3 Highlights:
1. Reaching 4000m
2. Lunch in a beautiful valley
3. Hitch with David and his stories
Daily Summary:
– Distance hiked: ~20 km
– Starting point: km 2742, close to Vasquez Peak Wilderness boundary
– Ending point: Silverthorne
– Weather conditions: Sunny
Daily Reflections:
The day began slowly with hot coffee and soup, the essentials to get moving in the cold. Oz darted up the mountain like it was nothing while we lumbered behind, aiming for the +4000m peak. It was windy, so we layered up and began the climb.
After four long hours, we reached the top, where we paused to capture some celebratory photos, looking strong but feeling the climb in our bones. By then, hunger was winning, and we found a gorgeous valley to have our second lunch—because why not? The scenery was too good not to soak in.
The descent, however, wasn’t as smooth. I was pumped about the climb and floated the idea of hitting Greys Peak next. This turned into a long mental wrestling match with Bessy, who was understandably exhausted. The decision was made—town, not another peak.
We hitched a ride after about 20 minutes of thumb-waving. David, a rancher whose family roots go back to 1878, picked us up. He regaled us with tales of sheep herding, black angus cattle, and encounters with dangerous wildlife. If bears weren’t already haunting Bessy’s dreams, she’s now got pumas to worry about thanks to David.
Once in Silverthorne, we hit Wendy’s—not for the food, which was predictably terrible, but for the free Wi-Fi and a bathroom. Hotels were outrageously expensive, and camping in town wasn’t happening. So, we followed in the footsteps of other CDT hikers, trekking 3km east and climbing 200m to find a “decent” spot for our tent. By 9 pm, we were finally set up.
Not quite the celebration I had envisioned after hitting 4000m. Tomorrow, we’ll take it easier, maybe hang around town, and definitely plan better so we don’t end up camping in random spots again. Night night.
Aiming high
On top of the world after breaking the 4000m barrier!
Clowning high
4000 meter hikers
Hitchiking
