Finding a better way around a landslide on the Colorado Trail

Our planned path was blocked by a fresh landslide near Twin Lakes. Some folks said to backtrack miles, others argued for climbing over the debris. I used a satellite image on my phone to spot a game trail that looped around safely. What's your move when the main route gets taken out?

4 comments

4 Comments

lopez.faith1mo ago

That's a smart way to handle it, using what you have. An old guidebook I read always said to look for animal paths when you're stuck. Your satellite map trick is just the modern version of that same good advice.

dylanr511mo ago

Funny how often the easiest way forward is just off to the side if you look. I mean, I get stuck on the main plan all the time, whether it's a traffic jam or a messed up schedule. Stepping back for a second with a different view, like your satellite pic, usually shows you the path that was there the whole time.

milesbarnes1mo ago

For me, it was getting totally lost on a hiking trail last fall. The main path was washed out and my phone had no signal. Instead of fighting it, I just sat on a rock for a minute and watched the squirrels. They kept darting through this one thicket, and it turned out to be a perfect little game trail that hooked right back to the parking lot. Sometimes you just have to stop pushing and watch what's already working.

white.nathan1mo ago

Watch how this works past hiking too, like with dylanr51's satellite map view. It's basically using any tool to get that wider look when you're stuck in the details. Honestly that shift helps you figure out most problems, not just trail maps.