I “slept in” until 6:15 a.m., as it was pretty cold last night and I didn’t sleep well. I knew it was a tall order to think I could hike the 20.9 miles (33.6 km) to the Battle Pass Trailhead, enabling me to get to nearby Encampment and my reservation at Pine Lodge, but I decided to try my best.
The trail was pretty good for much of the morning. There were the usual uphills and downhills, but nothing too crazy. There were lots of downed trees for the first several miles, but then beautiful vistas emerged.
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Clicking Off the Miles
I was making pretty good time when I entered the Huston Park Wilderness, which I believe is part of the Sierra Madre. I saw there was a trail that intersected with the CDT and cut off about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) of uphill, so I planned to take it to give me better odds of reaching the trailhead. But when I got to the spot, there was no trail. Sigh.
So uphill I went. This part of the trail was actually pretty scenic, with big, reddish rocks and lots of white granite scattered about. But there was a lot of climbing, and the trail kept disappearing. It was also SUPER windy. Sadly, I couldn’t really enjoy this spot because I was so determined to hike as quickly as I could.
By midafternoon I’d finished this section. Phew! Now there were just about 8 more miles (12.9 km) to go.
Will I Make It?
I’d arranged for a shuttle from the Battle Pass Trailhead to Encampment, where I had an inn room waiting. But the shuttler had to bail at the last minute. Joan, the inn manager, said she’d pick me up if all else failed.
Many of these last few miles were gentle inclines and declines, repeatedly running through yellow, grassy fields, then into the woods, then back into the yellow grasses. I was 
clicking off the miles and was confident I’d make it.
Naturally, the last 1-2 miles (1.6-3.2 km) became super rocky and uphill. But … I made it! I even found trail magic at the end. While it was mostly consumed, there were a few bottles of water left, so I eagerly scooped one up.
Day Is Done!
Thanks to my hubby, Ed, who was in contact with Joan, she picked me up just about 15 minutes after I arrived. The inn here is newly remodeled and lovely. The restaurant next door was closed, but I found a bar with great burgers and beer.
My clothes are in the inn’s washer right now, and I’m SO thankful to have access to a hot shower and a warm, cozy room for the next two nights. Rain continues to be in the forecast, coupled with frigid temps. Boo. Pivoting is in my future.
Snowshoe
Today’s Miles: 20.9 (33.6 km)
CDT Miles to Date: 1,118.2 (1,799.6 km)
CDT Miles to Go: 1,981.8 (3,189.4 km)
Book your room at Pine Lodge here: Pine Lodge, Encampment, Wyoming
