September 26

Distance: 23.4 miles | Ascent: 6190′ | Descent: 6100′

Mile marker: 1692.5

Lunch: J – black rice surprise (C+), A – Korean beef (B)

Dinner: J – green bean orzo (A), A – black rice surprise (B)

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We climbed over so many steep mountains today! We started our day with a gentle 500′ climb over 0.6 miles, then a 1100′ descent over two miles. That was probably the easiest section of the day. The views of the exposed granite and bewildering mountain tops were inspirational.

We came across a few deer who paused to look at us but were clearly used to trail traffic.

We found our first river crossing since Washington that required us to take off our shoes. The water was only calf deep. We then ascended about 950′ in a mile (that’s an 18% grade!). We lunched at a small lake way up high. If only we could’ve called it a day then.

Coming down the other side (750′ descent in 1.2 miles) gave good views of the bare peaks surrounding the valley.

Along the way down, we saw a little grouse pair with a very brave female who didn’t fly off when we came around the bend.

We then had a 1500′ ascent for the next four miles. Fortunately, it wasn’t as steep as the previous climbs on the whole, but some tenths were easily >700 ft/mile. One stretch was even >1200 ft/mile. For reference, we begin to “feel” the climb at around 300 ft/mile. The steepest we trained on in Colorado was 600 ft/mile.

A wonderful lake sat perched almost atop the mountain. A great place to snack and get feeling back in our legs.

We finished our climb and then immediately undid all our hardwork by descending 1600′ in three miles.

We got to camp just after sunset and quickly settled in. We have one more insane climb tomorrow morning, but then hopefully smooth sailing. We’re glad we had the previous 1650 miles to train for today!