This final day was easy downhill trail to the outskirts of Durango. With the drop in elevation the temps were rising quickly even by mid morning. The last couple miles there were lots of folks on the trail…and even more dogs.

I made it to the terminus just after 10am.
485 miles and three weeks to the day after I left Waterton Canyon, I had arrived!

Within a couple minutes after sitting down in the shade I was offered a ride into town…these were my travel companions.

As much as I love sleeping in my tent there’s something to be said for a well deserved rest and a long shower at a comfortable hotel.

Tomorrow I will pick up a rental car for the drive back to Denver.