Up high and big terrain; enjoy as I hope this route inspires others!
Please note that this route is completely coupled and dependent on weather... in other words due to the high altitude nature with lots of above-treeline exposure, thunderstorms and lightning should be taken seriously. Additionally, there is a class 3/4 scrambling, with some exposure, in the gully between James Peak and Bancroft.
This route is a point-to-point some of it along the famous CDT, and can be started from either direction (Moffat Tunnel TH or Herman's Gulch TH). The route briefly described below was done from Herman's to Moffat (west to east direction)...
The first 20 miles between Herman's and Berthoud Pass consists of nice single-track and ridge-running, and climbs over one 13er. This section has two streams to fill up water. Berthoud Pass is a busy road and there's a warming hut with no-water restrooms.
The latter part of the route from Berthoud Pass to Moffat tunnel consists of five13ers, some trail, scree travel, and again, mostly above treeline. For the aforementioned class 3/4 scramble, you may be tired at this point in the route but no time to be dreary as it will need your full attention to route find through about 200 yards of a rocky outcrop.
Lots of views, altitude, and a great link-up of several trail systems to traverse the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Vasquez Range.
