For several years, I wanted to take my boys out on the Colorado Trail, completing one segment at a time. This year, we started that journey by riding Segment 1.
Our plan involved two nights of camping along the 17 miles from the Waterton Canyon trailhead to the South Platte River. We could have easily completed the ride in two days instead of three. But I find myself doing single overnight trips too often, so we opted for a more relaxed pace and two nights of camping.
The short version of the weekend, complete with a few videos along the trail:
And here’s the longer version of the weekend:
Day 1
Dark clouds filled the sky over Waterton Canyon as we approached the parking lot on Friday afternoon. Lightning flashed, a little too close for comfort on the edge of the storm moving east. But we were heading west, and both kids urged me to start the ride.
“Let me check the radar,” I said, not wanting to start our three day adventure with a soaking, cold rain. I’ve done enough rainy rides in my past. For this one, we had some wiggle room to start after the storm blew over. The worst of the storm blew east onto the plains, and we set off from the parking lot.
Excited to start
Our plan was to ride 8 miles – 7 miles of climbing up to Lenny’s Rest and then a short downhill to a camping spot beside Bear Creek. The first 6 miles gradually climbed on a wide gravel road. At mile six, we passed Strontia Springs Dam and reach the real start of the trail. Along the way, the rain started to fall, and we stopped to put on our rain jackets. We also ran into a thru-hiker from Texas who was just starting his solo journey to Durango.
Reaching the singletrack with a light rain falling
The trail doesn’t start easy. It’s steep, rocky, and quite technical. We walked when they couldn’t ride and continued up the climb to Lenny’s Rest.
Navigating one of the switchbacks
Climbing towards Lenny’s Rest
Riding strong up the climb
Seven miles of climbing warranted a nice snack break at Lenny’s Rest. Only a mile of downhill remained for the day. Easy Peesy.
Camping near Bear Creek
Enjoying a freeze dried meal for dinner
Day 2
From riding this section a number of times, I knew day two would be very difficult for the boys. The trail continues climbing through some very tough terrain – steep, rocky, and several unrideable sections even for adults. We would be pushing as much as riding. Our goal? A measly five miles and camping near the high point of the segment.
I knew the kids were tired when I woke up before them. That never happens when we go camping. After a breakfast of freeze dried biscuits and gravy with a side of Hostess Fruit Pies, we began riding.
One of several creek crossings on day two
Before long, we were pushing up steep inclines. Then pushing over rock steps. Along the way, we ran into several riders in the Colorado Trail Race. The race started in Durango and finished at Waterton Canyon. They were all happy to be so close to the finish of a very tough race.
Riding through the lush green foliage along the creek
We ate lunch along the creek, completing only a couple of miles during the morning. Finally, we crossed the creek for the last time and began riding up towards the ridgeline as the rain fell again.
We all had our low points on the day
And high, smiling points too!
At 2:30 p.m. we turned a corner and reached our campsite for the evening. It looks out onto the valley below and mountains beyond. It also contained a lot of rocks to keep the boys busy for the afternoon.
Overcast skies greeted us for two days
Campsite along the ridge for night two
Games, climbing, cards, and a lazy afternoon
Cooking a dinner of rice and beans
Day 3
Yes, we could have easily finished the segment on Saturday. But, having the long afternoon at camp and one more night in the tent felt good. With all of the planning and packing for these trips, it was nice to spend a second night camping. Plus, I did not want the kids to be completely wiped out and not enjoy the riding.
We awoke to sunshine and light clouds, a welcomed sight after two days of rainy weather.
Still finding rocks to conquer as the sun broke through the clouds
Breakfast. Check.
Coffee. Check.
Downhill. Let’s go riding!
Reaching the high point of the segment
Only the downhill remains
A long downhill with a series of switchbacks
Still going down among the trees and rocks
We reached the South Platte River, the end of segment one just before 11:00. An easy ride to finish a fun weekend with my boys.
A warm day along the South Platte River
Finished!
