| I guess reaching anything called "Heaven" isn't easy
But a few weeks ago, after reaizing I really haven't gotten on the trails much this summer, I decided to head down to Ouray. I've been hiking more on the Mesa this year and toward Crested Butte, so I was missing those mountain views.
Old Horsethief, which I've done before, seemed like an easy, right-off-the-highway option that didn't require much research or any offroading.
Alas, once you hit the top of that trail, you make a choice: Carry on toward Bridge of Heaven, a saddle about two more miles up, or turn around and head down.
Presented with this option, the hike would have felt incomplete if I called it off. So, I headed up to Bridge of Heaven, with my steps getting a little shorter and slower as I trekked toward the top. Two miles didn't see like much, but it felt like it.
By the time I made it down, I'd hiked about ten miles and probably at least 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
Really, not what I had intended to do on what I thought would be a fairly chill mid-morning hike.
But, the 360 views were worth it, and I'm not disappointed I chose the full route.
If you're thinking of trying this trail, keep in mind the steep elevation gain- ad seriously, just doing the nearly-3-mile Old Horsethief is a good workout too. Trailhead parking is just north of Ouray, and the folks at the visitor center know exactly where to go.
Cheers,
Kylea
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