A short day was planned for today so I slept in until 6am 🙂 The temps were surprisingly mild considering I was camped at 11,500’.

I was on trail a little too late to get a prime sunrise pic.

There was one steep climb to get over the divide and drop down to Monarch Pass.

The trail went right through the Monarch Pass Ski Area.

About 10am I arrived at Highway 50 and Monarch Pass.

After picking up a resupply package at the gift shop, as well as a couple snacks, I was offered a ride into Salida by a local trail angel named Chuck. He had just driven up and dropped off several other hikers.

Home for the night was the Salida Hostel and Inn. A perfect place to shower, do laundry, organize gear and relax. Several other hikers were staying here as well.

The sun setting over the Collegiates.