Osier

  • NNML 2019 Day 13, June 22, Saturday
  • Start mile 17 of Chama spur trail at Cumbres Pass
  • End mile 10 of Chama spur trail
  • Miles walked: 7

The Cumbres & Toltec Railroad runs a vintage coal-fired steam engine with train up a 4% grade, over Cumbres Pass, between Chama and Antonito, CO. That’s my way back up the mountain after resupply, much more fun than hitching.

The passenger cars, with their stained wood and cast metal features, bring the passenger to an earlier time.

The views are memorable.

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Cumbres Pass

  • NNML 2019 Day 12, June 21, Friday
  • Start mile 208, 3 miles from Chama spur trails (sec3mile71)
  • End mile 17 of Chama spur trail at Cumbres Pass, then hitch into town
  • Miles walked: 20

The terrain remains bunch grass meadows bordered with aspen and spruces, though now the ground and pathway is often rocky.

As the hiker Al warned, deep snow hides the trail, starting about 7 miles from the end. Some post-holing happens, though not as much as anticipated. A large number of downed trees enhance the challenge.

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