Chaffee County. The mountains. The wide open spaces. The Arkansas River. And the people. Nothing beats living here.

For seven consecutive days, on April 1-7, 2010, I walked through Chaffee County, Colorado from north to south.

I began one mile north of Granite at the border of Lake and Chaffee counties, and hiked south. The dormant railroad tracks along the Arkansas River guided me through Granite, Buena Vista, Johnson Village and Nathrop. Eventually I journeyed through scenic Browns Canyon and made it to Salida, the county seat.

From Salida, I left the railroad tracks and walked to Poncha Springs (via Highway 50). On the last day, I ascended to Poncha Pass, the county's southern end.

In all, the estimated mileage was 61 miles.

Adjacent Photo: Click to view the map at a larger size. The red line shows my route from north to south. The far ends of the county are cut off, but you get the point. This Chaffee County map was provided by Collegiate Peaks Realty.

Common Questions

Why did you do this? Well, why not? Must I have a reason? Let's just say I am one of those who climbs mountains because they're there.

How did I document this trip? I snapped photos and posted them on this daily pages on this website. (The left column on this page has all seven days for you to read.) The daily journal with photos and writings is similar to my 2008 bike across America trip.

Did you camp? Naaaah. I'm not much of a camper. I live in Buena Vista, and I coordinated with friends who shuttle me to starting and ending points.

Did you go alone? One friend hiked with me from Stonebridge (south of Browns Canyon) to the southeast end of Salida on Monday (4/5), but that was it. I live in Chaffee County and this region is home. It's not like I was in a foreign country where I didn't speak the native language. I had my cell phone with me, of course.

How long was the trip? Seven consecutive days.

Do trains travel on these railroad tracks? No, they do not. These tracks are the old Denver & Rio Grande Western line. Trains stopped running in 1997.

Thank you for visiting! -Steve :)