That one day on the Colorado Trail where everything went perfect (and then totally didn't)

Last August, I had a 15 mile stretch planned from Tennessee Pass to a spot near Twin Lakes. The morning was amazing, you know, cool air, perfect trail conditions, and I made great time, covering the first 10 miles before noon. Then, about a mile past the High Point, a thunderstorm rolled in way faster than forecasted, turning the trail into a slick, muddy mess for the final push. It got me thinking, do you guys stick rigidly to your planned daily mileage no matter what, or do you think it's smarter to cut a day short when the weather turns like that? I'm still torn on what the right call was.

2 comments

2 Comments

ruby_lane17d ago

Tennessee Pass to Twin Lakes is no joke. Sticking to a plan when the sky opens up is how people get hurt. My rule is the trail sets the pace, not my spreadsheet. Bailing early to avoid a sketchy situation isn't cutting a day short, it's just basic sense.

ryanprice17d ago

My spreadsheets have gotten me into more trouble than any mountain ever has.