Segment three was carpeted with flowers in mid-July.
Thick sections of pine forest give way to little clearings filled with Indian paintbrush.
More traffic means that most of the trail is exceptionally well-maintained -- occasional wet sections are raised and bordered.
"But what will you do for food?" asked the concerned biker – it was perhaps the twentieth time I'd heard this question. There were more mountain bikers enjoying their weekend recreation on this segment than any other on the trail. Each was at least polite, calling out before they passed. Many were helpful, too, stopping to make sure I wasn't lost -- several were genuinely concerned about the fact that I was hiking in sandals -- and then falling into conversation. I quickly tired of explaining that I'd be stopping into towns for food and supplies every ninety miles or less.
"Oh, I figured I'd push mountain bikers over as they go by, and then make off with their supplies whenever I get hungry," I started admitting with a sheepish shrug. "Or maybe eat grubs and worms. But, frankly, I expect manna to fall from heaven." One lady biker looked very worried and gave me a Genisoy chocolate protein bar. Sorry about that, lady with the green stripy riding suit. That was supposed to be a joke. But I really, really appreciate the snack anyway.
Also, perhaps because of the heavy traffic through the first two-thirds of this segment, the triangle trail markers have suffered a certain amount of damage. Many are, sadly, missing. Fortunately, it's difficult to steal a blaze, and there are plenty of them. Look for scars like an upside-down exclamation mark, cut into the bark of trees along the way.
Walking in sandals from time to time was very pleasant, by the way, throughout the journey. I met several hikers in the first couple sections who eventually dropped out, due to blisters – each one wore heavy hiking boots, often new ones. There is no part of the Colorado Trail that cannot be traveled comfortably in a regular ‘ol pair of running shoes, or the increasingly popular light-boot/running-shoe hybrids, unless you have special foot issues. Just so you know.
The gun club road at 9.6 -- and yeah, shots were audible from time to time. Several signs warn you to stay on the trail.
I hauled a stove and fuel around for more than a month, but starting a little fire and cooking over coals is so much more fun....
Curried ramen with summer sausage and a toasted layer of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheese on top -- oh yeah!
Guidebook update suggestions:
1.3
This stream was dry – even though there had been a great deal of rain throughout the past weeks.
1.9
There are masses of bike trails through the first part of this segment, and also masses of bikers. Stay alert at intersections – all are well-marked, but if you get off the trail, you could wander a long time.
2.1
This stream was just a trickle through mud.
2.8
I camped here -- this was the first running water I came upon after the burn area. There are several great campsites nearby.
~4.0
There's a series of rocky outcrops around here which are ungroomed and rough, and look significantly unlike the rest of the trail, to the point that you might feel you've gotten lost. But you haven't. Just so you know.
7.6
The campground off to the left here has good clean water from a faucet near the dumpsters. But the toilets are closed and locked, alas.
8.0
Buffalo creek is more like a small river, and looked promising for fishing.
8.8
There's a new trail – Redskin mountain, I think – that goes straight, while the CT veers sharply left. Neither guidebook mentions this.
9.8
Camped here, on a neat little rocky bluff. Once you climb up from the river, the terrain is a long and pleasant rolling ridge, with many great flat camping spots. No water, though.
The elevation profile for this segment shows nearly flat terrain – but you'll still be doing plenty of climbing and descending over short distances.
----> Onward, to Segment 4!
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