HAYDEN PASS: Hike In Northern Sangre de Cristo Range (Near Coaldale, CO) - July 2, 2005
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I took this photo standing on Highway 50 in Coaldale. You'll note Hayden Pass is the lowest saddle in the northern Sangre de Cristo range. If you take it all way, you'll wind up in Villa Grove in the San Luis Valley. |
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I actually took these two pictures last summer (Westcliffe
pictorial) when I thought I could drive over the pass in my Honda CRX.
No way Jose! You'll definitely need a high clearnace vehicle! :p) |
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I did not meet another hiker on the 5 mile hike to the summit, but I did come across a bunch of ATV's. This guy stopped and chatted with me for a little bit. |
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Ooooooh! A patch of aspens! ;)
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Um, the arms of my cheap sunglasses broke off. Oh well! :( |
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About 70% of the way up, here were some of the nicest views looking at towards the northern range. |
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Upward we go! The road is a little narrow right there! :p) |
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And look, patches of snow! |
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Neat! A jeep comes towards me. Folks, this is definitely a hikable and enjoyable trip, but I think this road is best suited for jeeps and offroad vehicles. Next time I plan to hike the Rainbow Trail near the base of this road. ;) |
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It was so nice to reach the top. I haven't done much strenuous hiking this year, but fortunately my bicycling carries over into doing stuff like this. |
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From the Hayden Pass summit looking north, that's Galena Peak (alt. 12,461 feet). |
