I was hoping we could get back on the trail at Rollins Pass, which would scoot Ed around the worst altitude. But how to get there? I texted my hero of this hike, Mike from Leadville, who has shuttled me numerous times. Unfortunately, his 4WD vehicle is in the shop, and his regular car can’t handle the bad roads up to Rollins Pass.
However, we determined he could get us to the Junco Lake/Indian Peaks area without a problem. Not ideal, but you take what you can get. So Mike drove us partway up the road and, once it got bad, we hopped out and hiked in to the trailhead. It was noon.
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Heading to Big Rock Campground
Our goal was to hike downhill to Monarch Lake, then either camp there or at Big Rock Campground. Gosh, I can tell I’m getting old. The first hour or so of today’s hike was just slightly uphill, yet it felt almost as difficult as yesterday’s insane climb! But I also realized I haven’t had a zero day in more than two weeks. Not smart when you’re almost 64! So that could be it, too.
Most of the miles today were downhill and/or relatively flat. Unfortunately, there are so many dead and downed trees that the scenery was not that nice. Darn that Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle!
Toward the end of the day, as we neared Monarch Lake, the trail was covered in horse 
apples. There must have been some caravan of horses here, and once one pooped they all pooped. I’ve never seen so much horse poop in my life.
Settling in at Our Posh Campsite
Thank heavens there are several campgrounds near Monarch Lake, as there were so few places we could have camped today along the trail, due to the wealth of dead/downed trees and slanted surfaces. We opted for the closest campground, Big Rock, and it’s amazing. (And free for CDT hikers!)
We have a large, flat area for our two tents. We’re right across from a clean and wonderfully smelling privy (no lie). There is also water next to the privy. What else could you ask for?!
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: =11 (17.7 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 964.1 (1,551.6 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 2,135.9 (3,437.4 km)
