Saturday, June 6, 2026
36.8 miles, 4767′ gain/3668′ loss.
Max altitude: 11,000′
After a later night, I was up at 6:05am and hiking by 6:35am. I soon found myself hiking through the Hopewell Lake campground and then the day-use area around the lake. I did a few small chores, taking advantage of trash and privies, and then filtered water from the lake, surrounded by a handful of early morning fishermen.
I crossed over the paved road, and then headed into the aspen forests, but only after spying a solo antelope running across the field! Soon after, I passed by Slowburn, who was still breaking down camp before starting his day. He said there was another thruhiker north of us, and I passed by another hiker later in the day.
Mid-morning, I was walking through a long uphill field and I happened upon rangers moving their cows from winter to summer grazing land. We talked for a few minutes, and then I got to watch them corral and herd the cows into a gate and towards their new fields.
The trail wound around the edge of the Cruces Basin Wilderness, and crossed the Rio San Antonio, which is just a small stream at this point. The terrain was windy and cool, with some neat views. The day was mostly cloudy, which kept the temperatures much cooler. There was frequent flowing water, and I could pick and chose my water sources. Rain was threatened many times, with dark menacing clouds, but it never rained on me which I appreciated.
I saw dozens of elk, most with antlers! I also saw 2 bikerpackers, and got to meet one of them (Jeff). Overall, I just enjoyed being in the mountains with cooler temperatures and more water, and I had more of a pep in my step. I saw more snow off-trail (~3′ deep) and am glad I chose the low route through the southern San Juans coming up in the next few days.
I pushed my day long but was able to find a nice chill field to camp, only 8-9 miles from the New Mexico-Colorado border. I stopped at 8:45pm and enjoyed a nice night of sleep on the edge of a beautiful field in a forest.
