New trail in Collegiate West now passable (re-posted from CDT forum)

[bearcreek]

This week I got the pleasure of walking the 17 miles of new trail opening between Cottonwood Pass and Tincup Road west of Buena Vista with a group consisting of USFS, CDTC, CTF, and Adopters for the new trail. This section has been under construction for over eight years. It will be utilized by both Continental Divide Trail and Colorado Trail hikers, and anyone else who likes a nice walk.

The new trail is truly spectacular. It is mostly high alpine terrain (up to about 12,800') with a few brief visits to the trees. Really well made trail, especially considering the difficult terrain. We found plenty of water along the way and had several unmelted snowfields to cross. They could be avoided by dropping down but were not too problematic. Thru hikers report that they have been dealing with a large snow field and cornice on Lake Ann Pass, which is one segment to the north. The SOBO hikers have been glissading down, but NOBO are having problems getting up.

Hopefully this link to some photos taken by Teresa Martinez will work:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...9437680&type=1

[Venchka]

Rats. No photos for the FB challenged.
Job well done to all who made this possible.
Cheers!

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

[bearcreek]

The photos are on the CDTC page. If you go there you should be able to see them.

[Venchka]

On my way. Thanks.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

[colorado_rob]

Absolutely awesome, thanks for sharing this info!

[Peakhunter]

Looks great! I find it humorous how we humans jackhammer a path through a beautiful mountain then tell the next guy to LNT!