Odometer: 1,892 miles. Today: 132 miles.
My guess is that no one reading it has heard of Flat Tops Wilderness. It’s only the second largest wilderness area in Colorado at 235,000 acres. With no 14ers, it stays off the radar, which makes it the ideal backwater.
I only discovered it about a month ago when asking ChatGPT to suggest my next multi-day hike with Samuel. It was kinda cool, and scary, how I could train ChatGPT to know what I like from reading my blog! I’m unsure, and I hesitate to ask it, to distinguish between what I enjoy doing with Janet vs. Samuel.
So, I have planned an ambitious exploration of this wilderness with Samuel next month. The initial plan for this trip with Janet did not include it. We were going to visit Leadville. The proximity of the Willow Fire to the town persuaded me to replan. The afternoon monsoon rains that are falling on Arvan as I write this are helping to fight Willow!
Most of the journey here was along I-70 from Grand Junction. I’d frequently seen the signs to Grand Junction westward along I-70 around Denver. Lazily, I had assumed the highlight of crossing the Rockies would be around the famous ski resorts like Breckenridge and Vail. However, I’d recommend taking I-70 to Grand Junction just for the scenery from the Interstate! As we headed east from Grand Junction, we followed the mighty Colorado River upstream, tracking its meanders as it weaved between the surrounding mountains.
The scenery evolved to forest as the traffic diminished as we headed up the Flat Topps Scenic Byway, and along a five-mile dirt road to its end – at our campsite, just outside the wilderness boundary.
It was a special kind of nap that we had while parked in the forest. Later, I was entertaining Saydee on our picnic table. She started getting agitated, sniffing the air aggressively! I let her down and she ran straight to Arvan, inside which Janet was grating cheese. That dog and cheese!
The following morning’s task was a wilderness hike. These are great places to spend two nights, and we thrived, even though our campsite was completely dry without electricity or water, as we have sufficient on board. It helps emphasize the wilderness experience.
The Marvin’s Trail’s smooth dirt and gentle grades was easy walking, allowing us to enjoy the views even more.
There were abundant wildflowers.
Saydee learned to love streams that were more her size…
… and was quick to assume the “napping position” as soon as possible after the hike.
I managed to photograph some of the local wildlife before the next thunderstorm rolled in. There were lots of species I had not seen before, including an American red squirrel.
Remember, in these forests, even the trees are watching you!
The Adventures of the Cajunlimeys 