San Luis Peak Summit and Lake City Arrival on Colorado Trail

The author, hiking with Soundbite, Cajun, Ace, Halo, and others, covered 18.3 miles on Day 21 to summit San Luis Peak, a 14-er. Day 22 followed with 14.6 miles to reach Lake City.

Day 21 - San Luis Peak

It was cold this morning. The valley was chilly enough that the author had to stop and put on a rain jacket, almost adding wind pants. The trail was narrow and a cow named Mama Cow with her baby refused to leave it, forcing a bushwhack over the animal. A calf then charged at Ace, a moment described as “hilariously terrifying.” Another cow followed, eventually running parallel along a lower trail by the river.

Two days in a row, the group stopped at a trailhead with a pit toilet and met Gummi Bear, the trail angel. He supplied folding chairs, cold Gatorades, water, chips, and a trash bag, and shared stories from his time on the CT. The trail led through a valley, meadow, and gorge with water, cool rocks, and green grass. Soundbite and the author encountered a woman with four horses (or mules), a sight the author found “so cool.”

The highlight was summiting San Luis Peak. The group arrived at the junction in late afternoon; dark clouds hovered but the peak itself was clear. Soundbite, Cajun, and the author headed up, feeling strong. The ascent took about an hour, after which wind died down and the sun appeared. The author enjoyed solo time at the summit, FaceTimed the boyfriend to show the view, and descended in about 30 minutes. Water was scarce; the author ran out and relied on salty snacks until reaching a water source two miles later. The canyon views were described as “incredible,” with sightings of six-plus bucks and four deer. At camp, the group ate mac & cheese and watched the sunset, noting spectacularly colored skies. The author declared the campsite the best so far on the CT.

Day 22 - Lake City

The night before was frigid; the author wore fleece and a puffy jacket and shivered. Despite waking to stars, the chill slowed packing. The first two climbs were brutal, with the author stopping every ten steps. The last climb, 2,000 feet, was described by Halo as “tender and thoughtful.” Flat walking across a bare mesa was also harsh, leaving the author sunburned. The author reached a pit toilet at the trailhead/highway after a brown-blazed trek.

The hitch to Lake City took an hour and a half. Only about 12 cars passed on the slow highway. After a stop, the ride continued. Upon arrival, the group walked to the Hiker Center, run by a church, offering food, hiker boxes, toiletries, and charging stations. The author stayed at the Hangout Hostel, initially feeling like a guest in a nice house. However, the host had overbooked; the quad room occupants were motorcyclists, an unwelcomed vibe. The host offered floor or couch sleeping for $20. Soundbite and the author instead secured a hotel room at the Bushwack Lodge, a cozy cabin with a king and queen bed and kitchenette. They ate popcorn and ice cream in bed while watching American Ninja Warrior, a welcome break after 14 miles of hiking.

Trail Highlights & Challenges

For more trail statistics, see the stats page. Check the fixtures for upcoming trail conditions. The group’s daily log is on the squad page.

Town day: successful.