Sierra Madre CDT
We were really looking forward to running the Sierra Madre portion of the CDT. It ran right along the continental divide, so we were expecting big views as we ran along a ridge. That wasn't what we found, and it was kind of a bummer.
We found the trailhead easily enough, the only section at the Ellis Jeep Trail intersection in the middle that we hadn't done before. We set out, and immediately realized we wouldn't be treated to big views. The elevation wasn't high enough, and we'd be in the trees the whole time.
It was interesting to watch our GPS units to see where we were on the topo map, but the scenery was pretty boring. All you could see was trees around you, with one spot where it opened up enough to see other mountains in the distance. They were also low in elevation and covered in trees.
It was definitely used mostly by ATVs, and they had done the work cutting deadfall from the trail. Some of the passageways between the trees were pretty tight, but we squeezed through them. It made sections interesting that could have been boring.
There were a few small rocks to climb over near the end, but nothing too exciting. We knew we were at the end when we found the forest service sign for the hiking trail. We turned around and headed back down.
We won't go out of our way to do this trail, but if we're in the area we'll probably do it again if there is time.
