40-days & 40-nights
April 8, 20222022 GoHawkeye fundraiser hike
Illustrated by Craig Stein
This years hike will be a variation of the GoHawkeye San Juan Trail that I pioneered in 2016 and have added to each year since. 40 days is the minimum amount of time I need to reconnect with nature and I look forward to it each year.
I will begin this 475 mile trek at Cumbres Pass near Chama, New Mexico on June 22. The route mostly follows the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) north through Colorado until I reach Monarch Pass (Rt. 50). Then I turn around and hike south to Silverton and then west over to my home in Telluride, Colorado by August 1. This will be the biggest fundraiser of the year for the GoHawkeye Foundation and my goal is to raise $25,000 for grants to benefit adaptive athletes.
Shortly after I begin my trek, the route enters the South San Juan Wilderness on the CDT heading north. I’ll be packing my fly rod so my first stop will be at Dipping Lakes and Trail Lake. There I’ll take the Valle Victoria Trail for an out and back loop to explore Victoria Lake, No Name Lake, and Alverjones Lake for a night or two. I’ll return to the CDT northbound, fish Green and Blue Lakes and continue on for 95 miles to Wolf Creek Pass and resupply in Pagosa Springs.
“Again this year, I’ll be sponsored by Six Moon Designs (SMD) and putting their lightweight backpacking gear to the test. I rely on quality gear and I’ve found SMD gear to be lightweight, durable and affordable. I’m fortunate and grateful to be named an ambassador for their products this year! I will be posting pictures and reviews of the gear I use on this journey.”
-HAWKEYE
The trail continues north on the CDT for 45 miles into the Weminuche Wilderness and on to Squaw Pass. I will turn onto the Squaw Creek Trail for 10 miles and down to the Rio Grande Reservoir, the site of this years ”Fish Camp!”
Next, my pal Tony will join me for a multi day wilderness fishing loop. We will hike up the Ute Creek Trail, fishing on the way, and travel to West Ute, Middle Ute and Ute lakes on the 35 mile route in the Weminuche Wilderness.
After this excursion, I will hike Northwest on the Lost Creek Trail, visit Heart Lake and on to Coney Mountain and rejoin the CDT north stopping at Spring Creek pass to resupply in Lake City. From there I’ll continue north across Snow Mesa on the CDT and Colorado Trail for almost 100 miles until Monarch Pass and resupply in Salida. Then retracing my steps south on the CDT for 138 miles to the Highland Mary Lakes Trail and the Whitehead Trail, visiting the Highland Mary Lakes and Lost Lake on the way to resupply in Silverton at the 455 mile mark. Some bushwacking and only 20 miles of trail remain until I reach home in Telluride, Colorado.
Since 2014 GoHawkeye has helped adaptive athletes and organizations with grants totaling over $230,000 and making a significant impact in the world of adaptive sports. Donations from readers like you add up to help us meet our mission. My goal is to raise $25,000 and I always pay my own expenses. You can donate per mile or make a set amount. Please make a donation to help others and help motivate me along my 40-days and 40-nights journey!
