Colorado Trail Series
Day 5 - Part 2
Highline Trail / Indian Trail Ridge to Taylor Lake
Hiked: 6 miles
Elevation: average 12,000 +/- ft.
High point: 12,310 ft.
Only 6 miles to go until camp - Oh, did I mention it averages 12,000 feet above sea level the entire way? Over rocks, up and down short steep inclines and declines, ON the spine of the ridge line ( not around it) with high winds whipping around our heads. Let's throw in the thunderstorm moving in from the West with visible sheets of rain and lightening strikes. Ok, I admit it was a bit nerve wracking for me but I would do it again in a heartbeat. This section of trail "Highline Trail" is also listed on some maps as "Indian Trail Ridge". It is accessible from the Taylor Lake / Kennebec Pass parking area, just a short drive from our home. We have access to go back to it as a day hike anytime. I can't wait to revisit it this summer when the monsoons aren't threatening us.
~click to enlarge photos~
Another sign assuring us we are on the right path. There are other trails in this area that head West and not South so it was nice to have the intersections marked. Only 4 1/2 miles to water and camp! Until then it's goodbye trees and hello exposure.
Looking Southwest at Sharkstooth Peak and the impending storm.
Add another rock to the cairn.
It's not always clear where the trail lies, especially when the snow is still on the ground and there are no trees to nail signs to or blaze.
Highline Trail / Indian Trail Ridge to Taylor Lake
Hiked: 6 miles
Elevation: average 12,000 +/- ft.
High point: 12,310 ft.
Only 6 miles to go until camp - Oh, did I mention it averages 12,000 feet above sea level the entire way? Over rocks, up and down short steep inclines and declines, ON the spine of the ridge line ( not around it) with high winds whipping around our heads. Let's throw in the thunderstorm moving in from the West with visible sheets of rain and lightening strikes. Ok, I admit it was a bit nerve wracking for me but I would do it again in a heartbeat. This section of trail "Highline Trail" is also listed on some maps as "Indian Trail Ridge". It is accessible from the Taylor Lake / Kennebec Pass parking area, just a short drive from our home. We have access to go back to it as a day hike anytime. I can't wait to revisit it this summer when the monsoons aren't threatening us.
~click to enlarge photos~
It's not always clear where the trail lies, especially when the snow is still on the ground and there are no trees to nail signs to or blaze.
Looks like we might be in for some rain.
Ankle twister for sure.
The "trail" was about 4-6 feet wide.
Down to the East.
Don't Fall!
The first view of Taylor Lake.
The end is near.
Downhills are my thing!
So I took the lead for the last section of the day.
In most of the pictures it may look like I was in the lead, but in reality Jim was scurrying up the climbs and waiting for me to catch up. We leap frogged up and down and across the ridge line all afternoon. At one point we hunkered down in some low bushes for a snack while I panicked over the sound of thunder and the approaching storm. Amazingly, the storm skirted to the south of us and we never experienced anything but wind that day. I wonder how far we could've seen on a clear day? I can't stress enough the love for our hiking sticks though out this section. With our balance compromised by our packs, the wind and the rough trail conditions, it was glorious to have extra points of contact.
More pictures from camp to come...
Stay tuned!
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