The Coach and Kids: Devils Causeway and Flat Tops Wilderness Hike

DISCOVERING THE FLAT TOPS

This was no ordinary Sunday. Started bright an early with yoga 9-10:15 downtown and raced to church, yes in my yoga gear with a large north face 1/2 zip to cover. Only in Steamboat! :)

After church, Jody and I had been tossing around the idea of hiking Devils Causeway for a while but with the colors changing it was definitely a sign that the days are numbered before the snow falls in upper elevations. So a quick sandwich with the kids and off we went.

Devils Causeway takes you through Oak Creek and Yampa to Routt National Forest. Simply tucked into the beautiful landscape of changing trees and gorgeous mountains, the drive itself will likely take us back next week to let mom and the kids enjoy a picnic among the colors.

Here's just a few of the drive through the forest before we had to park.

My FAVORITE tree. This will be framed!

This description is what you'll find on the web. There's a scary picture of some hikers actually WALKING across the causeway instead of crawling on the site. Check it out.

Devils Causeway is named for this ridge at 11,800 feet which brings chills to those who are afraid of heights and causes those who are not afraid of heights to become afraid. This hike, which ascends the Chinese Wall in the Flat Tops Wilderness, contains a narrow 3-foot wide, 150 foot long segment of broken rock with 1,500 ft drops on either side. This segment, which gives the trail its name, is demonic indeed. Anyone with the slightest bit of acrophobia will cower, cringe.

Getting closer. This just makes anyone feel small.

View from the top before the steps ascend toward the causeway

Clouds cleared to let us finish. Isn't God good to let us enjoy this?!

This is as FAR as I go. On either side the peripheral is tripping! The wall insets a bit more than this picture shows and drops straight down. I'm terrified of heights. But today I overcame this. I stood here looking out until the fear passed and sense told me, you're good. You did it. Turn around and walk back up. That was the worst part. THE PERIPHERAL still works. I needed horse blinder. Never had vertigo, but this could do it to you.

Devils Causeway. Connects to the china wall so if you make it across (crawling) to the Chinese wall then continue across you can complete the 10.5 loop. NO THANKS, not that way. :)