CDTS Notes
By Mark Davis, cdt@startlivingthetruth.com
Northern Montana
Bob Marshall, Section 2 (unless you take Flathead alternate). Strawberry Creek to Sun River Pass,
11.2-16.2 (or Clack Creek Trail No. 160 alternate from 11.2 to Switchback Pass).
When I crossed Strawberry Creek, it was about knee deep and 25 yards across. Climbing from
the creek there is a damp area and it is bridged for a while but the boards are rotting and in need
of repair. The Mt May Trail is signed but I did not observe either the Scalp Creek or Basin Creek
trails descending to the right. I did see a tree with 3 nails in it that may once have held a sign, but
I suspect both are now abandoned. In Grizzly Park the trail now coming in from the left is also
signed for Mt May. Transition to Sun River Pass trail is clear. The junction at 15.4 is no longer
quite as obscure. If you go right you are greeted with a "Trail Not Maintained" sign, and if you
proceed straight ahead you see a Sun River Pass Trail 116 sign in a hundred yards or so. It is no
longer as obviously a burned area. At about 16.0 is a fence and a 3-pole gate, but the top pole is
broken, so this may no longer be a viable fence.
Scapegoat, Section 2. 0.0-3.8 (Green Fork to Straight Creek Pass).
The bridge at 0.3 has been rebuilt with cross-planks, not logs. We debated whether we could see
the man's face (we were there at 8 AM) but later observers of the pictures I took could see it. I did
not check on the spring at 1.4 since all the draws across the trail were running with water. Effects
of fire still obvious and most trees are only in the 2-3 foot range. The spring at 2.8 had very good
water. The crossings at 2.9 and 3.2 were dry even in a wet June. One section of the long
switchback has been rebuilt for about 100 yards with log supports widening the trail in this area
to nearly 4 feet. Overall the description in the guidebook is accurate and the tread is generally in
good condition. (observed June 24)
Scapegoat, Section 3. 6.7-11.6 (Valley of the Moon, including new construction). Before
descending to the Valley, try to observe water locations there; after descent, verify such locations. (See
September 2002 newsletter, which may need to be corrected.)
From the ridge before descending into the Valley of the Moon, you can clearly see a stream and a
small lake (will send pictures in November). Descending the ridge you do drop off to the right
SSW to a sign that says CDT #440, then turn sharply to the left and contour around the ridge and
drop, steeply in places, to the valley floor. There you cross a creek about 5 feet across with good
flow (at least in June) at N47 deg,10.285 min, W112 deg,35.133 min at elevation of 7525 feet. In
a short distance (.2 mi or less) the trail crosses the outlet to a small lake or pond at N47,10.878'
W112,34.971'. The trail tread was about 6 inches under water at the edge of the lake, so I suspect
once the snow melts it ceases to flow through the outlet and becomes a shrinking pond. My belief
is that the first creek would be more reliable, but that is mere speculation better confirmed by
someone in September. The trail tread is quite clear from here, so no need for the compass
bearing. It climbs steeply from the lake, then more gradually and finally contours to an unmarked
junction (sorry, forgot to take coordinates). From there you go left (north) steeply uphill, then
veer back east following cairns just south of the divide, eventually sinking to a saddle that I
believe is 12.3 (N47,10.481' W112,33.737' Elev 7968 feet) (observed 6/25)
Southern Montana and Idaho
Helena, Section 4. Supplement 12.5-15.0 (Greenhorn Mountain to Mullan Pass area).
If there was a junction at 12.5 where the road veers SE, I missed it. At about 13.2 there was a
signed junction where the road goes SW and the trail heads left under the powerline down a
rocky jeep road. Entering the meadow as you describe it approaches the power lines again near
the convergence of roads at the "low bottom". The CDT emblem is missing on the left turn (as
are several in this vicinity, likely due to vandalism) but if you miss the turn you come
immediately to another junction where signed road 1855 heads NW (sharp right from the
perspective of someone who misses the junction). The rest of the description of this area seemed
good to me. (observed 6/28/05)
Helena, Section 5. Supplement 3.9-7.3 (Bear Gulch Trail to Mike Renig Gulch). Describe the new trail
that follows the crest instead of descending on Bear Gulch jeep trail.
At 3.9 depart to the left by a post. Descend gradually (1 switchback) for about half a mile. Just
before entering a meadow pass a large Douglas fir (I could not get my arms even halfway around
it). Upon entering the meadow keep left by the posts. Find the next section of trail in the woods
by heading SE avoiding cattle trails and cow pies. For the next mile follow the serpentine
meanderings of the Trail as it sticks close to the Divide but avoids the rocky high points.
Gradually ascend for another half mile culminating in another small meadow with views to the
SE. Cross the meadow (about 50 yards) a little east of south to pick up the trail tread again.
Within .1 mile make a sharp right on a jeep road and descend .2 mile to where the jeep road is
closed. Veer left and descend more steeply for .1 mile to a CDT post sitting in a seep by the road.
Turn left and you will cross the creek identified at 7.3 in the Supplement. [sorry but distances are
just my estimates] (observed 6/29)
Helena, Section 7. Supplement 0.0-2.0 (Champion Pass). There may be new construction here; if so,
please describe.
I could see no sign of any new trail or plans for a new trail. (observed 7/1/05)
Butte, Section 5. Supplement 13.2- (Fleecer Ridge to Hungry Hill Mine). Check new construction,
especially the three miles starting at 16.5. Is water accessible from the new trail at 14.4?
I believe the Fleecer Ridge junction has moved from the supplement description. After I reached
the level ground of Fleecer Ridge it was less than .1 miles to the signed junction. you arrive at a
T-intersection where Fleecer Ridge Tr #95 goes left and the CDT right. Contour north and west
around the mountain for about half a mile, dropping near the end to a saddle curiously signed
Burnt Mountain (N45 deg,55.913' W112 deg,50.140' Elev 8150 feet. Burnt Mtn itself is about .4
miles away at a 057 bearing. From the saddle climb with 2 switchbacks and then hike fairly
levelly along the ridge for .4 miles. Come to an L-shaped meadow about 150 yards long and stick
to the right side of the short side of 'L' and crossing to the left side as you descend the long arm
into some trees with a small CDT sign. Descend through several long switchbacks for about half
a mile until you reach Ditch Saddle. (N45,55.888' W112,51.072' Elev 7838 feet) From Ditch
Saddle it seemed a bit more than .6 mi to the stump intersection at 15.9. The new CDT-signed
trail tread takes off at 16.5 where the jeep road drops to Jerry Creek. It is mostly level for the first
.5 miles where it passes to the left of a meadow where a small trickle goes through a culvert at
N45,55.961' W112,53.272' Elev 7970 feet. The trail begins to climb at .7 and passes a CDT sign
on at post at .9 (N45,55.951 W112,53.585' Elev 8049). Through a clearing at 1.1 the Butte area is
visible and then the trail resumes climbing through trees. It reaches a high point just below the
Divide at about 1.7 (N45,55.758' W112,53.973' Elev 8567 feet). The trail turns to parallel the
Divide and then regains it at 1.9 (N45,55.608' W112,54.004' Elev 8517 feet). Hike level and then
veer east and descend slowly, then more rapidly, reaching road 83 at about 3.0 (N45,55.468'
W112,54.707' Elev 8281 feet). (observed 7/7)
Anaconda-Pintler, Section 6. Supplement 0.0 (or 1.2)-6.9 (Gibbons Pass to Chief Joseph Pass). New
construction needs to be GPS'd.
Somehow I missed the new trail in the previous section, so did not hike to Gibbons Pass. I took
the Trail Creek Rd back to the recommended camp site at .8 where I spent the night. I rejoined
the trail at 1.2 as recommended in the text and found the most over-signed section on the trail, all
about 9 feet up for the skiers. The intersection with FR 1260 is at N45,42.276' W113,55.446 Elev
7371 feet. There was a bench sitting on a rocky knoll just off the trail at about 5.5 (N45,42.161
W113,55.551' Elev 7435 feet). The new trail at 5.2 goes only about a mile and then uses a dirt
road to get to the parking lot. My remaining notes for this section got smeared, so I question their
accuracy and rather than give you bad GPS info I will give none. The trail does go by a huge ski
"hut" along the road and about 100 yards past it the trail heads left along the boundary of a
clearcut. It reaches the parking lot at N45,41.150' W113,55.995' Elev 7320 feet. (observed 7/12)
Big Hole, Section 2. Guidebook 8.1-9.6 (South Fork of Fish Creek). Check the route from the crossing of
Sheep Creek, as described in October 2003 newsletter.
The route heads in the same general direction in this area but now does not intersect the road. At
a ridge at about 8.9 there is now a sign for a Cut Off Trail to Fourth of July Road #071. The trail
is level for a bit and then rises to an unmarked junction near 9.6 where a trail comes in from the
right, presumably from the road. The CDT is signed in both directions and the new 3-foot wide
tread continues uphill in a SE direction. (observed 7/12)
Dillon, Section 4B. Supplement 3.2-3.4 (new bridge?) and 4.5-7.0 (Henderson Gulch to Deadman Lake).
In particular, does the descending new trail pass a spring?
There is a new bridge at 3.3, big and sturdy enough to probably hold all the southbound
thruhikers in any given year. I did not take the remainder of the official route in this area, so
cannot comment on 4.5 to 7.0. I opted instead to go over Nicholia-Deadman Pass by Italian Peak,
cross the Divide at Divide Lake, following its outlet creek down to an easy cross country jaunt to
Bannack Pass. Highly recommended by everyone who took it this year. (observed 7/21)
Centennial Mountains, Section 5. Guidebook 2.7-3.6 (start of unofficial trail to Lillian Lake).
The junction at 2.7 is signed Lillian Lake and the path to the right across the meadow is clear.
Once across the meadow (about .1 mi) you head up and down, though generally ascending,
through a series of gullies (I counted 5). The last one had a small flow in it (I think this is 3.1)
and from there you climb fairly steeply and the rest of the description seems pretty accurate.
Wyoming
Old Faithful, Section 1. Supplement 16.0? (junction with official trail). GPS needed.
I say the junction is at about 15.4, just as you start the climb. GPS reading is N44,26.251'
W111,06.313' Elev 7967'.
Old Faithful, Section 2. Supplement 3.2-3.5 (entrance to Yellowstone National Park) - also GPS
for creek crossing east of Summit Lake.
The trailhead is at a hairpin turn in the old road and was marked by surveyor tape, a cairn and,
further back, a sign. If you are paying attention as you approach it should be easy to spot. GPS
N44,24.485' W111,05.836' Elev 8143'. From there you ascend, drop a bit, then hike fairly level to
the to the T-junction with the Summit Lake Trail, where you turn left. Junction GPS reading is
N44,24.315' W111,05.531' Elev 8263'. The reason for the confusion about the creek crossing is
that you cross it multiple times, passing to the left bank at N44,25.319' W110,55.454' Elev 8601'
(remember, the elevation accuracy of my GPS is not as good as the location, which is usually
within 20 feet). You cross back in .2 mi, and recross in another .2 mi. All 3 of these crossings
were dry. I think the one hikers would be interested in was the one in another mile or so in the
meadow where you cross back to right side over some drinkable water with a GPS reading of
N44,26.252' W110,54.943' Elev 8280'.
Teton Wilderness, Section 2. Supplement 4.0-5.9 (Snake River). Are the reported elevations ok?
Sorry I missed checking these. I can tell you all the fords of the Snake have been eliminated up to
7.8.
Teton Wilderness, Section 4. Guidebook 13.3-14.6 (North Fork Trail). GPS for wilderness boundary sign
and turnoff to South Buffalo Fork [or description of official route via Soda Fork].
I took the Soda Fork official route after being passed by more than 50 horses on the guidebook
route. Soda Fork had no horse traffic (though some signs of it) and I found the route to be
generally very pleasant. I took about a dozen GPS readings that I saved but don't have the time to
transcribe all of them now, so hopefully you can make do with the description and I can send you
the GPS readings when I return home. From the junction (unsigned but a lot of vandalism in this
section) with N Buffalo trail, turn left and descend .3 mi to the ford, which is about knee-deep
and 20 yards across with a fair current. Go about .4 mi to where a trail comes in from the right
where you first come upon Soda Fork. There are good views ahead from here and this would be a
nice campsite. From there you hike levelly on the right (north) side of the stream on the margin
between the willows in the valley and the slope of the adjacent ridge. You reach a junction in .5
mi with a signed outfitter trail that comes in from the right. You climb briefly onto the bench
above the valley and hike in trees without much elevation change for .7 mi. At this point you
cross a creek and climb steadily for 1.5 miles where your reach another small creek. Along the
way you get occasional glimpses through the trees of the color-banded cliffs across the valley.
Contour from here about .5 mi to a signed junction with Soda Fork continues ahead and the
Nowlin Meadow Trail (marked CDT) turns right. Descend crossing one small creek and then
reaching a ford of Soda Fork (though a log crossing was possible upstream) in about .3 mi. After
crossing the creek you enter a meadow with good views ahead and a forest service cabin on the
left in the trees about .2 mi after the crossing. From there climb .2 mi on a well-graded
switchbacks to a shallow lake with algae. Continue the climb another .4 mi to a creek, then climb
more through mixed forest and meadow for another .8 mi until you break out into Howlin
Meadown with excellent views. Head down the meadow and then turn right in about .2 mi and
reenter the forest to avoid a damp area at the end of the meadow. Go up and down a bit for about
.4 mi where you enter Upper Howlin meadow. Cross the meadow and begin to follow the stream
that drains the meadow on its left bank (a campsite is about 50 yards away across the meadow on
the opposite side of the stream) and descend in trees. Cross the stream in .5 mi and ascend a ridge
with views of the S Buffalo Fork in .2 mi. Descend .5 mi to a junction with the S Buffalo Fork
trail (right to CDT, left back to the falls). Drop another .8 mi to the intersect the guidebook route
where you turn left towards the ford. (Note: mileages are rough estimates and should be checked
for accuracy.)
Gros Ventre, Section 4. Supplement 8.2-14.2 (Gunsight Pass to Green River Lakes). Watch carefully for
junction at 8.6 (signed? GPS?) and obtain GPS where trail reaches Green River valley (14.0?).
As you may have seen in my journal, I couldn't find the junction so don't have a gps for you. Trail
is not obvious in this location, in my opinion. When I got to Green River I mistakenly took the
gps at Mill Creek (N43,18.894' W109,51.210') instead of where the trail hit the valley, but it was
about .2 miles as the supplement indicates. Sorry.
Great Divide Basin, Section 1. Supplement 18.5 (Bulls Springs). Describe spring condition, including
reported exclosure.
I took a couple pictures of Bull Springs that I will send later. First thing to note is that I believe
BLM developed a different spring than the one you describe as a quarter mile from the end of the
section. I saw the one you describe when I took Ley's alternate on the east side of Coyote Springs
rim. The spring with the exclosure is directly across the creek bed from where the section ends.
The wood rail exclosure is effective at keeping out the cattle. A rock retining wall traps the water
in about a 10-foot diameter pool. There is a corrugated 2-foot diameter pipe with lid (similar in
appearance to Weasel Spring) at the edge of the pool for hiker access. There are 2 black pipes
running into the pool and a 6-inch overflow pipe. When I was there no water was running in via
the black pipes, though there may have been natural seepage into the pool. It was a few inches
below the oveflow, so seemed to not be flowing much, if at all. The water in the pool had quite a
bit of algae. In the hiker pipe, there was a film on the surface and some algae in the water.
Fortunately I had taken on extra water at the solar well a few miles back, so only had to filter a
little of this water. Perhaps it was better earlier in the season, but it did not look that good now.
Northern Colorado
Sierra Madre, Section 4. Supplement 0.0-1.3? (entrance to Medicine Bow National Forest). Describe and
GPS new construction until it intercepts supplement description.
As you may note in my journal, the new route is started but not complete. The new route, when
completed does start right at the beginning of the existing section, not 10.4 of the previous one
(N41,18.089' W107,13.998' Elev 7825'). It switchbacks up to the ridge as described to
N41,18.629' W107,13.583' Elev 8272'. At this point there was no tread but survey stakes, but I
spotted tread on the way up knoll 8422 and followed that until it gave out. There was a cairn at
the top and I followed the ridgeline from there, seeing one other cairn along the way. I gave up at
the road you mention at 2.5, finding no tread on either side. Following the interim description I
ran into a signed crossing of the new route at N41,18.249' W107,19.899' Elev 8434'. It crosses
again at the 4.0 point in the interim route, and I could see posts a couple times after that above me
near the Divide. All the work looked old and I got the sense the FS was not working actively on it
recently, but that is just an opinion.
Sierra Madre, Section 5. Supplement 12.0- -13.5 (leaving Huston Park Wilderness). Describe and GPS
new construction.
At 12.0 you come to an obvious CDT-signed post in the road with a blazed tree about 50 feet
away indicating the route. The "wet gully" at 12.3 was dry when I was there on 8/21. From there
you climb somewhat steeply on an old jeep road, leaving the road to turn left just short of the
Divide at N41,03.423' W106,54.994' Elev 9701'.
Contour for a bit and then drop to another jeep road with a CDT signed post in the middle at
N41,03.243 W106,55.214' Elev 9502'. Reach the trailhead at N41,02.482' W106,55.606' Elev
9214'.
Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Section 1. Supplement 16.3-21.3 (North Fork of Elk River). Try to follow
guidebook route from Diamond Park jeep road. Note any relocation, especially at the northern end.
GPS?
I took the supplement route, not the guidebook route. I would note 2 things in the general area:
there is a vehicular bridge now crossing the river around 18.0 and there was a fire in the area in
recent years that burned as far as Seedhouse.
Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Section 2. Supplement 2.3-5.3. What is currently marked as CDT? Is the road
still open all the way to 5.3?
I took the Three Islands Lake Trail at 0.7. It was not marked as the CDT and in fact was only
marked back off the road, so unless you were looking for it you wouldn't know it was there.
There was no CDT indication at the junction at 1.9. Not wanting to do any more roadwalking that
day, I chose to continue on up towards the lake, so cannot comment on the road leading to 5.3.
Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Section 6. Supplement 0.0-? (Base Camp Trailhead). Watch for new
construction to get CDT off FR 311. Describe and GPS if the new location has been marked.
The relocation at 0.6 is clearly marked with a CDT emblem and a sign that reads trail #1101. You
start through a meadow drained by a brackish stream that needs to be rock-hopped at 0.8. Walk
through mixed meadow/forest along an old jeep road for the next .3 mi, then through forest with a
slight descent before dropping more steadily to a large meadow at 1.8. Cross at the upper end and
reenter the forest in a slight climb. Leave the jeep road at 2.1 by turning left and descending to
Muddy Creek with views of Dumont Lake through the trees. When you reach the creek head
upstream about 100 yards and cross it on a plank by an abandoned concrete dam at 2.6. Follow
another abandoned road on a levee above the creek and then the lake. At an unsigned junction at
3.2 go left on the old road (right drops you down in 50 feet to a picnic area near the lake with
tables and an outhouse). You intercept the campground road at about 3.5, heading left on it for
about 150 yards. You continue straight ahead on the signed route when that gravel road veers
right. Intercept FR 311 at about 3.8. Turn right and reach Rabbit Ears Pass at 3.9. By the way, the
trail to Muddy Creek trailhead just across the road is signed the CDT and I took it, knowing it led
to a longer roadwalk along highway 40, but naively hoping it would lead to new tread avoiding
the roadwalk. No such luck. Below are the GPS readings for the relocation:
0.6 N40,25.497' W106,39.099' Elev 10,036 ft
2.1 N40,24.641' W106,38.465' Elev 9799'
2.6 N40,24.769' W106,38.305' Elev 9633'
3.2 N40,24.337' W106,37.653' Elev 9638'
3.5 N40,24.250' W106,37.349' Elev 9587'
3.8 N40,24.074' W106,37.104' Elev 9575'
Remember my previous statement that GPS readings have tested accurately, but elevations are
plus or minus at least 50 feet.
Front Range, Section 3. Supplement 3.0-6.1. Route formerly was obscure. Is cairned route evident?
GPS?
I was hiking with Pickle through this area and he said he would do the GPS work. In Section 3 I
did note that there were cairns and tread, but it almost seemed like two routes. The one I was
following faded out and I went cross country and then found another route with tread higher up.
Route is easy to follow being so open, but I don't think there is one clearly marked trail yet.
Front Range, Section 4. Guidebook 1.0-1.6 (James Peak ascent). Is there a marked route? If so, GPS? Also,
guidebook 9.2-10.3 (Colorado Mines Peak to Berthoud Pass) a marked route? GPS?
On the James Peak ascent there were 2 old posts with faded CDT markers at the junction where
you started up. After that I saw nothing to indicate a marked route, though occasionally I would
see what looked like trail through the rocks. I took the official route down and there was clear
tread on that side.
At Colorado Mines Peak the trail hits the road at a signed junction 2 full switchbacks (ie, back
and forth twice) above Berthoud Pass. I did one back and forth and then dropped directly on the
informal path to the pass.
Southern Colorado
Sawatch Range, Section 2. 3.0-3.4 (West Tennessee Creek). Describe any changes here.
The change here actually starts before 3.0 because you never reach that point. You start down the
ridge from 2.7 and then the trail swings to right back up another ridge and continues with ups and
downs until it drops to cross the road and then bridge at identified at 3.3. You no longer cross W
Tennessee Cr on parallell logs after going upstream. Instead the trail generally heads towards and
slightly downstream for .2 mi where it crosses a good bridge of sawn lumber with rails. From
there it heads upstream moving away from the creek and presumably intersects the guidebook
route (I could not find any obvious old tread coming in from the right).
Sawatch Range, Section 3. From 17.9 (Bartlett Gulch to Twin Lakes). You can try the Forest Service
trail that drops directly to Twin Lakes. If so, please make observations.
The description in the Southern Colorado section of the 2005 N Colorado Supplement is fairly
accurate. The unsigned trail (there was a hand-lettered sign that said LT 100 at the base of a small
tree at the junction) crosses FR 125.1C immediately (within 10 yards). There is no "rise a bit at
first"--the trail is level. There is small step-across creek at about 18.3 which presumably is
perennial since I was there Sept 6. The route from 18.0 to the switchbacks at 19.1 is festooned
with survey ribbons, so maybe the FS is planning to improve the trail here though the ribbons go
off in another direction from there. I think the distance from Dayton Gulch (19.5) to the store
(21.1) is overstated. I covered it in about 20 minutes, which seems too quick even considering it
is downhill and I am thinking about the ice cream waiting at the store.
Sawatch Range, Section 4. From Twin Lakes. If you go east of the lakes, note route changes at the dam
(for homeland security reasons). If you go west of the lakes, describe the route you take to guidebook
mile 9.3.
I started along Highway 82 intending to go to the Willis Gulch trailhead, but there was too much
traffic and very little shoulder, so I cut across the open area towards Willis Gulch. The ford of
Lake Creek was about ankle deep and it being so open it was easy to head for where the trail
should be. I ran into a jeep road which I followed uphill until it intersected the signed Colorado
Trail at guidebook 9.3. The guidebook description does not mention that the Willis Gulch trail
actually intersects the CT/CDT a little farther on (say about 10.0) after crossing a good wooden
bridge over Willis Gulch (see the Trails Illustrated map). [Additional minor note: the "followed
by a steep place" just before 11.1 has been blocked off and replaced by a third switchback.]
Sawatch Range, Section 4. 24.3-25.7 (Lake Ann to Timberline Trail). Guidebook description ok? But
consider alternate by way of Pear Lake to Texas Creek.
The description is a bit incomplete and the distance inaccurate. The last sentence should read
something like, "Returning to the forest, the Trail takes several long, nicely graded switchbacks
and meets the alternate route at the boundary of the Collegiate Wilderness at a junction with the
Timberline Trail at 26.3." It took me more than 40 minutes (actually nearly an hour but I stopped
and consulted map and GPS for a while because I thought I was lost) to descend from the pass to
the junction. It was a nice grade so I was taking long comfortable strides so I am sure it was at
least 2 miles. The junction with Timberline Trail was one of weirdest I have ever seen. No signs,
of course, except the entering Collegiate Wilderness that you pass descending. There are
essentially 2 curving trails connected by a short, but not real obvious trail. The upper trail is a
footpath which has the descending CDT and Timberline trail coming from the alternate route.
About 15 feet below these trails is the heavily used dirt bike route, one direction the Timberline
Trail/CDT South and the other dropping down the drainage (unnamed and unnumbered on my TI
map). If you miss the short connector trail, you could easily miss the junction altogether.
Sawatch Range, Section 8.6.9-10.8 (Middle Fork to Bald Mountain). Check description, particularly near
the start and end of this. GPS at 10.1, 10.5, and 10.8
Description at start is good. At 7.0 the trail is no longer obscure as there is a trailhead sign and a
post with a CDT emblem. The bridge is quite high and sturdy, been there 7 years, so should not
be a concern. At Boss Lake after you cross the dam you only drop about 15 feet (not 25 yards) to
a bridge with railings across the outlet creek. Climb to the ridge above the lake and proceed on
clear tread. (I followed some blue flags that contour from the bridge and had to climb to the ridge
to find the tread when they ended.) At 8.1 the jeep road is blocked to vehicles by large boulders
and another jeep road drops steeply to the the right. The pond that the trail passes at 10.1 is not
the large one shown on the TI map but a much smaller one. When you walk by the larger pond
(about 10.3) it is about 100 yards away hidden by a small ridge, so you actually don't see it until
you begin the steep ascent to the Divide. I have pictures looking down at the 2 ponds and the trail
that I will send in November. The rest of the description to 10.9 is good, though obviously I
didn't see any snowbank issues. Here are the GPS readings:
10.1--N38,33.260' W106,20.550' Elev 12,028'
10.5--N38,33.464' W106,20.585' Elev 12,193'
10.8--N38,33.535' W106,20.797' Elev 12,565'
As I have pointed out before, the elevation is usually within 50 feet, so this last reading is
presumably off by 30 feet.
Sawatch Range, Section 8. 15.9-17.1 (Old Monarch Pass to Monarch Pass). Describe relocation,
especially at the highway roadcut.
From 15.9 you no longer climb the hill but climb gradually to right side of it until you reach the
notch at 16.3. From there you generally contour on the Pacific side, eventually crossing a ridge
and dropping to Highway 50 at the same mile post 199 mentioned in the text, followed by the
walk up the road.
Cochetopa Hills, Section 2. 0.0-1.9 (Marshall Pass). GPS at key points.
Here are some key point GPS readings:
New foot trail after left turn headed uphill--N38,23.463' W106,14.814' Elev 10,919'
Where the trail reaches the Divide which I thought was 0.5 but I never dipped to the pass at 0.7,
so I believe it is at 0.7--N38,23.042' W106,14.440' Elev 11,064'
1.4--N38,22.893' W106,14.011' Elev 11,240'
1.9--N38,22.638' W106,14.291' Elev 11,271'
Cochetopa Hills, Section 2. 5.3-6.4 (Windy Peak). Has the Trail been relocated? Does it still pass springs
at 5.7 and 5.8? If not, is there any water along the route (if so, GPS)?
At 5.3 the old trail is blocked off and the new tread angles up the mountain. Where it runs into
the old tread that came directly up the ridge, there is a "Trail Closed" sign. The new tread takes a
few switchbacks and then hits the Divide, probably below the point described as 6.4. It took me
about 15 minutes to reach this point, so I am sure the distance should be shortened by .2 or .3
miles. (A related note: the route just before this point up to the "triple divide" also has a "Trail
Closed" sign. I went up because I like such places, but the route clearly is not getting much use
and is vague in spots. The CDT is signed as the same route as the CT, so I suspect most people
just do the contour.)
Cochetopa Hills, Section 7. 0.0-1.6 (approach to Snow Mesa). Description ok?
Description is fine. You can clearly see the route if you look across the valley as you approach
the end of the previous section. By the way, in that section at 12.3 the trail down to Miners Creek
is no longer signed or even evident. You can, of course, clearly see where to go so it would be an
easy cross-country trek.
San Juan Mountains, Section 2. 0.0-2.2 (Stony Pass to Cunningham Gulch Trail). If following official
route, describe current signing and tread condition. If following La Garita Stock Driveway, check
text.
I followed the official route. I did not see any CDT signs, but the Colorado Trail signs were
obvious and frequent. The jeep road at the start was in typical condition for such a route and the
trail tread once it veered off to the right up Lost Creek was in good shape.
San Juan Mountains, Section 7.16.7-18.7 (Rock Lake). GPS of route, especially 17.6-18.7.
The small pond past Rock Lake was dry. I thought the "step over the creek that drains the scenic
meadow above" was closer to 17.4 and the contour started about 17.6, but that is just my opinion.
There were 2 switchbacks right around 18.0 and I took my reading at the first one. I did not have
the topo map so for 18.7 I just took a reading when I got to W106,50'. Here are the readings I
took:
Stream at 17.0: N37,29.762' W106,51.238' Elev 11,267'
Start of contour approx 17.6: N37,29.882' W106,50.909' Elev 11,526'
Spur ridge at 17.8: N37,29.992' W106,50.649 Elev 11,570'
Switchback at 18.0: N37,30.047' W106,50.502' Elev 11,530'
Spring in meadow at 18.2: N37,29.985' W106,50.414' Elev 11,356'
Divide at 18.6: N37,29.932' W106,50.100' Elev 11,234'
Approx 18.7: N37,29.844 W106,50.000' Elev 11,201'
South San Juan, Section 1. 0.0-2.3 (Wolf Creek Pass to Alberta Peak). Check description, especially from
1.0 to 2.3.
I thought the description covered this area pretty well, though I had just starting hiking again with
my friends Tommy and Razzu, so I was talking with them and not completely focused on every
detail. I did not see Treasure Creek Trail (no sign), but it may have been there.
South San Juan, Section 1. 10.6-13.5 (Bonito Pass). Check description, including possible new
construction.
This also seemed like a good description. I could see no signs of relocation. The small creeks
were there and 11.3 the best flow. I did note a tiny shallow pond to the left of the trail before 12.2
but it would not be a good water source. About 12.2 it started raining with gusty wind so it is
possible I missed something in the next mile or so, but it certainly seemed like the guidebook
described it.
Northern New Mexico
Carson National Forest reroutes. Describe new routes in Sections 1 and 2, especially the Lagunitas Creek
relocation (Section 1, 17.7-26.3), with GPS, as listed in April 2005 newsletter. (Do not do new Section 1
unless you have confirmed that the New Mexico portion has been constructed.)
I called Tres Piedras Ranger Station and talked to Shirley. She told me that, while the new trail in
Section 1 had not been completed, volunteers had been working on it this summer and where
there was not tread there would be clear marking of the route. So, we started on the new route as
described in the newsletter and got as far as 4.4 on the route as described. We turned on the ridge
(no tread) and followed the pink tape, which after .1 mile dropped us to an old jeep road below
the ridge. We followed this until I was sure we were not in the right place. Sure enough, GPS
reading showed the roadhead at 4.9 was .25 miles above us. We bushwacked to that location and
took the right fork. Immediately after that junction there is another one where you need to go left
on the open road not right on the road closed by a berm. The directions are good from there until
7.3. At the top in a clearcut the road you have been following continues on south (not a trail). We
cut left following pink ribbons across the clearcut. Unfortunately, these ribbons do not
correspond with the description or destination in the newsletter. They eventually drop you on
Road 87H about a mile south of the 6.2 point in the guidebook description. The route was hard to
follow and I would not recommend anyone using it until it is completed.
Santa Fe, Section 1. 18.9- (FR 77 to NM 96). Watch for new trail. If you see it, describe the new route as far
as NM 96.
There was more new trail in this area than we walked because we kept running into it in
unexpected places. The first sign of new trail was just before 19.5 (N36,13.994' W106,41.573'
Elev 8482) with CDT posts on both sides of the road about 15 feet back. The southerly portion
from this point ran only about .1 mile before stopping. I dropped my pack and headed back north
across the road to see if this route was also just started. I followed it and could see it parallelled
FS Road 77 for at least a mile along Fuerte Canyon. (A note on the Ley map indicates someone
reported a piped spring up this way but I did not observe it.) I stopped following the route when it
began switchbacking up the ridge away from the road. I had taken the meadow route from 17.0 to
18.1 and suspect that this new trail intersected the road somewhere in this area. Since I did not
follow it, this is speculation. Other possibilities include deadending without connection to the
road yet or hitting the road prior to 17.0 and I just missed seeing the post.
I went back and picked up my pack and returned to the guidebook route down FR170. After
crossing the highway and completing the route to FR 103 and turning right on that road we ran
into posts and more tread on both sides of the road at N36,11.743' W106,45.944' Elev 7819'. I did
not walk to the end of the road (27.8) but would estimate we were about a half mile from there.
Presumably you can tell from the GPS reading where it is. I walked briefly north to confirm the
trail headed towards the highway but did not follow it. We did take the route south to San Pedro
Parks Wilderness and below are my detailed notes with mileages from FR103:
Leave Road 103 and walk through level forest passing the rusted hulk of a car at least 60 years
old on the left at 0.2. Cross a jeep road at 0.4 and begin to climb shortly before crossing another
jeep road at 0.6. Approach but do not cross a jeep road on the right at 0.8, continuing to climb as
you move away from it. Intersect an old closed jeep road at 1.1 and follow it until 1.3 where you
veer to the right back on to trail tread. Climb, steeply at times, to a ridge at 1.9. Drop, also steeply
at times to 2.3 where you intersect a fence and turn left following it along an old road bed above a
creek (sorry, I sent my map home before recording the name of the creek). At 2.5 where the fence
turns back across the creek descend to the creek where there is a good clean flow (N36,11.096'
W106,47.453' Elev 8198'). Climb from the creek and immediately cross a jeep road (CDT posts
on both sides). Follow the direction of the road briefly then turn left to another fence corner at
2.6. Turn left again and follow the fence climbing up a different drainage than the one the creek
was flowing out of (note: the fence starting at 2.6 appeared to be enclosing a damp area that
might be the spring shown on the map but it was not developed). Cross a road at 2.9 with CDT
posts on both sides. Continue climbing and cross another road at 3.2, this one without identifying
posts. The tread climbs steeply for a bit and then contours to the right reaching a switchback to
the left in a scrub oak clearing at 3.7. Complete the climb to a ridge at 3.8. Contour with minor
ups and downs until 4.1 with occasional good views along the way to the north. Drop to an aspen
stand at 4.2 (guidebook 5.8) at the wilderness boundary trailhead for trail #31 (N36,10.413'
W106,98.630' Elev 8989'. (Hopefully by next year the entire route will be complete and you can
get someone to tie together what I found.)
Mount Taylor, Section 2. 15.8 (Antelope Flats). Is there a new water trough near the road? Any water
there? GPS?
There is a trough at 16.3 visible to the right about .1 mile. It is in an industrial truck tire about 10
feet in diameter and 2 feet high. It is protected by tubular steel painted red and cemented in place.
A pipe with a float to shut off the flow comes up through the concrete. When I visited it on 10/8
it was not in use though there were a few inches of scummy water left in it. The source of water,
whether gravity-fed from a distance or pumped, was not obvious and was clearly turned off at
this time. The GPS reading was N35,21.900' W107,33.252' Elev 8125'.
Southern New Mexico
Tularosa Mountains, Section 3. 8.7-8.9 (Wagontongue Mountain). Has the Trail
been marked clearly through the burn?
As you can read in my journal, the Trail is not clearly marked through the burn. Of perhaps
greater interest is that there are apparently 2 routes from 7.7. I missed the official route as I was
looking for Damian Spring (well, that is the best excuse I can think of). The cairned and blazed
route I followed went straight up the ridge to the left of the Damian Srping drainage and it hits
the burned area below where the official trail does. This tread on this route is narrow and not
well-maintained.
Tularosa Mountains, Section 3. 10.7-11.8 (Govina Canyon). Check and revise description, with GPS.
The description in the guidebook is generally pretty good. After walking the 100 yards west you
can either turn left and follow the jeep road as it switchbacks back to the right and drops into the
valley or cross it and drop fairly steeply to intersect it about 50 yards below. Follow the road to
10.9 where you can see the stock impoundment to your left and walk through the open forest to
that location at 11.0 (GPS N33,51.111' W108,26.503' Elev 8329'). Follow the valley as it narrows
and then widens out near a trash heap at 11.5 (GPS N33,50.968' W108,26.522' Elev 8191') where
you intercept another jeep road. Turn right on the road and follow it to the fenced enclosure
around Lopez Tank at 11.8(GPS N33,50.550' W108,26.714' Elev 8140').
Gila Wilderness, Section 4. 3.9-4.3 (Sheep Corral Creek). Is this direct route
marked as the CDT? If not, describe the official route.
I saw no indication that the CDT ran in this area, official or otherwise, but there has been very
limited signage throughout New Mexico. I would make these changes to the description. You go
through a cattle guard with gate to the side at 3.9. You turn left at 4.0 (not immediately). The
junction had a post with 2 large nails that had once held a sign but the sign was gone.
Mimbres River, Section 1. Check description at 6.3.
The trail from 6.0 leads directly to the gates (yes, 2) at 6.3. One gate is blocks the road and the
other directly adjacent to the left is the one you want. The trail is obvious about 50 feet past it
heading northeast.
Mimbres River, Section 2. 19.4-22.4 (Hillsboro Peak). Can you locate the spring at
19.8? Are the Hillsboro Peak Bypass Trail junctions, 20.2 and 22.4, clearly
marked and obvious?
The Hillsboro Bypass trail is clearly signed at 20.2 as described in the text. It comes back in from
the right almost parallel to the Trail just as you reach the notch described at 22.3. Another signed
trail drops off to the left there also. The CDT route along the notch is not signed but obvious.
Cookes Range, Section 2. The gate at 0.0 should not be locked: is it? Are there no
trespassing signs? (County Road B002 is a public right-of-way, though adjacent
lands are private.)
The gate was propped open at the start of the section and gave the appearance of being left that
way permanently. In Macho Canyon, however, at about 3.7 there is a locked gate. A little farther
on at 6.6 a landowner has put up a private property type sign with a hand-written note that this is
a dead-end road.
Cookes Range, Section 2. 11.7-23.4 (Macho Canyon to Hadley Draw). Check
guidebook route description and water sources.
The jeep road crosses another significant canyon at about 13.3. Whiterock Canyon is very wide
and I lost the route there. I went in the general direction I thought the road would go until I
spotted some cows and figured they would be near China Tank. Turns out there was another
metal stock tank out there, but the water was so foul and a moat of even more dirty water
surrounded it, so I decided not to record its location. I followed the cows when they left to go to
China Tank and picked up the route from there. I left there at a bearing of about 202 and came
out a bit south of the tank at 18.2. The windmill was an obvious target and easy to reach from
there. The text statement to stick to contour is almost worthless because the terrain is so flat. I
interpreted the text to mean 1.9 miles at bearing of 202 and 1 mile at a bearing of 225, but
apparently guessed wrong on distance as I missed the jeep trail and hit A019 south of 23.4. One
further note outside the range you asked me to report on: I found the description of the Fort
Cummings area did not seem to match what was on the ground. I finally got to the Cookes
Spring, supposedly a few yards off the route, but after spending 20 minutes in ever wider circles
from that point looking for something besides the dead-end route that got me there, I finally gave
up on the description and headed for the small conical hill described in the next section.