Tilden Running on Devil’s Thumb Pass Trail
On Saturday, Tilden and I ran the High Lonesome Trail Loop; up Devil’s Thumb Pass, across the Continental Divide, and then down the King Lake Trail. It took us about 5.5 hours, with an average rate of 20 minutes per mile (including the uphill portions!).
Climbergirl At Devil’s Thumb Lake (11,100 ft)
I was very happy with the run, as I haven’t been running in a while, outside of the occasional 20 minutes in the gym. My knee was bothering me a little bit on the way down, but other than that, no other problems.
Also, bonus points for Tilden. He brought his water filter, so we never had to carry more than a liter of water which really made the run go more smoothly. Not having to carry the extra weight was super nice!
The High Lonesome Loop is roughly 16.4 miles with several thousand feet of gain, in an amazing alpine setting. I would estimate about 85% of the run is on single track, with the rest being on a gravel road.
Start at the Hessie Trailhead at 7:35am
Taken about 1 hour from the TH. Gorgeous trail!
MOTS (More Of The Same)
View of Devil’s Thumb Point from pond below Devil’s Thumb Lake
We stop for a break to filter water.
Looking Back at Devil’s Thumb and it’s Eponymous Lake
Looking up at Devil’s Thumb Pass, from the same spot as the picture above!
On the Continental Divide. It took us 2 hours 45 minutes to get here from Hessie TH. Looking back at Devil’s Thumb Pass.
Looking forward as we contour the Continental Divide. We see Winter Park and the James Peak Wilderness, in the distance!
Betty Lake and the King Lake Drainage…sneak peak from the Continental Divide. We’re going to go down that drainage next! Yay!
A closer look at James Peak Wilderness and Winter Park. How pretty!
King Lake Drainage Trail. It took us about 3 hours 45 minutes to get to this spot.
Descending King Lake Trail was fantastic!
Foot Dangle off the edge of a waterfall.
We crossed the stream way above the waterfall! From here, it was about another 1.5 hours back to the car. I had to go a little slower than normal, downhill since my knee was hurting a bit.
Back at the car in just under 5.5 hours. Super psyched!
Tags: Continental Divide, Hessie Trailhead, High Lonesome Loop, Trail Running