After a very quiet, pleasant night by the Rio Chama we hike up the mesa across from Ghost Ranch. The top is close to the “official” Continental Divide Trail route. I’ve always thought that a through hiker would have to be crazy to stay on the official trail and skip Ghost Ranch. That opinion still holds, but this hike softened it a bit. This mesa really does offer great views.

Knee notes: again in good shape, only a hint of stiffness near the end.