I just got done reading Cookerhiker’s 2011 CT Journal … thoroughly enjoyable and insightful; thank you. We’ll be finishing our Section hike of the trail this July; Molas Pass to Durango. Cookerhiker mentions mile 12.3 of Section 27 as having a spring (shows as an empty cup in the databook). It sounds more reliable than indicated … he was there in late August and found running water. Anyone have experience in that area or better yet, with the spring in question?
Bullet
There is NO reliable water near the trail in that section until you reach Cumberland Basin.
If you follow the old Good Hope trail (at 12.3) a short distance downhill you may find a small seep. There is water there sometimes, but it is not reliable. You can also find water down Salt Creek at mile 8.1 as well, but you have to walk steeply down along the drainage a ways to find it.
Best strategy is to load up after crossing Blackhawk Pass, dry camp in the vicinity of mile 11.2, and hit the ridge early in the morning.
You place your bets and take your chances…
bearcreek