Blodgett Peak - Crash Site

Distance: 5.49 miles
Ascent:  3,407 feet
Route: Blodgett trail head parking lot off of Centennial Blvd.  Took the "Peregrine trails" to the summit trails, but continued north towards the AFA horse trails.  Jumped on the higher side trail to the outcropping that overlooks the water plant.  From this trail we bushwhacked up the north eastern side of the mountain and skirted the top to the north western ridge.  Explored the C-49J wreckage, and then back up the ridge circling the other side of the summit and back down the main trails.

Description: Should point out that the the goal of today's excursion was not to reach the top of the mountain, which we have done before, but finally make it to the WWII plane wreckage.  I say finally as this was our third attempt to the site!  Would also note that my frustration with this hill stems from yet another trip a few years ago where we came in from the south west (Ormes Peak) and got caught without trail after dark.  Long story, perhaps not so short, a good sense of completion today.

Managed a good start this morning, but perhaps not as necessary with the overcast day.  The intention was to find a path (trail or otherwise) around Blodgett and connect with 713 on the Air Force Academy.  We quickly reached the northern most end of the established trails and debated as to whether to continue on with that plan.  In the end we back tracked a bit and started up a draw, a route we had previously attempted.  The last time around was not only unsuccessful, but someone got injured, so instead of trying to stay within the thick tangle along the creek, we pushed more up the ridge.  Several spots required running up the scree to find secure footing and not lose ground.  This was quite a haul and where we gained the majority of our elevation.  

Reaching the top provided additional motivation though, as the crash site could be seen on the adjacent ridge.  In retrospect, glad that we did get an earlier start as visibility dropped to only a few hundred feet as were rounding the bowl.  Slow and easy we navigated under the summit, both up and under several outcroppings, all while in the rain.  Everything became slick rather quickly, but we maintained our elevation line and reached the north west ridge, allowing for an easier path to drop down on.  Still very steep, the faint trail was aided by the moisture, diminishing what would otherwise be a dry slide.

Glimpses of metal appeared through the trees and I was surprised by the amount of wreckage that was still present on the hillside.  The C-49J struck the mountain in 1943 due to flying by instrument in overcast weather.  Traveling from Pueblo to Denver, the three aboard died on impact, but the wreck did catch fire and slide.  I have also read that the cargo plane was conscripted by the army from Continental, and that the pilot was a lieutenant and other two were civilians.  A copy of the accident report is actually hidden in the top most piece of the plane although it is difficult to reach without cutting yourself.  


To get back we climbed the ridge again and circled the western side of the mountain.  Even following the occasional cairn I just about passed the main trail.  Not being able to see the city really tossed my sense of direction, but luckily Gretchen spotted it about 60 feet below.  From here it was nice to know the route, but I think each of us took at least one spill on the steep descent.  The rain had let up to a constant drizzle but I was mud soaked up to my knees and did not care for the uncomfortable weight of it.  Glad to find the jeep and what was left of my morning coffee.