I’m told that in segment 24, somewhere near the Elk Park railroad stop, it is possible to just follow the tracks into Silverton rather than make the 2000 climb up to Molas Pass and hitch back down to Silverton.
I would appreciate any details anyone might have on this alternate route.
Wandering Bob
I’ve never done that but I’ve talked to people who have. It is illegal as there are narrow places and trestles and the trains run through there. If you are hiking the CT you will need to get the part up to Molas anyway, so why not do it? It takes about 2 hours to hike up and out. An alternative would be to buy a train ticket from Elk Park to Silverton and just flag down the train and ride it. You would have to buy the ticket in advance - call the railroad if you are going to do that.
bearcreek
I’ve heard the Train sells only a full priced ticket, no partial-trip tickets, so it might prove expensive. However, if you bought a ticket, it might get you from Elk Park to Silverton, and the same ticket might allow you to return Silverton to Elk Park. That would be kinda cool. If you research this, please report here. We’d value knowing.
On Track
All the details on the train are here.
http://www.durangotrain.com/wilderness-access
note that this page is currently hidden on the train’s website because they are focused on winter. The page is still available to view by typing in the URL.
Basically, it’s only a 27 minute train ride between Silverton and the flag stop at Elk Park. Fares have gone up to $83 (either one-way or roundtrip - your choice) plus backpacks are $10 more and must go in the baggage car.
At almost $50 each way, that’s a pretty expensive ride for what should be a short distance mileage-wise. That’s why I’m trying to get info on the track walk.
Wandering Bob
If you aren’t too concerned about following the CT, you can take the CDT where it splits from the CT before Pole Creek. The CDT here is high and spectacular; it heads west as the CT heads south, then cuts south and you can take Cunningham Gulch trail to a 4WD road and then roadwalk/hitchhike into Silverton(dirt road, then a blacktop 2-lane). Its well marked on Trails Illustrated Map #141, Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Lake City map,
LA
LA:
Thanks for the thought.
I believe that the CDT route you describe is also the new CT Cataracht Ridge re-route over Stoney Pass. The CT no longer goes south along Pole Creek, although I’m told the old trail is still there for those who want to take it. It rejoins the official CT a few miles later.
Wandering Bob
Wandering Bob, it’s very possible I did it last year. I don’t know about illegal the train tender car guy didn’t have a problem with me walking down the tracks. There are a few trestles and washed out places but very doable. I will say that walking down train tracks isn’t like strolling down the trail. The gravel is loose and the ties aren’t spaced for walking on. It took me two hours from Elk Creek Crossing to town. Much more enjoyable that two hours of switch backs that I did on a previous thru hike and not having to hitch is a plus.
Mark E,
You are right, Cataract Ridge; high & spectacular, just couldn’t remember the name of it! Altho the drop into the Elk Creek drainage is also spectacular…
LA
I’ve looked up both route on my maps, and they appear to be about the same length - 7 miles.
2)Exit the CT either at the side trail to Elk Park railroad stop or 0.3 miles further south where you meet the tracks by a small pond. Turn right and walk the tracks North along the Anamis River for about 7 miles to the south end of Silverton. This route exits shortly before the climb to Molas Pass, and you only miss 5 miles of the CT. The route appears on the West side of Trails Illustrated Map # 140 - Weminuche Wilderness.
LA, you’re in fantastic shape if you did 7 miles in 2 hours; you’re my hero! I want a page from your training book. Correction: I want the whole book.
Wandering Bob
hhmm, never said anything about time; I think Mark said he did the switchbacks in 2 hours, think he’s talking about from Elk Park to Molas Pass; I’ve done it myself a couple of times, once in the dark and rain (ugh) and I was not checkin the time! I didn’t have any problem hitching to Silverton and if its late you can cowboy camp at the parking lot.
LA
You are correct, LA. I caught that error (and the “avoids skips” error as well) as soon as I posted it. Unfortunately, Trailforums does not have an EDIT or a PREVIEW function - something sorely needed for ham-fingered posters like me.
Mark did say “It took me two hours from Elk Creek Crossing to town”. I measured that distance at about 7 miles on my map. Even assuming most of those miles are downhill, 3.5 MPH on railroad tracks is jackrabbit speed. So is two hours to go steeply uphill for 5 miles and 2000 feet. All I know is that old Wandering Bob doesn’t wander at anywhere CLOSE to that pace under those conditions.
:eek:
Wandering Bob
I’ve done the CT five times and I think that Cataract Ridge and Elk Creek are the two best sections of the CT. (hands down, bar none, the obvious winners) If you have walked all the way from Denver to Elk Park on the CT you have experienced an almost endless cycle of ups and downs. I can’t imagine why one more little bitty 2000’ climb out of Elk Park to Molas Pass would bother you in the slightest. It’s a piece of cake. Just do it and your grandchildren will never ask you why you didn’t.
bearcreek
Elk Creek to the town of Silverton by rail road tracks is closer to five miles, so I averaged 2.5 mph. About average for me.
Mark E,