Monarch Pass

I left Denver early, driving three and a half hours southwest on US Highway 285 to Monarch Pass. The dirt parking lot was already busy with hikers, mountain bikers, and motorcycles. I parked my car, grabbed my keys and backpack, tied my shoes, and started hiking by 9:30 a.m., heading north on the Colorado Trail toward Twin Lakes, clockwise on the Collegiate Loop.

Immediately, I felt the altitude. The trail climbed for 6.5 miles from 11,300 feet to 12,510 feet, the highest point on Segment 5 of the Collegiate West. I struggled to keep my pace even, stopping often to take photos, drink water, and wipe the sweat from my forehead.

Clouds started to gather throughout the afternoon, stretching dramatically over expansive mountain views. Just before it began to rain, the trail dropped down to Hunt Lake and Boss Lake Reservoir where fishermen lined the perimeter, casting into the still water.

I stumbled across an old, dusty shelter along Forest Service Road 230, near the Lost Wander Hut. Safely below tree line, I waited out the rain and ate trail mix. When the rain lifted, I continued hiking another mile until I found a flat spot along the Middle Fork South Arkansas River and set up my tent.