Running from Denver to Durango, the ~500 mile Colorado Trail was my main summer adventure in 2008. My girlfriend at the time and I spent a casual 40 days making miles to our eventual finish.

The first memories that come up include:

•  Pouring rain that went straight through our under-performing lightweight tent.
•  Almost being hit by a falling tree while asleep in said tent.
•  My hiking partner mostly not enjoying herself. It made it hard for me to fully enjoy it too.
•  The dead forests of the Rockies. It’s very sad.
•  The stunning scenery, great towns and lovely walking.
•  Someone organizing a rendezvous the next day to bring us coffee and maps at a remote dirt road.
•  My friend unexpectedly picking us up at the terminus.

My Colorado Trail Slideshow