One of the three mineral creeks. This one is flowing directly out of a mineral-streaked rockpile. The water smelled strange, even after adding iodine.
Shortly after crossing the first mineral creek, I came across this. Don't drink the water for too long, I guess.
This is the 'tree cover' and 'water source' at mile 5.3. There was no water, and though there were plenty of trees, the ground beneath them was sloped uncomfortably.
Looking down onto Snow Mesa.
On Snow Mesa, I met my first real-life, honest-to-goodness cowboy. Well, sheepboy, rather. Shepherd. Whatever. He seems to ride along the trail most afternoons, looking for lost sheep and chatting up hikers -- he's become something of a trail icon, and is frequently seen in this area between June-September. He has a little stiff-walled cabin/tent up in the hills, and is quite friendly, albeit somewhat lonely. He's helped hikers out before -- he rode up to a spring and picked up clean water for one couple, and he's got good advice about the area. So if you see a man on horseback, riding towards you with a lean and rangy dog and a rifle, don't worry much. He'd appreciate some cigarettes if you have any, though.
One of his pieces of advice concerns camping on Snow Mesa -- despite what the book claims, it really isn't that bad, nor dangerous... provided you stay off the ridges during thunderstorms, of course.
Long views on the climb up past Creede.
The steep and rocky gully which leads down, off Snow Mesa.
The wild and meandering trail.
A talus slope around mile 0.5. Can you spot the two ptarmigan?
There's one! They blend in almost perfectly, and aren't much frightened of hikers. Their chicks are often nearby in early summer, and are even more adorable.
Suggested updates to the guidebook:
2.0
This stream doesn't actually cross the trail -- you have to head down and to the right about a hundred feet to find shallow, marshy water.
2.7
All the mineral creeks have a strange taste to them -- a little bitter, perhaps. This might not be be surprising, since they seem to flow right out of talus and possibly old mine tailings. Still, I drank the water, and I apparently lived to tell the tale.
4.0
Middle mineral creek has several stream beds, all but one of which are usually dry. So if you pass a couple dry gullies and are starting to worry, don't.
4.7
This is nearly the steepest section of the CT -- several scary steep switchbacks cling to the side of a cliff. There's a tiny trickle of water here, too, running a couple hours after a light rain.
5.3
The books say this is the last campsite with tree cover, and also that there's possibly water. You should note that there is only running water during times when there is plenty of snow in this area -- and when there is, you probably don't need liquid water all that badly. While there is tree cover, flat spots are rare; I spent an uncomfortable and thirsty night.
5.8
However, just over this next saddle, there's an alpine valley with plenty of flat spots. There's often water down in the bottom, too, and possibly a little dry wood laying around from scattered small, twisted scrub and brush. Wish I'd camped here, instead. Up ahead 2.5 miles, there's one more good spot to camp before Snow Mesa.
7.9 to 8.2
There is a very long talus slope traverse here, the rocks of which are just the right size to tip the moment you entrust your weight to them. Watch your ankles.
8.4
Down to your left, there's a flat camping spot and possibly water a little lower. It may be a little windy here, though. It's better to get water here rather than further along -- sheep frequent snow mesa and are busily besmichin' the streams.
11.1
Running water is also available here, though it does smell slightly of sheep.
13.6
I actually didn't find any water here -- there's probably only water during actual storms and while there's snow on the ground.
14.9
There was a full irrigation ditch here just before the road, which usually contains water.
Elevation profile was roughly correct for this segment.
----> Onward, to segment 22!
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