This morning was the coldest morning of the trip…probably just below freezing. After a couple miles of hiking we arrived at a trailhead parking area where hikers did their best marmot impressions warming themselves in the sun on the rocks.

The trail continued through open range as we dodged cow pies with each step.

We steadily gained elevation following the Cochetopa Creek up the valley.

Yeh trail crested a saddle around 12,600’ where there was junction to San Luis Peak (14,040’). Albert convinced me to go on the 3 mile round trip detour.

San Luis Peak…we followed the right ridge line to the top.

Just before the summit.

It was a little hazy from wildfires but the views were still fantastic. It took about 1hr to the summit and 40mins to get down.

The rest of the afternoon we were above treeline with several steep short climbs.

We arrived at camp around 6:45 and it was by far the busiest campsite I’ve seen so far (not sure why?).

The last half of the day was a grind with all the steep climbs. All-in we climbed over 6500’ and my legs were feeling it on the final descent into camp.