Around 2 a.m., a couple of people came walking up the road on foot, chatting loudly. They shined their lights on my tent, clearly surprised to see someone camped at such a random spot along the Transfer Trail. One of them commented on the tent, then they both went quiet and continued on until their footsteps faded into the distance.
I woke to yet another beautiful blue sky. Savoring one final morning cup of coffee, I packed up and continued down the Transfer Trail. The route passed a few larger ponds before reaching a stunningly clear creek where I chugged some water and filtered enough to carry me through the final 10 miles into town. With no water sources in that last stretch, I felt slightly redeemed for yesterday’s miscalculation.
The main highlight of the descent was Windy Point—a breathtaking overlook along the Transfer Trail that peers down into a canyon-like creek valley where the Jesse Weaver Trail runs. That trail is a solid alternate into Glenwood Springs if you're not a fan of descending a 4x4 road. Still, the views along the Transfer Trail make it the optimal route in my book—but to each their own.
At the trailhead, my girlfriend—who had dropped me off at the Dunraven Trailhead 18 days earlier—was waiting to greet me. We headed into Glenwood Springs to soak in the hot springs and enjoy the comforts of town, closing out the adventure of a near-perfect thru-hike.
Trip Totals
Miles - 293.0
Kilometers - 471.5
Days - 19
Zeros - 1
Neros - 0
