Colorado Trail Days 11-12: Leadville, Melanzanas & Heading into the Collegiate West!
A Hitch to Leadville
Day 11 was a challenging but rewarding hike. The author, feeling the strain of the climb, took a lunch break by a stream, indulging in a unique meal of a tortilla with peanut butter and mashed-up nacho cheese Doritos. Despite feeling tired, they persevered and reached the trailhead, where they encountered a hitchhiking issue. After a humorous encounter with a pickup truck driver, they were finally dropped off at the Melanzana Store, a brand known for its cult-following microgrid hoodies. The author couldn't resist buying a purple hoodie, adding to their collection.
The hostel was bustling with fellow hikers, and the author took advantage of the hiker loaner clothes, feeling refreshed in a short-sleeved dress. They enjoyed town luxuries like cheese curds and explored the gear store. The author also mailed gifts back home, including a mountain ceramic painting and a gift for their boyfriend.
Day 12 began with a hot morning in Leadville. The author ran errands, including a visit to the Family Dollar, and enjoyed a Cuban sandwich at Buchi Cafe Cubano. They learned about Boom Days, a festival celebrating the mining industry, and even bought a turquoise ring as a memento.
However, the author's plans took an unexpected turn when they missed the noon shuttle. After waiting, they were picked up by a trail angel, Mike, who dropped them off at Twin Lakes, avoiding a hike along the highway. The author then took a detour to explore the Interlaken Trail, an abandoned resort from the 19th century.
Anxiety gripped the author as they prepared to enter the Collegiate West, a section known for its beauty but also for the risk of cold, wet conditions and thunderstorms. They reflected on the similarity between the Collegiate West and the Sierra passes on the PCT, acknowledging the need to time their hikes carefully.
Despite their nerves, the author was excited for the challenge ahead, with a steep 3,047 feet of elevation gain in just 3.6 miles. They prepared for the journey, feeling the white noise of a nearby creek, and looked forward to an early start the next day.
