The Continental Divide Trail at Cottonwood Pass
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June 10, 2006 - The Continental Divide Trail is a moderate trail
above timberline south of Cottonwood Pass. I hiked up a short distance before looking down and snapping this shot. |
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There is an immediate ridge that overlooks the Rocky Mountains
on the Chaffee County side of the divide.
Whether you climb that ridge or not, it is definitely worth it to continue up the trail to this peak.
This mountain does not have a name, and I simply call it Unnamed 12,500' point. |
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At the summit of this mountain, a photo
looking back. The tallest mountain on the right is
Mt. Yale. |
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Now I would only estimate it being a one-mile trek
(at most) to reach here, and there's a rock enclosement that does a great job of blocking
the wind from the west.
I also had to capture a self-portrait thanks to my camera's timer! :) |
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The scenery is just amazing! (Looking south) |
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You'll enjoy a great view of
Taylor Park Reservoir and some of the
mountain ranges in Gunnison County. |
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Two views looking east.
FIRST: The summit of Mt. Princeton way out
on the left side. I can't say with 100% certainty, but the tiny pointed peak right of center is likely
Mt. Antero.
SECOND: I have explored much of this region, including
Jones Mountain
and a hike along the divide to Mt. Kreutzer. |
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I love the squiggles of Cottonwood Pass Road on the west side. |
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Just beautiful! |
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I met this very friendly guy named Mark, who lives
in Nederland (west of Boulder). We actually became friends after
briefly meeting, and we hiked near
Independence Pass in 2007.
-Photos by Steve Garufi in Buena Vista, Colorado.
His web site is www.ColoradoGuy.com.
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