- CT Day 14, July 13, Thursday
- Start: Collegiate West mile 69.6
- End: S15 mile 9.8, CT mile 262.3
- Miles walked: 14.3
The morning begins with a climb up to a ridge.
The trail passes by the remains of some rock walls that were thought to be used by prehistoric man to hunt large animals in groups.
The route continues along the edge of Monarch Mountain Ski area.
Finally the trail winds down to Hwy 50 and Monarch Pass.
I am pleased and surprised to discover that the store at Monarch Pass has reopened, and been refurbished, and even has a hiker room, with a rather nice hiker box. Shannon and Eric arrive, and we enjoy burgers at the snack bar.
We all all headed to Monarch Mountain Lodge to pick up our supply boxes, about 5 miles away. We hitch together, and soon get picked up by a small RV. The couple has three adorable young children seated at the table, all with lollipops.
The lodge does not have anyone at the desk to help us until 3PM. S and E go across the road to the new hostel, and I can still use a day pass at the lodge to shower and do laundry and recharge. At 3 I get my box, enjoy a last snack, and hitch back up to the pass.
The trail resumes past a gondola ride, on level trail.
Later the trail climbs gradually to a ridge, and Collegiate East and Collegiate West Trails merge back to one Colorado Trail.
I find the first likely campsite shielded from wind among trees, still rather high up at 11.8k .