- CT Day 24, July 23, Sunday
- Start. CT mile 472.9
- End: CT mile 486.0, The End, and hitch to Durango
- Miles walked: 13.1
I had camped halfway up a mountainside, so the morning starts with a climb to 9.6k . Someone had recently come by with a weed-whacker to knock down brush along the trail.
I chatted with Goldie, a CT hiker who would also finish today.
During a long descent, I finally get to altitudes where pine and Gambel oak are dominant, and spruce and fir are gone.
A bench marks the overlook Gudy’s Rest at 8k.
Many many day hikers are out this morning, enjoying the trail. A trail angel comes by who is handing out pastries, and I enjoy an apple empañada.
A huge bear scat is filled with half-digested cherries. Where is the hidden cherry tree? I want some! Later I walk behind a 5-year-old who has a lengthy discussion with me about the bear poo.
I finish the CT around noon, close to thru-hikers Ghost and Goldie. 7k elevation seems pretty low, after being at 12.3k yesterday.
The three of us hitch a ride together into Durango, and our first stop is the brewpub Carvers, which gives out a free beer to CT finishers. I donate mine to my new comrades, and enjoy a green chile cheeseburger and root beer float.
We hike together down to the visitor center for some free swag for CT hikers.
Afterwards I take the free trolley to a laundry that has a shower, and later check into the hostel. Ghost shares my room, with several other hikers, and Goldie is nearby in the hotel section.
Hanging out in a hostel with hikers is a fine way to end a long trail.