Night hike the Cochetopa caldera

imported
#1

2 groups have elected to do section 18 at night in the past 3 days. It was Magnolia’s (female) idea and it has a lot of merit I think. It is much cooler at night and water consumption is drastically reduced. Besides, it is something amazing and different to do before you hit the San Juans. The Milky Way hangs above the caldera like a light show. Absolutely magnificent. GPS is mandatory due to some confusing intersections and it is imperative that you stop and camp if you lose your batteries or bearings. A bright moon helps a lot but isn’t a necessity. What a hoot!

apple

#2

I didn’t realize it was a caldera. My recollection is that the area was treated rather unceremoniously by the forest service and area ranchers, given such an outstanding geophysical distinction (a caldera, I mean). The cows poo and pee in the creeks and beneath the good camping trees with ambivalence rather than reverence, same as everywhere else. At the end of the season, the $5/hour gauchos come in, hoot and holler from horseback, throw some ropes, drive off the herd. Next thing you know the landscape is waist-deep in snow.

fern

#3

that section was amazing to hike at night I have hiked it in the day time and at night. There was almost no moonlight when I left the stars were out and you could see the milky way. I did not enjoy that section much when I hiked it a couple of years ago it was hot and the view was forest service roads and through cow fields. The night hike is the way to go. Hummingbird and I had a great time I would strongly recommend it. I pulled out the GPS a couple of times to make sure I was on the right road. Do not do the trial without a GPS. Never wandered off the main trail. A cow mooed and scared the crap out of me. Shortly after that apple decided to meet me on the section he turned off his head lamp and stood off trial and once again I got quite the scare. Thanks for the support on the trail apple. most of us that were hiking close together are done we met in Durango and celebrated. Alex, Marshel, kindle, Veda, Tom, Pam and Bearman

Brandon

#4

That was a high point of my summer. The Milky Way was amazing. I will gladly assist anyone who wants to try this and I promise to behave. :smiley: I would like to see this become a tradition on the CT. BTW the caldera has long since gone dormant. To see it just fly over to Cochetopa Dome on Google Earth and zoom out until you see the gigantic crater with Cochetopa volcano sitting in the center. No eruptions expected…

Apple

#5

This sounds awesome! I’d hate to just pass through without great advice from you guys. Thanks so much for sharing! Apple, I’m getting the idea you are a guy worth knowing on the trail, eh? This whole thing is new to me…do I just expect to bump into you or where do I find you? :slight_smile: By the time I see you I’ll be the ragged one-legged/one-armed girl with the vicious german shepherd… :wink:

Jenny

#6

Just saw these links if you want more information about the Cochetopa Caldera.


Bernard