Whoa, the adventure factor is high on this one! Former NCAA Division II All-American Kylee Schuler has traded the track for the trails, and now living in Carbondale, she tells us about one of her favorites. Thanks again to Colorado-based VFuel for sponsoring this month’s installment.
Although there are lots of route combinations and link up possibilities here, Schuler’s day gained 5,267 feet of elevation while taking in 17 miles. She started at the Capitol Peak trailhead (directions) and gained the ridgeline via the Hell Roaring Trail. On the ridge, official trails are traded for little more than game trails to reach Capitol Pass. The Capitol Pass Trail can be used to close the loop.
Schuler calls this a hard loop – again, note hard – that involves scrambling and route finding challenges. An easier option is a 12-mile loop from the Capitol Creek trailhead to Capitol Lake and back via the Capitol Ditch Trail.
Peak time for this run is the summer, when wildflowers are abundant, or in the fall when the aspen leaves have reached their golden yellow. “Capitol Peak looms in the distances the whole way, and Capitol Lake is an amazing sight to see as well,” Schuler says. “The aspen groves on the way back on the Capitol Ditch Trail are absolutely beautiful.”
VFuel
Not only is VFuel based out of Estes Park, but seriously, their gels are the best tasting on the market. Kylee Schuler agrees and was happy to receive a box of the Peach Cobbler flavored gels and Tangerine Cream drink mix for her contribution to this month’s trail of the month.
The gels are easily digestible and perform – they deliver the consistent energy you need on a long day, even up on Hell Roaring Ridge!
All photos by Kylee Schuler.
