Colorado Trail - July 17, 2025

Segments 25 and 26 and the first 6 miles of Segment 27. These were my favorite segments on the entire trail. The views, the solitude, the downhills are all amazing. Specifically, the views of the Hermosa Creek wilderness were incredible.

This day started at Molas Pass, and then continued southwest to Bolam pass and Hermosa Park. From Hermosa Park, I was able to see the Lizard Head rock formation which signaled I was almost done my adventure. The major last climb of the day was up to Blackhawk pass. The descent after Blackhawk was fairly smooth and fast. I met my support crew, Amy and Denny towards the end of segment 26 and then we road (Denny ran) to the end of Segment 26 at Hotel Draw (this a backcountry trailhead and there are no hotels).

Amy earned the trail name Backcountry Boss for her ability to navigate the roughest roads yet to meet me at the end of Segment 26. Addison also joined Amy, Denny and I that evening and night, and camped with us. In the morning, Addison made sure Amy was able to traverse the mud from the rain and meet me in Durango.

I had ridden this section two years prior on a one night bikepacking trip from Telluride, and remembered much of the trail.

42 miles 7400 feet of gain.