September 3rd, 2024
Mile Marker: Silverthorne Alternate
Miles Hiked: 16
This morning started with our alarms going off at 6:30 AM as we wanted to get an early start on trying to hitch out of town back to Berthoud Pass. We ate at the hotel breakfast, then rolled out of the hotel around 7:45.
As we made our way down the main strip between Fraser and Winter Park, Aster realized the local bus was free and we could get to the edge of Winter Park to hitch.
Aster stopped by the post office and Journey and I set out to hitch. It’s easier to split up to get a hitch and Journey and I were extremely lucky.
We stood on the side of the road and within 5 minutes a man pulled over and told us he could take us to the resort and we could hitch from there. We agreed.
The man had been in the area for about 6 years working at the resort and loved the 9 months on, 3 months off work style. He told us about the resort and their plans for expanding. This area is definitely amazing and I bet even better in the winter for skiing!
We got dropped off then went to the side of the road again and stuck out our thumbs. Within another 5 minutes we had two older people turn into the resort and then honk their horn at us. We were facing the other way and didn’t think they were stopping for us and but were so grateful they did!
We ran over to their car and hopped in. This was a couple who have lived in Winter Park for over 30 years and also have another house in Durango. They claimed to be mountain junkies doing all the skiing and mountain biking when they were younger. They had also had successful careers and seem to be enjoying retirement. They were on their way to Denver so they went right past where we needed to go so it worked out well.
They were kind and we appreciated the conversation and getting to know them.
We made it to the pass and decided we would wait for Aster and Whatever since we wanted to stay around people as a group.
We met another hiker named Cast Iron who claimed it took him an hour to get a hitch back and it was proving that Aster and Whatever were in the same boat.
Eventually the two ordered an Uber, after being tired of waiting and arrived at the pass close to 11.
Also, Journey had drank his water and when the Uber driver arrived, he asked the driver if he had any spare water. The man opened his trunk and had a ton of tiny water bottles and filled up everything for us. The trail always provides.
Before setting out we had all agreed that we were going to do the Silverthorne alternate. It just made the most sense. If we wanted to even attempt the red line and go over Gray’s peak, we would have needed to make 24 hard miles to the base of the climb. Then wake up early to climb up to 14,000 before the rain and get down off the ridge in time as well. It was all stress inducing and not worth it. Especially if we wanted to play it safe.
Once we made the decision and realized we only needed to hike 15 or so miles today, everyone seemed to relax and enjoy the day.
We started out with a huge climb up to over 12,000 feet and had gorgeous views for the rest of the day. Our second hitch told us that this part was one of their favorite hikes to do and I can see why.
We could not have asked for a better weather day today. I found myself wanting to constantly take my phone out to take pictures. I haven’t felt this way in a while so I appreciated it.
Us 4 hiked together for majority of the day with spurts of being separate. I enjoyed it a lot. It’s a different experience and there is a lot of support in hiking in a group.
Around 2 we stopped for lunch and noticed a few marmots hanging out on some large rocks. I find them fascinating to watch, especially when they become curious when you are speaking. Just so dang cute.
The afternoon was filled with more ridge walking and one large, harder climb back up to over 12,000 feet. Once up top we met back up with Aster and Whatever and had full 360 views.
We could see rain off in the distance and figured we probably shouldn’t dilly dally too much at the top of the climb and continued on.
Eventually we made it to the Silverthorne Alternate and I felt so relieved that we were taking it and going downhill rather than staying on the ridge and heading towards the dark clouds.
There is no part of me that is upset to miss a 14er or the redline. To me, whatever route we pick will be good and gorgeous in its own way.
The trail had switchbacks down a road and led us into beautiful lush pine trees. I loved seeing these all the live trees!
We then made it to the bottom of the climb and decided to continue back up the next climb a little since the original spot we were going to camp at had a bunch of construction and cars around. That’s not always the safest option.
We made it another mile or so and found a great campsite to fit all of us. Journey and I’s tent is a little big so finding a big enough flat spot is always tricky. We found one that is semi slanted but figured it would work out.
Us four then ate dinner together and all commented on how nice it was to be eating in the daylight since we finished around 6:15. The earliest stopping time any one of us had had in a very long time.
I felt good to eat dinner with a crew and get into our tent just as it was starting to get dark. Even better is the rain started to come down after we had all gotten into our tents too. Thankfully the rain didn’t last long.
Today was a good day. I’m happy with our decision and think it’s better for us long term.
I am camping the highest I have yet and feel a little nervous but know it’ll be okay.
Time to try and get to sleep early!
Iz and Oz
Izzy + Ozzy 