Скачать с ютуб The Corkscrew Trail: Trying to Find My Way and Testing My New Knee, Colorado National Monument, CO в хорошем качестве

The Corkscrew Trail: Trying to Find My Way and Testing My New Knee, Colorado National Monument, CO

Last year hiking was fun (as always) but it was painful. My right knee had quickly deteriorated after my fall at work almost two years prior. Now, with a new, titanium knee replacement, I’m no longer in pain and feel like I could hike forever. This hike was a test. It was the first time I’ve hiked back-to- back days with no rest in between hikes. Outside of some stiffness I felt really good. I knew this hike would be a challenge. Not because of the length (only 3.3 miles) but because of the elevation gain and climbing over rough terrain. Going up would test my heart, endurance, and leg strength. Going down would test my knee. So on a cloudy day with rain all around the Grand Valley I started the hike. The first 1/2 mile was relatively easy, some rolling hills across the valley floor to the base of the Monument. The next 1/2 mile was a different story as the trail quickly got steep and windy. There were some steps, but they were uneven. Most of the trail went across rock where a ledge had either been carved or eroded that passed for a footpath. It was easy to lose the trail as the path wound through lots of areas filled with large and loose rocks and boulders. Many areas were steeper than a stairway and I found myself slipping a little in places. My heart rate raised to over 155 bpm a few times and I paused a couple of times to catch my breath and take a few pictures. I finally reach a sign that point to the Liberty Cap to the right and the Corkscrew to the left. I took a break there for a few minutes. The next .2 miles were mostly level and wound through beautiful rock gardens willed with large boulders of varying sizes and colors. At one point there was the remnants of an old corral with a roll of barbed wire and an old can with Quaker State printed on it, slowly losing its battle to time. Another marker, located in a field of granite, showed the trail continuing to the left. From here it’s 2 miles back to the trailhead. After a short walk the trail narrowed and started down. This trail was made by John Otto in the early 1900s with nothing more than a pickaxe and shovel. It’s steep and very narrow with lots of skree, steep drop-offs, and bighorn sheep scat. As you descend stop and look up and around you. The scenery is breathtaking. Once you are through the corkscrews you are not down yet. There’s still lots of rock outcroppings to traverse. Here’s where, at times, the trail disappears. Just keep looking ahead of you as most of the trails lie directly straight across the outcroppings. I saw only 1 sign through this area and no cairns. Once at the bottom the trail is easy to follow. You will pass through a wash and there is one point where the trail forks. Just stay to the left and it will take you back to the trailhead. And yes, my knee did just fine, thank you. Mileage: 3.3 one way (5.3 km) Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous Elevation: 4,800 feet (1463 meters) Average time: 2 1/2 hours Usage: Hiking only. Horses prohibited. No pets. Description: Originally built by John Otto in 1909. Follow Liberty Cap Trail to trail junction sign at 1.0 mile (1.6 km). Turn left and hike 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to Corkscrew Trail sign; descend steep "corkscrew" switchbacks. Follow Corkscrew Connector Trail signs back to the trailhead. There is a pit toilet at the parking area. Take water, food, sunscreen, strong boots, trekking poles, a hat, and a map. Not handicap accessible. Not for small children or pets. Whatever you take in please take out. Do not desecrate or deface the rock formations, trails, or heritage areas. Be respectful of others. To Donate use the links below: Venmo: @Paul-Estep-12 Facebook:   / paul.estep.35   Facebook Messenger: Paul Estep Facebook Reels: Just hit the star on the right side of the reel Equipment: iPhone 13 A 15 year old Olympus VG-140 Camera Akaso EK7000 Camera GoPro Hero 9 Black Bcway Phone All-in-One Travel Tripod with Remote onn. Wireless Selfie Stick Trekking Poles, Insulated Bottles, and Backpack are Ozark Trail Hiking hat is a Tilley Music: Despite the Traffic by Wes Hutchinson We travel in a 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE front-wheel drive with over 185,000 miles. We are still praying for a small Casita camper to tow behind it. Recorded July 26, 2024 entirely on location in Colorado National Monument, CO, the Lower Liberty Cap Trail and the Corkscrew Trail.