Tag: NNML

• NNML 2019 Day 14, June 23, Sunday
• Start mile 10 of Chama spur trail
• End along Rio San Antonio NNML mile 224 (sec4mile14)
• Miles walked: 24

Cyclists doing the bicycle version of the CDT greet me and chat on the road up to Brazos Ridge.Another couple of bikers, Jake and Melissa from Europe, camped with the previous group, but are taking a slower pace.Brazos Ridge Overlook has good views.Finally back on the NNML, I go past a strange rock formation of self-stacking blocks.The trail continues with mountain meadows bordered with stands of trees. The trail follows Beaver Creek, then up Diablo Creek, and finally Rio San Antonio, for several miles and the rest of the day.Sheep rest in the shade.

• 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.

Continue reading “Osier”

• 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.

Continue reading “Cumbres Pass”