- CT day 1, June 30, Friday
- Start: Abq to Denver, then 3 light rails and rideshare to Waterton Canyon Trailhead
- End: Section 2 (S2) mile 0.5
- Miles walked: 17.3
The route from Denver Airport went quickly, thanks to the city’s has a well-developed light-rail system The trains could only get me to within 10 miles of the trailhead so I used a ride-share app. Due to some glitch, we actually ended up at a Lockheed facility. The driver, whose English was not 100%, misinterpreted the reaction at the guard house and thought it was okay to proceed to the main building, And I was having trouble conveying my panicking concerns about the situation and that we are definitely at the wrong location. We got things straightened out and went to the correct location, but not before huge angry men with guns appeared and had a polite discussion with us. I did not take photos.
Rain and lightning started just as I began the trail, but was brief.
Waterton Canyon Trail is a broad multi-use dirt road starting at a reservoir and running along the West Platte River, with several explanatory displays and picnic tables, run by Denver Water.
Mile 2.5 was temporarily closed to visitors because of a bear situation: a mamma had gotten separated from her cubs. By the time I had gotten to that place the situation had been resolved with a happy reunion, and I was permitted to continue.
Several dams and diversions and pipes were on display for civil engineering fans.
Past a reservoir the route, climbs from 5.5k up through mixed conifer and oak to 7.5k , and eventually goes along a ridge, and descends to a bridge along the South Platte at 6.5k, with about a dozen CT hikers camping on its banks.
I continued up a bit to a dry camp, and a mountain biker stop by for a nice chat
A good first day.
Finished audiobook Red Team Blues, by Cory Doctorow, read by Wil Wheaton.