Water- too much and too bad

imported
#1

Hi all,
I just finished a section hike from Hwy50 to Durango on July 1

I had a problem with the H20 source (CT databook: 16.9 mi into seg.28)- only 4.6mi from the end of the trail. I had planned to get water and camp there before finishing the trail; it’s described as “year- round spring with last camping before CT ends”. What I found was a half evaporated pond- really a puddle of stagnant water covered with an oily looking layer and dead bugs floating about. There was also a pipe that seemed to run under a hollowed out log that was also filled with the same buggy, oil slicked water. I couldn’t find any running water anywhere,

Anyway- I had some water left in my Platypus - from when I crossed Junction Ck on the bridge( seg28 mile 7.1).
I wasnt desperate enough to drink from the mire-by far the worse water source on the whole trip- so I finished the ~4mi and camped at the Junction Ck campground which -has potable water.

Does anybody know about this year round spring?- is there running water there? I didnt spend a lot of time exploring the spring cuz it was late in the day, and a relatively big mile day.

Also BRIDGE OVER COCHETOPA CREEK [9.7mi into seg 19] WAS WASHED OUT, so it had to be forded. At the time the current was strong, but there was a spot slightly upstream from the bridge site that was only ~knee deep.

Danl

#2

The water source you mention is a wild game watering hole. It is a bit nasty with a cattail filled pond and wooden watering trough.

FWIW, I have collected water from much worse sources on the CDT in New Mexico. Filter it and it is fine. The water situation along the CT is so good for the most part that sources like the trough are really unappealing. There is good flowing water available a couple of miles further in Junction Creek, so you need to plan for about 12 miles when you cross the bridge at mile 7.1.

Another problematic water source is Celebration Lake at the end of Segment 25. That water is full of microscopic algae which is really rough on filters. If you continue past the lake a couple of miles there are strong flowing springs right on the trail and beautiful meadows for camping.

There is a 5 mile rule for camping on the trail - the last 5 miles is closed to camping so the trough is absolutely the last place you can do so without possibly being cited.

bearcreek

#3

Thanks BC,
I did end up getting some water at Junction Creek then went to the campground.

Danl