Jason, JP, and Chris stand by the sign for the Bartlett Trail, which we followed from 8,500 feet to 11,400 feet in a single day.

This wilderness area (and the mountain that loomed over our basecamp) was named for Chief Greenhorn, a great Comanche chief who resided in the area.

Skip works on putting together his pack at the trailhead for maximum comfort.

While at the trailhead, the men make sure they have all the gear they need to survive a week in the Colorado backcountry. Kurt took a break from surveying his gear for this photo opportunity.

The sun was out and the temperatures were warm as we left the trailhead to start the climb.

At lower elevations, the terrain was dense. While well-established, the trail was thin enough to indicate we were not going to see people during the trip. We would have the solitude we were looking for.

The 2009 Wilderness Institute took place west of the small town of Rye, CO (the High School is the home of The Thunderbolts, we should have known we'd have lightning in our future). Rye is southwest of Pueblo, CO. The Wet Mountains rise from the plains outside of Rye. The trail featured stunning views of Rye along with hundreds of miles of plains clear to the horizon.

The eastern plains of Colorado are visible through the forest as Kurt makes progress up the trail.