ZGreat Basin Roadwalk <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/798/great-basin-roadwalk"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FPyhruoXwab3udLETTkqqie1t%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D63d82f9e216308ab2bc626db9259098677168f53ac33111782649fe8ee788a22&width=1280&sign=aKaq-15T3ktco7i61Wz_g1s2HLQBAo25QqvpOJH7J7M 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FPyhruoXwab3udLETTkqqie1t%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D63d82f9e216308ab2bc626db9259098677168f53ac33111782649fe8ee788a22&width=2560&sign=Ur542Fkd5OJeYUnS1oUmiNAjfeRwpvjqjt_KhVtX2mY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FPyhruoXwab3udLETTkqqie1t%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D63d82f9e216308ab2bc626db9259098677168f53ac33111782649fe8ee788a22&width=1280&sign=aKaq-15T3ktco7i61Wz_g1s2HLQBAo25QqvpOJH7J7M" /></a>
<p>Hitting the Great Basin means flat, wide open trail with little drinkable water for more than a hundred miles. We were also treated to high winds and lighting ahead and behind us on the horizon. Despite all this, there is no place I’d rather be.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/797/rawlins-road-walk2018-07-25T02:52:27Z2018-07-25T02:52:27ZRawlins Road Walk <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/797/rawlins-road-walk"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3ZquB7wQMWyEjKNsygTvDxN4%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D99a8a4eba2907e675219e9734f741212b2432b2ac801b1cd22ce37c92e516214&width=1280&sign=lgZbcqNVw3KZOHJUsCEcGSpl1TiYP_SdbtCBPCCNgpY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3ZquB7wQMWyEjKNsygTvDxN4%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D99a8a4eba2907e675219e9734f741212b2432b2ac801b1cd22ce37c92e516214&width=2560&sign=pZygf7uRCw6QHE4W9P0V2dcAzqPXN1RL6pp1lvDcvCQ 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Asphalt, Tarmac" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3ZquB7wQMWyEjKNsygTvDxN4%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D99a8a4eba2907e675219e9734f741212b2432b2ac801b1cd22ce37c92e516214&width=1280&sign=lgZbcqNVw3KZOHJUsCEcGSpl1TiYP_SdbtCBPCCNgpY" /></a>
<p>Approaching Rawlins, we road walked through some road construction related to a future wind farm. Although walking next to a trickle of semis was rough, the construction workers were super friendly and kindly offered us bottles of water.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/796/noday2018-07-25T02:52:05Z2018-07-25T02:52:05ZNoDay <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/796/noday"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaDpeUDed9BSS3kbM8DztK5EM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D99972fbe32705ac977f65f27449e82898b67cb51dbd22a547f8ca43e750e13e5&width=1280&sign=Nwy1FSeZ-kKaD66t3p52rRefqn95zcZ_pZLp-F-sAMs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaDpeUDed9BSS3kbM8DztK5EM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D99972fbe32705ac977f65f27449e82898b67cb51dbd22a547f8ca43e750e13e5&width=2560&sign=Ja4Dda6p9r2lEJWS83BVinUECMnpkktnuO6UvBJbfYc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FaDpeUDed9BSS3kbM8DztK5EM%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D99972fbe32705ac977f65f27449e82898b67cb51dbd22a547f8ca43e750e13e5&width=1280&sign=Nwy1FSeZ-kKaD66t3p52rRefqn95zcZ_pZLp-F-sAMs" /></a>
<p>NoDay taking in the Wyoming views. We’ve been getting rain off and on recently (especially in the evening so), but thankfully the wide open skies give us lots of warning.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/795/encampment2018-07-25T00:23:08Z2018-07-25T00:23:08ZEncampment <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/795/encampment"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9tBYc6m2PfgFJRRhVemfbrHE%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5d038619e81201f547c70c0706fa9264c25aab779ef8367b1a8bb29b41ba743a&width=1280&sign=Q80yieJ3Xj21I7QGl79iXoJTLqWQnCdt0PZwdOhMJJs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9tBYc6m2PfgFJRRhVemfbrHE%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5d038619e81201f547c70c0706fa9264c25aab779ef8367b1a8bb29b41ba743a&width=2560&sign=FZTsta_U3bm3uwplsS5CumEyJv7OeM4jVzVBbEWUB2U 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9tBYc6m2PfgFJRRhVemfbrHE%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5d038619e81201f547c70c0706fa9264c25aab779ef8367b1a8bb29b41ba743a&width=1280&sign=Q80yieJ3Xj21I7QGl79iXoJTLqWQnCdt0PZwdOhMJJs" /></a>
<p>Knock and Gary enjoying some beers at our campsite in the Encampment RV park.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/794/bionic-woman2018-07-25T00:22:59Z2018-07-25T00:22:59ZBionic Woman <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/794/bionic-woman"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcP2PcHvpk9UCNGxUbVd9Liip%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Deef17eba58fb71bb3a1c2829bcdc2f94f343879e26a7f85eea8df2c603e60a76&width=1280&sign=G5RvSaFeqLjN_j2GANUhIUpU-bLHWZCT7MDHibdTq6k 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcP2PcHvpk9UCNGxUbVd9Liip%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Deef17eba58fb71bb3a1c2829bcdc2f94f343879e26a7f85eea8df2c603e60a76&width=2560&sign=9NTof1AdZFp-cfZNgMX_bUb1EV2o6F6pr2RlurC05rA 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FcP2PcHvpk9UCNGxUbVd9Liip%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Deef17eba58fb71bb3a1c2829bcdc2f94f343879e26a7f85eea8df2c603e60a76&width=1280&sign=G5RvSaFeqLjN_j2GANUhIUpU-bLHWZCT7MDHibdTq6k" /></a>
<p>Knock is now a bionic woman - part human, part KT tape.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/793/mount-zirkel-wilderness2018-07-25T00:22:10Z2018-07-25T00:22:10ZMount Zirkel Wilderness <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/793/mount-zirkel-wilderness"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FeUJDHkrozDFaeMfTo6KgJhLS%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9d2bb45bf66b034d26c382d512ae8e36e84a3af926d7939e3c02b03c92a61e51&width=1280&sign=5XpwJ8KzIxByYd-7qeI7EmR6OVj1ckdJ9K7YJGV1WSo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FeUJDHkrozDFaeMfTo6KgJhLS%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9d2bb45bf66b034d26c382d512ae8e36e84a3af926d7939e3c02b03c92a61e51&width=2560&sign=bLilv9E6su_kzirTqSVehVPwfFUdw3cyxktxP9urJoI 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Leisure Activities, Walking" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FeUJDHkrozDFaeMfTo6KgJhLS%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9d2bb45bf66b034d26c382d512ae8e36e84a3af926d7939e3c02b03c92a61e51&width=1280&sign=5XpwJ8KzIxByYd-7qeI7EmR6OVj1ckdJ9K7YJGV1WSo" /></a>
<p>Knock and Gary in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. We saw several big horns and elk here. Really great area, would definitely reccomended.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/792/double-rainbow2018-07-24T21:07:38Z2018-07-24T21:07:38ZDouble Rainbow <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/792/double-rainbow"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnUrYuJmd2kujeAZZvnJDACWs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9ca623d578b2618331d7b5891f2a6c77257ba70b32bf8139144673c8789cb82e&width=1280&sign=qklcOUCeFystEmlVM7bAClc3bkDjnfynKuDpLLKms-g 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnUrYuJmd2kujeAZZvnJDACWs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9ca623d578b2618331d7b5891f2a6c77257ba70b32bf8139144673c8789cb82e&width=2560&sign=-PyYCpa3yCzJxblS19olui-24F6hx27uQx9o-7U5Zhk 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Conifer, Flora, Plant, Tree" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnUrYuJmd2kujeAZZvnJDACWs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9ca623d578b2618331d7b5891f2a6c77257ba70b32bf8139144673c8789cb82e&width=1280&sign=qklcOUCeFystEmlVM7bAClc3bkDjnfynKuDpLLKms-g" /></a>
<p>A double rainbow near Rabbit Ears Pass!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/791/space-jam2018-07-24T21:07:27Z2018-07-24T21:07:27ZSpace Jam <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/791/space-jam"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjMhyc8P1p9qB1r6HvJZBRRjh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D983c35fbe5fdbc117ec9e609a196b4d5600f7cae0e765928c1da5673827ed7ef&width=1280&sign=9HOX1H_eBg6_N_OtT1MzclX6ZJV09DDBO8XtANe4JOQ 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjMhyc8P1p9qB1r6HvJZBRRjh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D983c35fbe5fdbc117ec9e609a196b4d5600f7cae0e765928c1da5673827ed7ef&width=2560&sign=8x8_JG1_41GKeF1uTyO7ox9sNFIld8jW-KKmB_UGpvA 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Leisure Activities, Walking" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjMhyc8P1p9qB1r6HvJZBRRjh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D983c35fbe5fdbc117ec9e609a196b4d5600f7cae0e765928c1da5673827ed7ef&width=1280&sign=9HOX1H_eBg6_N_OtT1MzclX6ZJV09DDBO8XtANe4JOQ" /></a>
<p>Gary came out to hike with us! We met up in Steamboat and had a lovely first section together, near the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. </p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-24:/2018/7/24/790/sharing-the-trail2018-07-24T17:01:05Z2018-07-24T17:01:05ZSharing the trail <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/24/790/sharing-the-trail"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwbH8XuJAvCkjEom7E1UM2Bwr%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67e9526c30b641a0c738b54d3f129a4c5cf8975d50b66f3043812fec3313301a&width=1280&sign=lYDQPdOCUNTGT-EmdDcbynTWtDugVCoojfA78L3eNrk 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwbH8XuJAvCkjEom7E1UM2Bwr%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67e9526c30b641a0c738b54d3f129a4c5cf8975d50b66f3043812fec3313301a&width=2560&sign=02sYAul02cVMUNfKnzGOIN4dHYdM5flgY69yUF8OZto 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Paintball, Atv, Transportation, Vehicle, Motorcycle, Path, Trail, Flora, Forest, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Plant, Rainforest, Tree, Vegetation" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FwbH8XuJAvCkjEom7E1UM2Bwr%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67e9526c30b641a0c738b54d3f129a4c5cf8975d50b66f3043812fec3313301a&width=1280&sign=lYDQPdOCUNTGT-EmdDcbynTWtDugVCoojfA78L3eNrk" /></a>
<p>The CDT sometimes follows dirt roads or single track that gets dirtbike and 4x4 traffic. Nothing like walking along enjoying nature, being interrupted by the loud whine of an engine in the distance, stepping off trail to wait for them to pass, and then walking through the cloud of dust and destroyed trail in their wake. </p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-23:/2018/7/23/789/northern-co-roadwalks2018-07-23T17:00:41Z2018-07-23T17:00:41ZNorthern CO Roadwalks <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/23/789/northern-co-roadwalks"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnSszc81Qigtz6puQnkx2YzMV%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7cdb425ad7d5808f097ed21f371a3c3f2b44b3c2c4f8df6a1a615c7257e08967&width=1280&sign=2h8x8u69EOIaUuAnK7RrqYJkOpaYBP3S04Bc5KUT7ZY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnSszc81Qigtz6puQnkx2YzMV%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7cdb425ad7d5808f097ed21f371a3c3f2b44b3c2c4f8df6a1a615c7257e08967&width=2560&sign=ssDm6neaQGZcjGUcL_QUIxYaWpaiEiuWUuBvqQfeDQY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Dirt Road, Gravel, Road" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FnSszc81Qigtz6puQnkx2YzMV%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7cdb425ad7d5808f097ed21f371a3c3f2b44b3c2c4f8df6a1a615c7257e08967&width=1280&sign=2h8x8u69EOIaUuAnK7RrqYJkOpaYBP3S04Bc5KUT7ZY" /></a>
<p>Turns out northern CO has some road walks too - this one just south of Steamboat Springs. Btw, they now have swarming mosquitos so you may want to keep that headnet handy.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-22:/2018/7/22/788/parkview-lookout2018-07-22T17:01:04Z2018-07-22T17:01:04ZParkview Lookout <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/22/788/parkview-lookout"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FEedmQXTxVR73BDMx9JD3W8kk%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D090fd39731312ca02a0620b48aa70a1da39d7f034f63be9008eaf8280b935182&width=1280&sign=F5Ud-3SsLx2UxJ63Y9RIrWkpF6yZ4_-w9pyAeQQxqLs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FEedmQXTxVR73BDMx9JD3W8kk%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D090fd39731312ca02a0620b48aa70a1da39d7f034f63be9008eaf8280b935182&width=2560&sign=_dmzqEV-Uttu2ikM0_b8PufKSEqQ9X6rMSShj8P5-Yk 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Building, Countryside, Hut, Nature, Outdoors, Rural, Shack, Shelter, Rubble" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FEedmQXTxVR73BDMx9JD3W8kk%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D090fd39731312ca02a0620b48aa70a1da39d7f034f63be9008eaf8280b935182&width=1280&sign=F5Ud-3SsLx2UxJ63Y9RIrWkpF6yZ4_-w9pyAeQQxqLs" /></a>
<p>Investigating an odd little hut on Parkview Mountain. Would be a safe spot to hide out a storm, but way too musty to be inviting.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-21:/2018/7/21/787/parkview-mountain2018-07-21T17:01:37Z2018-07-21T17:01:37ZParkview Mountain <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/21/787/parkview-mountain"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDQ1NmGBdBgjuNgH7BpCZ6ZD2%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Daa4e181f638ec1b1f40adf78c9e2e330333f1c72f08bcec073c4163cccc97064&width=1280&sign=p1lOwU5IO7we2JPfButLxinlK9kHc2TyCA9cyXJhibA 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDQ1NmGBdBgjuNgH7BpCZ6ZD2%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Daa4e181f638ec1b1f40adf78c9e2e330333f1c72f08bcec073c4163cccc97064&width=2560&sign=dL5vVy33rInyvytdIry5Z4yQiaIorRTnXTvpRCHDHqY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Path, Trail" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDQ1NmGBdBgjuNgH7BpCZ6ZD2%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Daa4e181f638ec1b1f40adf78c9e2e330333f1c72f08bcec073c4163cccc97064&width=1280&sign=p1lOwU5IO7we2JPfButLxinlK9kHc2TyCA9cyXJhibA" /></a>
<p>Knock climbing Parkview Mountain. By this point, we were pretty emotionaly done with Colorado. It’s an incredible state, but every day just feels like climb after climb interjected with windy waterless ridgewalks.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-20:/2018/7/20/786/alpine-sunflower2018-07-20T17:00:44Z2018-07-20T17:00:44ZAlpine Sunflower <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/20/786/alpine-sunflower"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FHWeUpwBP3dCULnGjEjRwyHtX%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D18e1654f6ecf7a601c68fe2ecbd6e1793b66c2f3c9b17a233f2aaaf2ff4861a7&width=1280&sign=hto_XtWbbeyhANw0DBhmYz6SqjqtHY0RFajnfuh5Zlc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FHWeUpwBP3dCULnGjEjRwyHtX%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D18e1654f6ecf7a601c68fe2ecbd6e1793b66c2f3c9b17a233f2aaaf2ff4861a7&width=2560&sign=0KU5f7EsYhUm3e74EPDd5w-c1pQJSyGUCbcYRSl6_WQ 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Outdoors, Blossom, Flora, Flower, Plant, Sunflower, Asteraceae, Path, Trail" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FHWeUpwBP3dCULnGjEjRwyHtX%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D18e1654f6ecf7a601c68fe2ecbd6e1793b66c2f3c9b17a233f2aaaf2ff4861a7&width=1280&sign=hto_XtWbbeyhANw0DBhmYz6SqjqtHY0RFajnfuh5Zlc" /></a>
<p>Knock and a patch of Alpine Sunflower.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-19:/2018/7/19/785/alpine-start2018-07-19T17:53:24Z2018-07-19T17:53:24ZAlpine Start <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/19/785/alpine-start"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbgJcYSptQ4nt2SV82T7Ht24g%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D55b55fb70ea16e98e566f2d7be415237d1e07d841f9e75a58cb1e3369f362216&width=1280&sign=DdG9rkt1EeAlN3GHuAUuRMfi6Y8GVPklbdENieUop7k 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbgJcYSptQ4nt2SV82T7Ht24g%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D55b55fb70ea16e98e566f2d7be415237d1e07d841f9e75a58cb1e3369f362216&width=2560&sign=QNdXlQp6a2DwHZofbhej9CescL7nErFPBi_Ut1p6ar0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbgJcYSptQ4nt2SV82T7Ht24g%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D55b55fb70ea16e98e566f2d7be415237d1e07d841f9e75a58cb1e3369f362216&width=1280&sign=DdG9rkt1EeAlN3GHuAUuRMfi6Y8GVPklbdENieUop7k" /></a>
<p>Knock getting an early morning start after we camped on a ridge just above treeline. Somehow, the mosquitos still swarmed up there, but the views made it worthwhile.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-19:/2018/7/19/784/grand-lake-forest-roads2018-07-19T17:01:09Z2018-07-19T17:01:09ZGrand Lake Forest Roads <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/19/784/grand-lake-forest-roads"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FxZ4YAASghdsujvzX3srpHWc6%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D84152abc7fa1ce98b6cece00526b29123e65073f2a49de27d9224c642da9235d&width=1280&sign=Uc9kisldY7Jwzlnbm-zCJAsDAHV4PUDqSHvO4NWJq3Q 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FxZ4YAASghdsujvzX3srpHWc6%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D84152abc7fa1ce98b6cece00526b29123e65073f2a49de27d9224c642da9235d&width=2560&sign=1xyAXFZmQuoAxx14aUVzJac_NYjEcK9IuytWZdvn3mE 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Dirt Road, Gravel, Road" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FxZ4YAASghdsujvzX3srpHWc6%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D84152abc7fa1ce98b6cece00526b29123e65073f2a49de27d9224c642da9235d&width=1280&sign=Uc9kisldY7Jwzlnbm-zCJAsDAHV4PUDqSHvO4NWJq3Q" /></a>
<p>We followed the Ley alternate out of Grand Lakes, where we wandered through a neighborhood on the edge of RMNP and followed some 4x4 roads up into the woods.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-18:/2018/7/18/783/rocky-mountain-national-park2018-07-19T01:04:44Z2018-07-19T01:04:44ZRocky Mountain National Park <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/18/783/rocky-mountain-national-park"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgfUJDCC6Va6A37r2TmaYSCYh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9301371832d08f8f8968e6a6155c908f39abca9135a7462fe3b308c56b78c8d6&width=1280&sign=Dl2Yd2Ba48pFlAsCeTE3o4Gy6r99gqyRhUYglo9S_Zc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgfUJDCC6Va6A37r2TmaYSCYh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9301371832d08f8f8968e6a6155c908f39abca9135a7462fe3b308c56b78c8d6&width=2560&sign=9SUko-h-0ZBy7dpd5yDsz9HLccylIwaaKhP-UMLobpg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Outdoors, Wilderness, Backpack, Bag" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgfUJDCC6Va6A37r2TmaYSCYh%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D9301371832d08f8f8968e6a6155c908f39abca9135a7462fe3b308c56b78c8d6&width=1280&sign=Dl2Yd2Ba48pFlAsCeTE3o4Gy6r99gqyRhUYglo9S_Zc" /></a>
<p>On the suggestion of All Good at CDT trail days, we stayed in the scenic Shadowcliff hostel in Grand Lake and did a 26 mile loop in Rocky Mountain National Park to avoid dealing with permits and bear regulations. It was scenic and the trail was great, but it really wasn’t too different from the other high elevation areas of CO we’d been through. If you are the fence, I’d say skip it. </p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-18:/2018/7/18/782/heartleaf-arnica2018-07-18T23:03:00Z2018-07-18T23:03:00ZHeartleaf Arnica <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/18/782/heartleaf-arnica"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FNU97uqzLS9guxDwCGZDyTfDm%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D78b1f249a870fc6de1d943694948b198e1fb0b7ae4e1d9b856d184e6ea60906a&width=1280&sign=U1BpdPejMc2x5xSMWA7sJAv2fWMbklBQIoKFxxnPj9M 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FNU97uqzLS9guxDwCGZDyTfDm%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D78b1f249a870fc6de1d943694948b198e1fb0b7ae4e1d9b856d184e6ea60906a&width=2560&sign=ZWQ-1wkS-VWyk9iBtIGFI5bpUFK-k4cJzatUSsHjMSU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Blossom, Daffodil, Flora, Flower, Plant, Asteraceae" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FNU97uqzLS9guxDwCGZDyTfDm%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D78b1f249a870fc6de1d943694948b198e1fb0b7ae4e1d9b856d184e6ea60906a&width=1280&sign=U1BpdPejMc2x5xSMWA7sJAv2fWMbklBQIoKFxxnPj9M" /></a>
<p>A patch of Heartleaf Arnica in Rocky Mountain National Park.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-18:/2018/7/18/781/rmnp-pine-beetle-kill2018-07-18T16:30:13Z2018-07-18T16:30:13ZRMNP Pine Beetle Kill <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/18/781/rmnp-pine-beetle-kill"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9LN5mhTxhfEsay8XQGvkaXAs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2084d4978ff2e68291e0d5aca50ee7f1d99567d4a765da917d03a1b1c78f1911&width=1280&sign=TUihbKWv16MOG3Lr_o7g8DtuKuooDU1gkFBgXwCNCuE 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9LN5mhTxhfEsay8XQGvkaXAs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2084d4978ff2e68291e0d5aca50ee7f1d99567d4a765da917d03a1b1c78f1911&width=2560&sign=IzTdypmXUjfSPNHHyP8boIi8X0UNvV3UJlelo5ezofg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Birch, Flora, Plant, Tree, Grass" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9LN5mhTxhfEsay8XQGvkaXAs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D2084d4978ff2e68291e0d5aca50ee7f1d99567d4a765da917d03a1b1c78f1911&width=1280&sign=TUihbKWv16MOG3Lr_o7g8DtuKuooDU1gkFBgXwCNCuE" /></a>
<p>Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t immune to climate change and it’s influence on the pine beetle population.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-17:/2018/7/17/780/blowdowns2018-07-17T17:00:32Z2018-07-17T17:00:32ZBlowdowns <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/17/780/blowdowns"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FikRHFh9vpFyFAwUEVzLgF5v5%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67b61eb4e70c70a2501e2e91e9902a693ab7f22d1472f684f0267a35425f4c7f&width=1280&sign=-Byu2G9or1jrr5fK92cSaM2DbkWt9X7MWfY0wAXuNR0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FikRHFh9vpFyFAwUEVzLgF5v5%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67b61eb4e70c70a2501e2e91e9902a693ab7f22d1472f684f0267a35425f4c7f&width=2560&sign=hkyQvs3MT62lWlRi3CxSlgY_DCnPJ5vVsUGb4E2Lato 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FikRHFh9vpFyFAwUEVzLgF5v5%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67b61eb4e70c70a2501e2e91e9902a693ab7f22d1472f684f0267a35425f4c7f&width=1280&sign=-Byu2G9or1jrr5fK92cSaM2DbkWt9X7MWfY0wAXuNR0" /></a>
<p>After the well maintained Colorado Trail, we were reminded that the CDT still has lots of blowdowns in store for us to climb over, under and around. This particular section was in a wilderness area near Rocky Mountain National Park.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-16:/2018/7/16/779/one-sided-penstemon2018-07-16T11:39:56Z2018-07-16T11:39:56ZOne-Sided Penstemon <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/16/779/one-sided-penstemon"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FQjFZqn2Lf3AGsbD6PooSGPQK%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc44bbeef8ad9d675e1feb12368206eeb06baf11aad00139f479df29e2129fe6c&width=1280&sign=IvMPJVwQ_nYV40EpgWpiika5OStIxMyNsCCBhKOX6YE 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FQjFZqn2Lf3AGsbD6PooSGPQK%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc44bbeef8ad9d675e1feb12368206eeb06baf11aad00139f479df29e2129fe6c&width=2560&sign=vZSMmCaow9_AppRuZJB0LEAaOm2nlbqGry-kvRD7uTs 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Blossom, Flora, Flower, Lupin, Plant, Lake, Outdoors, Water" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FQjFZqn2Lf3AGsbD6PooSGPQK%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc44bbeef8ad9d675e1feb12368206eeb06baf11aad00139f479df29e2129fe6c&width=1280&sign=IvMPJVwQ_nYV40EpgWpiika5OStIxMyNsCCBhKOX6YE" /></a>
<p>One-Sided Penstemon (I think? Flower identification is hard) on the shore of Monarch Lake.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-16:/2018/7/16/778/loch-lomad2018-07-16T11:39:43Z2018-07-16T11:39:43ZLoch Lomad <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/16/778/loch-lomad"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjbpEDBrH1FHxFxZqoGLWTbD1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dfa759af629866a512b31c6b63552732ec254a7300afd185c1c44c7a1ee9a4fdc&width=1280&sign=vWOLV1pZ0vth5j-NI036_Y8dG5hIX5uq_4G1R-BGIMs 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjbpEDBrH1FHxFxZqoGLWTbD1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dfa759af629866a512b31c6b63552732ec254a7300afd185c1c44c7a1ee9a4fdc&width=2560&sign=2A5ho7k1YoBHc47DYZfSHyKBWTtsGHqTv7NDVQCwA-w 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Path, Trail, Conifer, Flora, Plant, Tree" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FjbpEDBrH1FHxFxZqoGLWTbD1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dfa759af629866a512b31c6b63552732ec254a7300afd185c1c44c7a1ee9a4fdc&width=1280&sign=vWOLV1pZ0vth5j-NI036_Y8dG5hIX5uq_4G1R-BGIMs" /></a>
<p>Knock and a very lovey old tree near Loch Lomad.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-15:/2018/7/15/777/winter-park2018-07-15T17:00:42Z2018-07-15T17:00:42ZWinter Park <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/15/777/winter-park"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FsC1W6eG5eSKWNCuwuqJ2QZud%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D73e23c997e63366013104b43e36ae457debfe5f3e4986419f721bae23ad32c3b&width=1280&sign=3W-EBL4MVch3vtPVL0qAqkYUcOCpgOp_7WeP9PokTHM 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FsC1W6eG5eSKWNCuwuqJ2QZud%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D73e23c997e63366013104b43e36ae457debfe5f3e4986419f721bae23ad32c3b&width=2560&sign=1VxokUN5b7s-vtlrWHAR80Gt8ttwSZlB-DU4C2vnb2A 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FsC1W6eG5eSKWNCuwuqJ2QZud%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D73e23c997e63366013104b43e36ae457debfe5f3e4986419f721bae23ad32c3b&width=1280&sign=3W-EBL4MVch3vtPVL0qAqkYUcOCpgOp_7WeP9PokTHM" /></a>
<p>Always fun to look up and realize there is a lot of smoke near you. In this case, it was a small fire near Winter Park that we quickly veered away from.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-14:/2018/7/14/776/berthoud-pass-dogs2018-07-15T01:08:30Z2018-07-15T01:08:30ZBerthoud Pass Dogs <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/14/776/berthoud-pass-dogs"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbdbQiSGZkwVxTNpWv93hKCJv%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D26379561b2a572027acd2737bf2178a0e661b45387ceeb6da5f8e4749f0a922d&width=1280&sign=g9-dF9nfWLZAp9IkgcW2GaM0bxhYElS-8iT3iQ8tmXY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbdbQiSGZkwVxTNpWv93hKCJv%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D26379561b2a572027acd2737bf2178a0e661b45387ceeb6da5f8e4749f0a922d&width=2560&sign=7lTPAiBmjJQAL6pcqWvG_OtgFt7Y08OhUsmXuXlJB9g 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Animal, Canine, Collie, Dog, Mammal, Pet, Outdoors, Wilderness" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FbdbQiSGZkwVxTNpWv93hKCJv%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D26379561b2a572027acd2737bf2178a0e661b45387ceeb6da5f8e4749f0a922d&width=1280&sign=g9-dF9nfWLZAp9IkgcW2GaM0bxhYElS-8iT3iQ8tmXY" /></a>
<a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/14/776/berthoud-pass-dogs"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FYHsHridijhm4WEXhpCTdmvJ4%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0f0f30d7f0d7fd3227a2a225c730fc1da399036fe6f4ef2da31b343c797acfa4&width=1280&sign=3zHhhYDgZ6mtAYWDF1haTo61KPt1xmh3rHgVdlvHwsk 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FYHsHridijhm4WEXhpCTdmvJ4%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0f0f30d7f0d7fd3227a2a225c730fc1da399036fe6f4ef2da31b343c797acfa4&width=2560&sign=tdbJ66nyBQyNSBiq3oyxJU3jJpLdCusTtez_9MMCqfk 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Outdoors, Wilderness" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FYHsHridijhm4WEXhpCTdmvJ4%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0f0f30d7f0d7fd3227a2a225c730fc1da399036fe6f4ef2da31b343c797acfa4&width=1280&sign=3zHhhYDgZ6mtAYWDF1haTo61KPt1xmh3rHgVdlvHwsk" /></a>
<p>We saw tons of day hikers and their majestic dogs near Berthoud Pass CO.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-14:/2018/7/14/775/trail-lunch2018-07-14T17:00:42Z2018-07-14T17:00:42ZTrail Lunch <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/14/775/trail-lunch"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3NRR1ThEyec9anRV7QPeiEbL%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3b1444cdce5d0f42e7341c5c75c3c34c42bb90e4d06f09b001e0380ad3cab707&width=1280&sign=3PDIXT5QiYgGvJnbHr9B0Dm3_h7utHwFDhTIHChuKYg 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3NRR1ThEyec9anRV7QPeiEbL%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3b1444cdce5d0f42e7341c5c75c3c34c42bb90e4d06f09b001e0380ad3cab707&width=2560&sign=flgupRfcwGRLTzCEVcqlhv05Xc4WbT23nPgoWEjRuIU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3NRR1ThEyec9anRV7QPeiEbL%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3b1444cdce5d0f42e7341c5c75c3c34c42bb90e4d06f09b001e0380ad3cab707&width=1280&sign=3PDIXT5QiYgGvJnbHr9B0Dm3_h7utHwFDhTIHChuKYg" /></a>
<p>Usually we get nice lunch spots with a flat ground, some shade or wind protection, but in alpine areas, we kind of just hunker down in place from the wind and stuff our faces for 45 minutes or so and then keep walking.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-13:/2018/7/13/774/silverthorne-alternate-north-end2018-07-13T21:51:00Z2018-07-13T21:51:00ZSilverthorne Alternate North End <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/13/774/silverthorne-alternate-north-end"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FrVZsiFxQwpYuiS6DGymMsdvy%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd1e7b9833805e8599e6bef02e0cf0b4522b6f41969949ce4696a88455079ae5e&width=1280&sign=8HFL_KL95Qx5beNfb1zv3PL9vyLkswIETD6BORrarF8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FrVZsiFxQwpYuiS6DGymMsdvy%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd1e7b9833805e8599e6bef02e0cf0b4522b6f41969949ce4696a88455079ae5e&width=2560&sign=gNCBvwpiGO3CIAapa6XrSLIVphT5mvyf42C2AGYOsu0 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FrVZsiFxQwpYuiS6DGymMsdvy%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd1e7b9833805e8599e6bef02e0cf0b4522b6f41969949ce4696a88455079ae5e&width=1280&sign=8HFL_KL95Qx5beNfb1zv3PL9vyLkswIETD6BORrarF8" /></a>
<p>Before rejoining the CDT to the north, the Silverthorne alternate threw us a bit of a curve ball and we had to do some bushwhacking and routefinding up high since trail didn’t really exist.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-08:/2018/7/8/773/silverthorne-bike-path2018-07-08T17:01:27Z2018-07-08T17:01:27ZSilverthorne Bike Path <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/8/773/silverthorne-bike-path"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FWiorLi7FWJPE55QxxdQEWw7Y%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D45304213fc0c43fb38cedbd4d8b8f3debaf3223dde30ce0ffee5216bd477f2bc&width=1280&sign=ac9co_bfNDOAQbj2xLbx-9YZZZqkWlhYdi3ZrckqBMQ 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FWiorLi7FWJPE55QxxdQEWw7Y%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D45304213fc0c43fb38cedbd4d8b8f3debaf3223dde30ce0ffee5216bd477f2bc&width=2560&sign=t1b7uRmIJqwnmFPeH-25ZTtqZSoZp_1kNzOJUM8VHmY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Park Bench" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FWiorLi7FWJPE55QxxdQEWw7Y%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D45304213fc0c43fb38cedbd4d8b8f3debaf3223dde30ce0ffee5216bd477f2bc&width=1280&sign=ac9co_bfNDOAQbj2xLbx-9YZZZqkWlhYdi3ZrckqBMQ" /></a>
<p>Although feeing physically good, Colorado has been a bit of a grind to make 25 miles a day up and down the mountains. We opted to do the Silverthorne alternate to give ourselves a bit of a break, and while starting it, realized we could do an alternate to the alternate, and walk a very chill paved bike path from Copper Mountain to Silverthorne. Score another one for routes over trails.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-07:/2018/7/7/772/bunkers2018-07-07T17:00:46Z2018-07-07T17:00:46ZBunkers <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/7/772/bunkers"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7oZ4SADpeA5Ck3t13yZcYfJq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D27df6b0f18c572929e84aac99d689fca16a5a8a4eb0fd9ff680cf7736ad48da7&width=1280&sign=e7VOKc69Vy0KPtzYmabYXV_hosvfEIG87xpIBPAQCpc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7oZ4SADpeA5Ck3t13yZcYfJq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D27df6b0f18c572929e84aac99d689fca16a5a8a4eb0fd9ff680cf7736ad48da7&width=2560&sign=wxNXYluKYh1CbCfme08B-i42lzbDNe5YrAT-wiX6PmE 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Building, Bunker" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7oZ4SADpeA5Ck3t13yZcYfJq%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D27df6b0f18c572929e84aac99d689fca16a5a8a4eb0fd9ff680cf7736ad48da7&width=1280&sign=e7VOKc69Vy0KPtzYmabYXV_hosvfEIG87xpIBPAQCpc" /></a>
<p>Knock peeking into some abandoned bunkers north of Tennessee Pass. Not pictured: nearby signs about unexploded military ordinances.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-06:/2018/7/6/771/cold-mornings2018-07-06T17:01:52Z2018-07-06T17:01:52ZCold Mornings <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/6/771/cold-mornings"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDpdHJKoHehmXpJqMvgBFAhre%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3900ed1c63128f4f565cae7850651f8222e583ad4902f4445415b2f08cfba42e&width=1280&sign=7nZEhVmQX18giWE4yYc-F9Ypsqntggkwl5ZvpHYTkTY 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDpdHJKoHehmXpJqMvgBFAhre%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3900ed1c63128f4f565cae7850651f8222e583ad4902f4445415b2f08cfba42e&width=2560&sign=mYLI33pQWyMhaUNXz6knG3H1UIT49hU057LC6-OWy4M 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Bicycle, Bike, Mountain Bike, Transportation, Vehicle, Path, Trail, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDpdHJKoHehmXpJqMvgBFAhre%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D3900ed1c63128f4f565cae7850651f8222e583ad4902f4445415b2f08cfba42e&width=1280&sign=7nZEhVmQX18giWE4yYc-F9Ypsqntggkwl5ZvpHYTkTY" /></a>
<p>Most nights we end up sleeping at or above 10k feet, so mornings are pretty chilly. Having a warm fleece and some gloves definitely helps with that first mile or two as we slowly wake and warm up.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-05:/2018/7/5/770/leadville-100-trail2018-07-05T15:45:49Z2018-07-05T15:45:49ZLeadville 100 Trail <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/5/770/leadville-100-trail"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhT7AA52zDLhTyDDcFtZVbZyf%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd4b40716cb86bdd363b7fca61dcd75c9c2cba46f12db3cc44206b5139dd16b1e&width=1280&sign=BgUVXO4hWgYnQjkfw-aSIGj48LIAUjn-AUUnmm_TB4w 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhT7AA52zDLhTyDDcFtZVbZyf%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd4b40716cb86bdd363b7fca61dcd75c9c2cba46f12db3cc44206b5139dd16b1e&width=2560&sign=Zj0Ex3Xn7Bv1DUFx2kGn_BTTCxFPn8y4erkwcgvVJcg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Dirt Road, Gravel, Road, Outdoors, Wilderness" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhT7AA52zDLhTyDDcFtZVbZyf%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd4b40716cb86bdd363b7fca61dcd75c9c2cba46f12db3cc44206b5139dd16b1e&width=1280&sign=BgUVXO4hWgYnQjkfw-aSIGj48LIAUjn-AUUnmm_TB4w" /></a>
<p>The famed Leadville 100 mile ultramarathon shares trail with the CDT near Hope Pass and Twin Lakes. How people <em>run</em> up or down these mountains, I have no idea.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-04:/2018/7/4/769/hope-pass2018-07-04T17:01:18Z2018-07-04T17:01:18ZHope Pass <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/4/769/hope-pass"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FGXZfF1HtFM6UwqDFab89KDWQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7dcbba7bec9f7b6f0776833380e444765956c548606932d34999b02d32b9e3e2&width=1280&sign=TEqYtq475nR91vwHvy1Er7n3N72gY3C5ZMrnem4VlQc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FGXZfF1HtFM6UwqDFab89KDWQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7dcbba7bec9f7b6f0776833380e444765956c548606932d34999b02d32b9e3e2&width=2560&sign=DL6uYTdZtgzs5oyHXHevM9rvEvU3A8ogyqWANieQ0Hc 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FGXZfF1HtFM6UwqDFab89KDWQ%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D7dcbba7bec9f7b6f0776833380e444765956c548606932d34999b02d32b9e3e2&width=1280&sign=TEqYtq475nR91vwHvy1Er7n3N72gY3C5ZMrnem4VlQc" /></a>
<p>The hike up Hope Pass from the south is about 2400 feet of gain over 2.3 miles. In this respect, the CDT has a lot more in common with the AT than the PCT’s rough limit of 500 feet of gain per mile.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-03:/2018/7/3/768/columbines2018-07-04T02:25:20Z2018-07-04T02:25:20ZBlue Columbines <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/3/768/columbines"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fz86ZuBZcu4TiMA3NgqnWzzdW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D57804b0a31788e451d0e5d0dfa0b971f1d780d3a6d04d7dbc841708eb68e136e&width=1280&sign=FoxNTIFwo6UxAKryM3-Magn1vDXQxBPb7Lv_BggGrnw 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fz86ZuBZcu4TiMA3NgqnWzzdW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D57804b0a31788e451d0e5d0dfa0b971f1d780d3a6d04d7dbc841708eb68e136e&width=2560&sign=KTvSWItWZYFfwcUzX3ws8HPWd29BpxHYK3-8XfawMKg 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Aquilegia, Blossom, Flora, Flower, Plant, Crocus" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fz86ZuBZcu4TiMA3NgqnWzzdW%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D57804b0a31788e451d0e5d0dfa0b971f1d780d3a6d04d7dbc841708eb68e136e&width=1280&sign=FoxNTIFwo6UxAKryM3-Magn1vDXQxBPb7Lv_BggGrnw" /></a>
<p>Blue Columbine, the Colorado state flower, has been plentiful along the trail.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-03:/2018/7/3/767/lake-anne-pass2018-07-03T17:00:46Z2018-07-03T17:00:46ZLake Anne Pass <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/3/767/lake-anne-pass"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FXsZaMwRahrbX9qkPzUav26B1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dfb9993943f28da05fef734e015742a2be1d1b0c65f473ca091452ead08dde6b6&width=1280&sign=GIG59skwYlIWETMHg4QlhBBlEZ5QkMv8b7QAI4CvHR4 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FXsZaMwRahrbX9qkPzUav26B1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dfb9993943f28da05fef734e015742a2be1d1b0c65f473ca091452ead08dde6b6&width=2560&sign=fBueo8NT-GbsBwsG4WG8AG5ECU7O6wcHOzXLKfkbIVI 2x" alt="" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FXsZaMwRahrbX9qkPzUav26B1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dfb9993943f28da05fef734e015742a2be1d1b0c65f473ca091452ead08dde6b6&width=1280&sign=GIG59skwYlIWETMHg4QlhBBlEZ5QkMv8b7QAI4CvHR4" /></a>
<p>After the trial of snow and river crossings in the Sierra last year, it was a great relief to have a low snow gear in Colorado for the CDT. We are going over Lake Anne Pass here, which was one of the very few passes so far that actually had snow on top we had to work around.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-03:/2018/7/2/766/collegiate-peaks-aspen2018-07-03T03:42:30Z2018-07-04T02:25:01ZCollegiate Peaks Aspen <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/2/766/collegiate-peaks-aspen"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FfktCh8fGszbcz2mG9cfxF98d%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D800051847368473fa3c5bd298a642292173b6bfa49192deea001aefadd703c11&width=1280&sign=57oUGD8VXxiDfbvZFiNRSzhbqyLy-Xd9TxiDu7chHiQ 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FfktCh8fGszbcz2mG9cfxF98d%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D800051847368473fa3c5bd298a642292173b6bfa49192deea001aefadd703c11&width=2560&sign=t4lH3jAvwnabOcU99Ec-RRW5d0RmwtqDBAAxLVNWKa8 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Birch, Flora, Plant, Tree, Forest, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Vegetation, Path, Trail" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FfktCh8fGszbcz2mG9cfxF98d%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D800051847368473fa3c5bd298a642292173b6bfa49192deea001aefadd703c11&width=1280&sign=57oUGD8VXxiDfbvZFiNRSzhbqyLy-Xd9TxiDu7chHiQ" /></a>
<p>Aspen groves are my absolute favorite to walk through, but are somehow very tricky to photograph.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-02:/2018/7/2/765/collegiate-west2018-07-03T03:42:19Z2018-07-03T03:42:19ZCollegiate West <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/2/765/collegiate-west"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FLSSoprECze2wDSNFT4yFQ3eB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D8832316ed29821b32cebcc89fcb4686149ecf5b24102fa824ef7a86ec0c2109a&width=1280&sign=opdMQQx9mAU3Wk3W1Wm96vcK6u446jTcuRstF1nXhEo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FLSSoprECze2wDSNFT4yFQ3eB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D8832316ed29821b32cebcc89fcb4686149ecf5b24102fa824ef7a86ec0c2109a&width=2560&sign=pO6W6bikgSMJlWq5kiEepeVVw9nwdxR0Kz_mIHRLQkY 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Peak, Hiking, Leisure Activities" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FLSSoprECze2wDSNFT4yFQ3eB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D8832316ed29821b32cebcc89fcb4686149ecf5b24102fa824ef7a86ec0c2109a&width=1280&sign=opdMQQx9mAU3Wk3W1Wm96vcK6u446jTcuRstF1nXhEo" /></a>
<p>Had beautiful weather for our second visit to the Collegiate West, which has a another lovey stretch above treeline. It was really cool to do this challenging section again since we did it faster and more comfortably than two years ago.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-02:/2018/7/2/764/marmot2018-07-02T13:25:37Z2018-07-02T13:25:37ZMarmot <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/2/764/marmot"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FpnzgX7Q92JsKv6258G51mj1g%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D97b5532a04c158c5d25f9e3a2b7545856fb8896e3fffe796ac1519011970396a&width=1280&sign=DP7m3H53OdLdAAeb1RavMMgNfahFdVe5slnuijQTfsA 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FpnzgX7Q92JsKv6258G51mj1g%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D97b5532a04c158c5d25f9e3a2b7545856fb8896e3fffe796ac1519011970396a&width=2560&sign=iaLcubpd_aYJaoCMI2pi08hqrMKu_wQVP6qQ0BqfwnQ 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Animal, Bear, Black Bear, Mammal, Wildlife, Flora, Plant, Vegetation, Hole" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FpnzgX7Q92JsKv6258G51mj1g%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D97b5532a04c158c5d25f9e3a2b7545856fb8896e3fffe796ac1519011970396a&width=1280&sign=DP7m3H53OdLdAAeb1RavMMgNfahFdVe5slnuijQTfsA" /></a>
<p>The best thing about hiking in the mountains is seeing (and hearing!) all the marmots and picas running around. They chirp loudly to alert others that humans are around, then scurry to hide in the rocks as we pass by.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-02:/2018/7/2/763/monarch-lakes2018-07-02T13:25:30Z2018-07-02T13:25:30ZMonarch Lakes <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/2/763/monarch-lakes"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FYPJrSMuZC5DR2eMAn1nag4fT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db5ee0acc16626e155a0dbba9be236cac050b07fd2d98ca275bcf9200ba6a253e&width=1280&sign=b1HXLMiDhXTZoWkzVjLPhIW_yAhewR8fl1QG2DVCdJo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FYPJrSMuZC5DR2eMAn1nag4fT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db5ee0acc16626e155a0dbba9be236cac050b07fd2d98ca275bcf9200ba6a253e&width=2560&sign=pOWw6FocjAPJ4S00-xZAjFva4Ndnh0bm5T4tgBpRTuM 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FYPJrSMuZC5DR2eMAn1nag4fT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Db5ee0acc16626e155a0dbba9be236cac050b07fd2d98ca275bcf9200ba6a253e&width=1280&sign=b1HXLMiDhXTZoWkzVjLPhIW_yAhewR8fl1QG2DVCdJo" /></a>
<p>Knock hiking down into some alpine lakes near Monarch Pass.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-02:/2018/7/2/762/reunited2018-07-02T13:25:23Z2018-07-02T13:25:23ZReunited <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/2/762/reunited"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgg7fax8DnEqx67bKyRe3pY6m%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D234de837b1d129e8e138fe543433a9f6f33492b25f119d3f6a9e2a291fb2bd18&width=1280&sign=IEldb6YbAsaS1qZ0L7Wq2yyZgVkk6y1PU78mthCQD5w 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgg7fax8DnEqx67bKyRe3pY6m%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D234de837b1d129e8e138fe543433a9f6f33492b25f119d3f6a9e2a291fb2bd18&width=2560&sign=iocD3dvNHkJnqGTMnSC5EQN5hiPl9nLU8tijMKh4lqo 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fgg7fax8DnEqx67bKyRe3pY6m%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D234de837b1d129e8e138fe543433a9f6f33492b25f119d3f6a9e2a291fb2bd18&width=1280&sign=IEldb6YbAsaS1qZ0L7Wq2yyZgVkk6y1PU78mthCQD5w" /></a>
<p>We found DG again! Which of course means him and I constantly trying to take photos without the other person having a camera in their face.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-01:/2018/7/1/761/salida-fawn2018-07-02T01:34:28Z2018-07-02T01:34:28ZSalida Fawn <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/1/761/salida-fawn"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6Dxs2EX5xQ9X4v38dMDckum2%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D47e8c8f997ff118a66027e648a1a3ab27a4e610053fb1c4f509f1f1d963de226&width=1280&sign=ugTzHf_A0q64yJeLMgCratwO3tlNscpEPwG3YZ92avM 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6Dxs2EX5xQ9X4v38dMDckum2%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D47e8c8f997ff118a66027e648a1a3ab27a4e610053fb1c4f509f1f1d963de226&width=2560&sign=ElANvRXpd36ERJt6VdkJoLqEtj1BJSVYbwsTjvxSRRU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Outdoors, Yard" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6Dxs2EX5xQ9X4v38dMDckum2%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D47e8c8f997ff118a66027e648a1a3ab27a4e610053fb1c4f509f1f1d963de226&width=1280&sign=ugTzHf_A0q64yJeLMgCratwO3tlNscpEPwG3YZ92avM" /></a>
<p>Salida is one of our favorite trail towns, thanks in part the lovey historic downtown on the Arkansas River and a cute neighborhood nearby. Deer seem to love it too - we saw them wandering around people’s yards frequently.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-01:/2018/7/1/760/soldier-stone2018-07-01T19:31:09Z2018-07-01T19:31:09ZSoldier Stone <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/1/760/soldier-stone"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81q8fbhgU6LQAsePtWPe8sMK%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D80401bda8594854c0aac70c69651c8ddcc94bee873b849db894e472e7a363ad1&width=1280&sign=WVSJZJwirc-nfumrZe8upz4g0zPwrmfuPEIiH3muvDQ 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81q8fbhgU6LQAsePtWPe8sMK%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D80401bda8594854c0aac70c69651c8ddcc94bee873b849db894e472e7a363ad1&width=2560&sign=ZvN1f3n_AvhKVm3jXzsk_CexGHMQ-0meZ_q50MBasPo 2x" alt="" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81q8fbhgU6LQAsePtWPe8sMK%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D80401bda8594854c0aac70c69651c8ddcc94bee873b849db894e472e7a363ad1&width=1280&sign=WVSJZJwirc-nfumrZe8upz4g0zPwrmfuPEIiH3muvDQ" /></a>
<p>The Soldier Stone is a quiet memorial located just off a dirt road near the Continental Divide. Even though it’s near trail, there are no signs pointing the way or any interpretive signs near it. Supposedly it’s existence and location were intended to be a word of mouth secret, meant for “unremembered friends from our Indochina experience.”</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-07-01:/2018/7/1/759/master-key2018-07-01T12:30:49Z2018-07-01T12:30:49ZMaster Key <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/7/1/759/master-key"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhBVDz1cTFQg8rqKi6aUs5LWs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D455953e62bbb60f64132346ae6bf04021f3c406d06c37e00ed26d1f9affcb26c&width=1280&sign=TvIPqIp18rx0nUNOEzYtZCMcbZNvFwTSipOL6BnZEm0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhBVDz1cTFQg8rqKi6aUs5LWs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D455953e62bbb60f64132346ae6bf04021f3c406d06c37e00ed26d1f9affcb26c&width=2560&sign=M1pAUEkjot96FTwpkz88rW2ASexftrPpew5SY0_Y5Ss 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhBVDz1cTFQg8rqKi6aUs5LWs%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D455953e62bbb60f64132346ae6bf04021f3c406d06c37e00ed26d1f9affcb26c&width=1280&sign=TvIPqIp18rx0nUNOEzYtZCMcbZNvFwTSipOL6BnZEm0" /></a>
<p>Find you a man who looks at you the way Master Key looks at a Twinkie.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-30:/2018/6/30/758/revisiting-snow-mesa2018-06-30T17:00:23Z2018-06-30T17:00:23ZRevisiting Snow Mesa <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/30/758/revisiting-snow-mesa"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzZD5gv7HQvNPe1Kccr2qzTa1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D88c7f0f10e697b7076f02b7b7553603165a0984e3f945669e2af4ed5852d6c69&width=1280&sign=iS9fWad2LcSsXg8YaLwqlUuLi9T8Vr5KUNWWJ98Rvvw 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzZD5gv7HQvNPe1Kccr2qzTa1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D88c7f0f10e697b7076f02b7b7553603165a0984e3f945669e2af4ed5852d6c69&width=2560&sign=nyLBsRiDpUYcS7KSX9GQKyo2FWgvRxEdBT6T3jilp8c 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Field, Grassland, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzZD5gv7HQvNPe1Kccr2qzTa1%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D88c7f0f10e697b7076f02b7b7553603165a0984e3f945669e2af4ed5852d6c69&width=1280&sign=iS9fWad2LcSsXg8YaLwqlUuLi9T8Vr5KUNWWJ98Rvvw" /></a>
<p>Two years ago, Snow Mesa was the site of one of our scariest experiences hiking - getting hit by an unexpected lightning storm above treeline with no quick bailout. Despite good weather, we were both pretty nervous about coming back. No problems this time around thankfully.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-29:/2018/6/29/757/san-juan-wilderness2018-06-29T21:20:38Z2018-06-29T21:20:38ZSan Juan Wilderness <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/29/757/san-juan-wilderness"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FD7X5Z73Ei2tKMSnfvjV8P1Ay%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd5828b5e18d2405e55a65ce1e266ebe3b3ae876bdfa65caa9e4a242c41719584&width=1280&sign=qfNeVMupDuikZZxeJe7FDWrvl5MLvg6AKRqnIjserSA 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FD7X5Z73Ei2tKMSnfvjV8P1Ay%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd5828b5e18d2405e55a65ce1e266ebe3b3ae876bdfa65caa9e4a242c41719584&width=2560&sign=nAyfdfTGeGHqSBsYSBvEb-_sb2maeGZVuK5pHyyC-Vs 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FD7X5Z73Ei2tKMSnfvjV8P1Ay%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dd5828b5e18d2405e55a65ce1e266ebe3b3ae876bdfa65caa9e4a242c41719584&width=1280&sign=qfNeVMupDuikZZxeJe7FDWrvl5MLvg6AKRqnIjserSA" /></a>
<p>It’s pretty easy to see why the San Juan Wilderness is such a highlight of the CDT. We were very relieved it worked out snow and fire wise for us.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-29:/2018/6/29/756/colorado-trail-redux2018-06-29T20:44:55Z2018-06-29T20:44:55ZColorado Trail Redux <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/29/756/colorado-trail-redux"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhRPjkznWbbuDQj3TNz5E2iDG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D88260ababa00e3ed4703366a7eb54b0e3e2479fb77dfd584fcc7811aabea0bf8&width=1280&sign=TsGTS6I6NfVQ6dMfXNoBJ-RdxrHzjgrAWxD4qS8bk9k 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhRPjkznWbbuDQj3TNz5E2iDG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D88260ababa00e3ed4703366a7eb54b0e3e2479fb77dfd584fcc7811aabea0bf8&width=2560&sign=48gqtGoZANYVzLN3b7zbr-LBOBERZaKSQnK52gh8NIE 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors, Land, Plateau, Tundra" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FhRPjkznWbbuDQj3TNz5E2iDG%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D88260ababa00e3ed4703366a7eb54b0e3e2479fb77dfd584fcc7811aabea0bf8&width=1280&sign=TsGTS6I6NfVQ6dMfXNoBJ-RdxrHzjgrAWxD4qS8bk9k" /></a>
<p>Near Silverton, the CDT connects with the Colorado Trail and coincides for a couple hundred miles. We hiked most the CT in 2016, so we got to pick up the few miles we missed to complete it and more importantly, got to hike a lot of our favorite sections again!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-29:/2018/6/29/755/416-smoke2018-06-29T12:44:23Z2018-06-29T12:44:23Z416 Smoke <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/29/755/416-smoke"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fw4Vcy8RV2NCGTU1GaSRw1KcT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D4f3a9142cdd1aa63a24f8d10a7838fa0bdc111d32d1eac69a2be17a0f297d03a&width=1280&sign=xyuzfVlBJLrvR-KW7Wpb9oDWtBkeDEVkwJqc1Te1Ulc 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fw4Vcy8RV2NCGTU1GaSRw1KcT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D4f3a9142cdd1aa63a24f8d10a7838fa0bdc111d32d1eac69a2be17a0f297d03a&width=2560&sign=N0RQXSg0qMe92630UN_ec5PSRugN_hromb6YQC_hi-4 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fw4Vcy8RV2NCGTU1GaSRw1KcT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D4f3a9142cdd1aa63a24f8d10a7838fa0bdc111d32d1eac69a2be17a0f297d03a&width=1280&sign=xyuzfVlBJLrvR-KW7Wpb9oDWtBkeDEVkwJqc1Te1Ulc" /></a>
<p>This was just about the worst of the smoke we got from the 416 fire. We knew we had a bit of distance from the fire already and were heading away from it so it wasn’t particularly scary, but the San Juan forest did close the day after we got our as a precaution.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-29:/2018/6/29/754/pine-beetle-smoke2018-06-29T12:44:10Z2018-06-29T12:49:13ZPine Beetle Smoke <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/29/754/pine-beetle-smoke"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzJZaPGpvyKRKW7TcmZ54FwiV%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0a2ae0252f473d5a0a8689dec7a7259b6c5c85c4bd87b5b26c0b065a51d85317&width=1280&sign=NH_plxe0DNEB4neZ3pktBWlfLe07Py8chXqz9mjCdKU 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzJZaPGpvyKRKW7TcmZ54FwiV%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0a2ae0252f473d5a0a8689dec7a7259b6c5c85c4bd87b5b26c0b065a51d85317&width=2560&sign=G2rksSMxfJqaJhWRDnUNQd9f5WND7uVrSHGoj-mjGpk 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Flora, Forest, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Plant, Tree, Vegetation, Conifer" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FzJZaPGpvyKRKW7TcmZ54FwiV%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0a2ae0252f473d5a0a8689dec7a7259b6c5c85c4bd87b5b26c0b065a51d85317&width=1280&sign=NH_plxe0DNEB4neZ3pktBWlfLe07Py8chXqz9mjCdKU" /></a>
<p>More pine beetle kill in the San Juan National Forest, with a backdrop of thick smoke from the 416. If the fire were to spread to this area, it would burn incredibly quickly, and probably for the best. Beetle kill trees need to be cleared one way or the other, and in a wilderness area, fire may be the only real way to do it.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-28:/2018/6/28/753/smoke-rolling-in2018-06-28T14:39:19Z2018-06-28T14:39:19ZSmoke Rolling In <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/28/753/smoke-rolling-in"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5fjdqTSW6dv8pF9TmDkfUwGB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da732b701edcb1d1f67cea610ced43626a02d67dce6552e43cf482e92a532f184&width=1280&sign=EgUER1O5m7DX0huPkcE_8VpL4rj0-aJUoqUHdlo1vFQ 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5fjdqTSW6dv8pF9TmDkfUwGB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da732b701edcb1d1f67cea610ced43626a02d67dce6552e43cf482e92a532f184&width=2560&sign=xSreCxOdiWHwjTfT1YBwx5P0nrBTLUnNNpsZmSUYAqo 2x" alt="" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F5fjdqTSW6dv8pF9TmDkfUwGB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Da732b701edcb1d1f67cea610ced43626a02d67dce6552e43cf482e92a532f184&width=1280&sign=EgUER1O5m7DX0huPkcE_8VpL4rj0-aJUoqUHdlo1vFQ" /></a>
<p>For a couple days we had an interesting weather cycle - wake up to clear skies in the morning, and in the early afternoon, smoke from the 416 fire would roll in and cover the sky.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-27:/2018/6/27/752/cdt-knife-s-edge2018-06-27T23:50:34Z2018-06-27T23:50:34ZCDT Knife’s Edge <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/27/752/cdt-knife-s-edge"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6nF8Yv8A3YXTYMDQKH8Ms9oL%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D599f5901bde97c0806c6c9516edad7a754ae464bc89e790e6425ca29c802e829&width=1280&sign=blcwATXKDhlpGgtqVpU-MVrZXDVN3rdUTMaKI4kQRA0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6nF8Yv8A3YXTYMDQKH8Ms9oL%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D599f5901bde97c0806c6c9516edad7a754ae464bc89e790e6425ca29c802e829&width=2560&sign=IQio292Rnzgnz82a-xOS1HXhzo3sJ0nD0nNE_5xHlcA 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Adventure, Climbing, Leisure Activities, Outdoors, Sport, Sports" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6nF8Yv8A3YXTYMDQKH8Ms9oL%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D599f5901bde97c0806c6c9516edad7a754ae464bc89e790e6425ca29c802e829&width=1280&sign=blcwATXKDhlpGgtqVpU-MVrZXDVN3rdUTMaKI4kQRA0" /></a>
<p>Apparently every leg of the Triple Crown has a section called Knife’s Edge. The CDTs is in actually pretty tame compared to the others, but had a couple spots we had to go through snow on.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-27:/2018/6/27/751/416-smoke2018-06-27T12:42:01Z2018-06-27T12:44:53ZCO Wildfires <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/27/751/416-smoke"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDQ86GV7vxJt1kdGRbFeYRPDB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D73e11ef76d7508c4c79e60baae4a9803431ebac3b3cbda0264e5af66a3ac39e2&width=1280&sign=ro6evDsre6szu3C9u8d7U4ylRStewedHWMpeEGSThjA 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDQ86GV7vxJt1kdGRbFeYRPDB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D73e11ef76d7508c4c79e60baae4a9803431ebac3b3cbda0264e5af66a3ac39e2&width=2560&sign=R1vObdQbkXh-3BJtb2FXit7cSiWowoEneA9-xYtPSWU 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Hiking, Leisure Activities, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FDQ86GV7vxJt1kdGRbFeYRPDB%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D73e11ef76d7508c4c79e60baae4a9803431ebac3b3cbda0264e5af66a3ac39e2&width=1280&sign=ro6evDsre6szu3C9u8d7U4ylRStewedHWMpeEGSThjA" /></a>
<p>The official CDT route in southern CO makes a bit of a C shape, cutting west to hit the San Juan range. Just a bit further southwest than the bottom of the C is Durango, and one of the bigger fires in Colorado this summer - the 416 fire. This was the first we saw smoke from it, which is particularly unnerving in this area due to the massive amounts of dead trees from Pine Beetles - note the entire forest behind us is dead and dry.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-27:/2018/6/27/750/sky-pilot2018-06-27T12:41:42Z2018-06-27T12:41:42ZSky Pilot <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/27/750/sky-pilot"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgT8HhXKhgvsyBk3EMEMpu4eT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5bee74b9297e5f148e3c478dc902cf9ef4df797f6c74f64eb6173140d46dde1c&width=1280&sign=s-mhMLfEKn3DhCfg0urx3TR-1Vn3KIkBb6dBg0XUvK8 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgT8HhXKhgvsyBk3EMEMpu4eT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5bee74b9297e5f148e3c478dc902cf9ef4df797f6c74f64eb6173140d46dde1c&width=2560&sign=cUQOS-w6EUoPQAD85i6EwL_K7qpGoYHH5a2s8y6_YUo 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Blossom, Flora, Flower, Plant, Violet, Crocus, Geranium" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FgT8HhXKhgvsyBk3EMEMpu4eT%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D5bee74b9297e5f148e3c478dc902cf9ef4df797f6c74f64eb6173140d46dde1c&width=1280&sign=s-mhMLfEKn3DhCfg0urx3TR-1Vn3KIkBb6dBg0XUvK8" /></a>
<p>When previously hiking the Colorado Trail in July, we saw a ton of different kinds of wildflowers. I suspect due to the early snow melt this year the flower schedule is a bit odd, but we’ve been seeing a ton of one of my favorites - Sky Pilot!</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-26:/2018/6/26/749/colorado-alpine2018-06-26T22:34:35Z2018-06-26T22:34:35ZColorado Alpine <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/26/749/colorado-alpine"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2iT7sscsM1hKZXccrJa2JWyd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D89555c7192fcaa9d4a5296f044db1cf8c3d7f933477970e78e20d124e0514cde&width=1280&sign=XCSyeS5qRy61ftKgphah_8XQlHNcBehjFb5oReGVnz4 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2iT7sscsM1hKZXccrJa2JWyd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D89555c7192fcaa9d4a5296f044db1cf8c3d7f933477970e78e20d124e0514cde&width=2560&sign=O-jHQ5NzgSUuIYnqGdip_Hui-zgmmzGyLDCmrut66eA 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Crest, Mountain, Mountain Range, Nature, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2iT7sscsM1hKZXccrJa2JWyd%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D89555c7192fcaa9d4a5296f044db1cf8c3d7f933477970e78e20d124e0514cde&width=1280&sign=XCSyeS5qRy61ftKgphah_8XQlHNcBehjFb5oReGVnz4" /></a>
<p>Knock and Slobber clilmbing above beetle kill and alpine lakes.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-26:/2018/6/26/748/weminuche-wilderness2018-06-26T17:01:23Z2018-06-26T17:01:23ZWeminuche Wilderness <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/26/748/weminuche-wilderness"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FK7oMEg5GuwiaEvN7gPB6oaSt%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc20238ec78eb2182a5c5eb163df4c538092861292587e21408724272553062d4&width=1280&sign=ssXwLuDWz4TEuxD_z2ZsZG269cSCRxAfdnteQy4wpIo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FK7oMEg5GuwiaEvN7gPB6oaSt%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc20238ec78eb2182a5c5eb163df4c538092861292587e21408724272553062d4&width=2560&sign=q_Xrf0rAyPk7ZTPVAdUfjYfwOVcH2fT5m4iX6UsKtV4 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Lumber, Wood" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FK7oMEg5GuwiaEvN7gPB6oaSt%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3Dc20238ec78eb2182a5c5eb163df4c538092861292587e21408724272553062d4&width=1280&sign=ssXwLuDWz4TEuxD_z2ZsZG269cSCRxAfdnteQy4wpIo" /></a>
<p>Another iconi wilderness in southwest Colorado - the Weminuche.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-24:/2018/6/24/747/blowdowns2018-06-24T17:00:29Z2018-06-24T17:00:29ZBlowdowns <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/24/747/blowdowns"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FuykeDKo1rDoZhsV9kgNgCaGx%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0270463083bb6de04c7a5d889577d0feca96ed962368ed2087d42d7b6778fdc0&width=1280&sign=mESxCbyzv9XdumyESdrbrbOODAVDpdqMCtMkjUxHZwo 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FuykeDKo1rDoZhsV9kgNgCaGx%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0270463083bb6de04c7a5d889577d0feca96ed962368ed2087d42d7b6778fdc0&width=2560&sign=_qnF_zH4S0jA1CAty1zMXa2g5tupKtjiGo-dlikp4w4 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Flora, Forest, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Plant, Tree, Vegetation" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2FuykeDKo1rDoZhsV9kgNgCaGx%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D0270463083bb6de04c7a5d889577d0feca96ed962368ed2087d42d7b6778fdc0&width=1280&sign=mESxCbyzv9XdumyESdrbrbOODAVDpdqMCtMkjUxHZwo" /></a>
<p>South of Wolf Creek Pass was chock full of blowdowns we had to climb over, under and around.</p>
Clif Reedertag:hikerilluminati.com,2018-06-23:/2018/6/23/746/knock-in-the-rio-grande-national-forest2018-06-23T17:01:16Z2018-06-23T17:01:16ZKnock in the Rio Grande National Forest <a href="https://hikerilluminati.com/2018/6/23/746/knock-in-the-rio-grande-national-forest"><img srcset="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fp9sj5mzMrjRJYtEkVThwvTDz%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67c08853bf9860217fc2bd3f737994484af954891bdd4ef738dfd4c4aaf6a5a0&width=1280&sign=1jar41FXWyz5-XvyWnKx-4gP7EORFc_r7WLv5MzYVY0 1x, https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fp9sj5mzMrjRJYtEkVThwvTDz%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67c08853bf9860217fc2bd3f737994484af954891bdd4ef738dfd4c4aaf6a5a0&width=2560&sign=COYxI3w5-4Zn3MsUVcsDtohdzEMpSotNlZRAN_5V4rM 2x" alt="Photo may contain: Human, People, Person, Hiking, Leisure Activities, Outdoors" src="https://imaginary.hikerilluminati.com/resize?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclifff-denali.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fp9sj5mzMrjRJYtEkVThwvTDz%3FX-Amz-Algorithm%3DAWS4-HMAC-SHA256%26X-Amz-Credential%3DAKIAYLWGQXP3HTAGX46X%252F20240317%252Fus-east-1%252Fs3%252Faws4_request%26X-Amz-Date%3D20240317T163627Z%26X-Amz-Expires%3D604800%26X-Amz-SignedHeaders%3Dhost%26X-Amz-Signature%3D67c08853bf9860217fc2bd3f737994484af954891bdd4ef738dfd4c4aaf6a5a0&width=1280&sign=1jar41FXWyz5-XvyWnKx-4gP7EORFc_r7WLv5MzYVY0" /></a>
<p>Knock surveying Rio Grande National Forest as we get near Wolf Creek Pass. </p>
Clif Reeder