A trail with nearly 90,000 feet of elevation gain, a trail crossing eight mountain ranges while winding through five designated wilderness areas, a trail that showcases the best of Colorado and reminds even the most jaded of old-timer Colorado natives that there remain forgotten, untrammeled and empty expanses of beauty in our beloved state.
Tucker, the fetch obsessed blue heeler, is sprawled in the cool dirt underneath my truck, tongue hanging from his open mouth.
To spend time outside, particularly in the company of good friends, elevates one’s status to that of royalty, but also brings with it some important responsibilities.
It was a trip during which youthful and adolescent bonds of friendship were further forged into unbreakable, lifelong ties that show little or no wear and tear after 45 years.
“Dawn opened my eyes to what seemed the strangest and most wonderful place in the world. Paria Creek watered this secluded and desert bound spot.” —Zane Grey
Night fell, and three-quarters of the way up the first pitch, I turned on my headlamp. By the time I reached the first pitch anchor, smoke began filling my nostrils and an orange glow loomed behind me.
“I’ll send you the pro carabiner.” Jason hollers up from Big Sandy Ledge. I hear a faint scoff from Lee; he knows as well as I do that nothing on this carabiner Jason is sending me is remotely close to protection.
Trailhead stories is a collection of articles published by a group of people who share a love of wide open spaces.
