After surviving the first hike from Porphyry to Columbine Pass that I did with Jane Marie and Penny on July 10th, (see post), I decided to return with Zarita with the hopes of less snow and not getting lost. It was a beautiful sunny day and the wildflowers were Amazing near Columbine Pass. This hike is view filled across open tundra and is now my favorite approach to Columbine Lake. Since the weather was great and there weren't any storms brewing we had plenty of time to hike the additional mile from Columbine Pass over to Columbine lake where we did some exploring and photographing before retracing our steps. We met up for a short visit with Tim and Angela on our return.
PASS CREEK TRAIL
The Moxies enjoyed a wonderful hike up the Pass Creek Trail to the flower filled meadow of Engineer Mountain. The wildflowers were incredible. The Larkspur at the trailhead were 5-6' tall, the bluebells were chiming, the pink elephant flowers were splattered along the small pond and the Old Man of the Mountain was overseeing them all. The only thing missing was our friend Marcie who told me she absolutely loves this trail during wildflower season and was sorry she couldn't join us. So Marcie, we dedicated this hike and ALL the beautiful flowers to you. Angela even found a song for you: Marcie - by Joni Mitchell. You can listen to it on youtube. I hope this post inspires you to get out to smell the wildflowers and start hiking again.
Early morning start up Pass Creek Trail for the Moxies. But wait, one Moxie is missing..It's Marcie. She informed me that she really loves this hike and wished she could be with us.
Larkspur at the Pass Creek Trailhead
"Marcie, Enjoy this bouquet of color from the Moxies today. Missed having you on the hike" Kyla Prestwood
Bluebells with Raindrops
Meadow of Pink Elephant Flowers
Gina getting the shot of the pink elephant flowers
Gina says "Hi Marcie, Miss your sweet face"
The group waits for the photographers to shoot the pink elephant flowers.
Angela says to Marcie ""I'm Missing your face my friend. Hope we will be hiking together soon. Feel better!! "
Kim wishes Marcie was on the hike so she could meet her.
Marcie the wildflowers are beautiful. Join us soon.
Gina kissing the Columbine
Group shot taken in Engineer Meadow. The wildflowers are incredible. But where is Marcie???
This is my FAVORITE shot. Me taking a photo of the Moxies taking a photo of me.
"Hi Marcie. We are waiting for you to join us on our hikes with these beautiful flowers." Barbara Larson
Mary's comment: "Marcie, Missed you today! Hope these beautiful flowers put a little sunshine in your day. Take care, hope to see you soon.
"The Hills are alive with the Sounds of Moxies"
Julie says "Marcie, the wildflowers are calling. Where are you?"
Engineer Mountain with Old Man of the Mountain flowers
Old Man of the Mountain with Electra Lake
Moxies have a snack in the clouds
Marcie, this time Gina isn't waving at you. She is just trying to get a cell phone signal.
Rocky outcropping with Electra Lake in background
Engineer Mountain
Engineer Mountain and Wildflowers
Engineer Mountain and Wildflowers
Bluebells with Electra Lake in the Background
It is my understanding that we may have stolen someone else's rock for lunch.
Rain is in the forecast. The Moxies head down the trail and hope to reach the trailhead before the storm hits.
To Marcie: The Moxies Miss You!
ICE LAKES
Mary Peil was the Moxie leader of the hike to Ice Lake. There were two options available: a loop hike from Island to Ice Lake and an out and back to Fuller Lake with a stop at Ice Lake. The group started out together approaching from cheater falls. There were several water crossings and narrow trails with some exposure depending the on the route. The group met at Ice Lake for a quick snack stop before descending back down the trail. It was a beautiful blue bird day and the wildflowers were abundant on the hillsides.
Mary and Connie crossing cheater falls
Wildflowers along the trail to Island Lake
Reflection in pond near Island Lake
Old Man of the Mountain overlooking Island Lake
Old Man of the Mountain near Island Lake
Wildflowers at Island Lake
Sky Pilots at Island Lake
Candy and Jane Marie at Island Lake
Candy, Jane Marie, Mary Ann and K at Island Lake
Jane Marie and Bella at Island Lake
Wildflowers growing in rock
Candy and Mary Ann crossing narrow ledge heading towards Ice Lake
Wildflowers near the narrow ledge of the trail
Candy and Mary Ann heading towards Ice Lake basin
Wildflowers and Ice Lake
Columbines near trail heading into Ice Lake Basin
Kings Crown and a multitude of wildflowers nearing Ice Lake
Ice Lake drainage
Ice Lake drainage
Ice Lake
Jane Marie crossing Ice Lake
Candy and Mary Ann cross over to Ice Lake
Ice Lake
Too windy for reflections but the turquoise water of Ice Lake makes for a beautiful photo anytime
Candy at Ice Lake
Gina at Ice Lake
Connie, Angela and Mary cross the stream in the lower basin
Mary, Angela and Connie viewing the wildflowers
Connie on the trail in the lower basin
MELANIE HIGHLINE AKA NANCY'S GRASSY PEAK
This is the annual Moxie Betty Capan memorial hike. A rock cairn with her name is located at the 12,296' summit. This hike was dedicated to her because it was one of her favorites due to the abundant wildflowers. The 4 mile round trip trail is difficult, all above treelike and offers interesting terrain including grassy animal trails, gullies, hills and basins. Expansive Views of the surrounding peaks are seen during the entire hike.
Moxies head out on Melanie Highline hike
Gina does the jig with Angel's new hiking stick
One of our newest Moxies: Kyla
Kings Crown were abundant
Views of the San Juans
Views of San Juan Mountains
There are small ponds along the route.
Reflection in small pond
Another pond with a view of the San Juan Mountains
Hiking up to Nancy's Grassy Peak
Nancy Ottman near the summit.
Debbie and Kyla at the summit
View near the summit
Moxie lunch stop at the summit
Lunch stop at the summit. Jane Marie shelters Bella from the sun with her umbrella (Photo by Gina Kaufman)
Betty Capen Rock at the summit
The tradition is to wear pink as it was Betty's favorite color.
Heading down from the summit
Another Moxie group shot at the summit
Parts of the trail look like a moonscape
Streams and Mountain views
Hiking the low route back to the trailhead
Moxies crossing one of the many gullies
Angela, don't be poking Gina with your new stick
Angela and Gina head through the flower filled meadow
The Nice taller twin, Mary hiking past the kings crown
Mary Anne falls to the ground to get the perfect shot
Spence AKA Marianne Pearlman crossing the upper snowfield
My favorite sky pilots near Browns Gulch Road
Kyla and Debbie
PORPHYRY BASIN TO COLUMBINE PASS
Once upon a time there was a Moxie named Jane Marie who loved to gather her friends and enemies for exploratory hikes. This date, she asked me and Penny to accompany her on a “short” hike to explore the trail from Porphyry Basin to Columbine Pass. She also wanted to find out if she would be able to drive her jeep up to the end of the road to start the hike as she plans to do this hike with another group next week. This hike started out as many others in the past: laughing, taking photos, taking in the views, discussing routes, ect. After Approx 10.5-11 miles and 8 hours later, we found we had climbed 2984’ and lost an elevation of 3546’ and reached a high point at Columbine Pass of 13,140’. Additionally, we were almost out of water, our food was being rationed and our cell phone batteries were dead. The moral of this story is don't ever leave on a hike with Jane Marie unless you have your sleeping bag, ice axe, crampons, headlamp and helmet. Always keep a car charger with you and never tell your spouse you are going on a short hike or you'll worry them to death. With that being said, It was a long but incredible day with wildflowers, waterfalls, lakes and expansive mountain views. We just didn't anticipate the large snowfields that still covered the main upper route. We hiked the lower route around the ledge to the pass but decided to try to find the route back on the upper trail. That was a mistake as there was just too much snow and too may cliffs. Luckily, Penny had her GPS to keep us on track as Jane Marie wanted us to hike "higher" and I thought we should be hiking down "lower". In a few weeks after all the snow has melted, I highly recommend attempting this hike as it is Colorado at it's finest.
Photo Opportunities started almost immediately. Penny gets the shot of Jane Marie climbing the flower filled hillside.
Jane Marie enjoys the massive field of wildflowers
Penny got a great shot of the beautiful Sky Pilots (photo by Penny Jones)
Our trusted companion: Bella
Jane Marie hiking through the wildflowers. The Sky pilots are so beautiful.
Penny & Julie hiking up the flower filled hillside (Photo by Jane M Johnson)
Old Man of the Mountain and Sky Pilots on ridge
The Kings Crown and pink paintbrush are showing their colors as well.
To our surprise, just over the ridge there was still many snowfields.
Because of the snow, we had to hike the lower route around. This is Penny finding her way through the boulders.
Julie & Penny on the narrow ridge (Photo by Jane M Johnson)
Jane Marie and Bella take in the first views after hiking around the lower ridge
But there is still more snow..Penny & Jane Marie are in waste deep.
Jane Marie and Penny walk through another meadow of wildflowers
Penny and Jane Marie hike straight ahead towards Columbine Pass in the distance.
But we have to climb up a few ridges in order to reach the pass. Penny & Jane Marie head up the steep talus
More Sky Pilots growing in the rock
Jane Marie and Penny continue to climb
Jane Marie and Bella
Our first view of Columbine Lake. This was the view from my snack spot. This was supposed to be a short hike so all I had to eat was Kirkland Peanut Butter Pretzels.
Approaching old sheep herders cabin
Penny in the doorway of old sheepherders cabin
Jane Marie takes a photo through the cabins' doorway
Penny outside the sheepherder cabin door
Jane Marie & Julie at sheepherder cabin (photo by Penny Jones)
Looking through old sheepherder cabin doorway
Jane Marie takes in the view of Columbine lake
The first view of Lewis Lake from Columbine Pass
Still more snowfields to cross before reaching Columbine Pass
Penny crossing upper snowfield near Columbine Pass
Snow Mountain with Candy Tuft flowers in foreground.
Penny overlooking Lewis Lake from Columbine Pass
Lewis Lake
Penny & Jane Marie enjoy the views from Columbine Pass
Columbine Pass Wildflowers
Overlooking Lewis Lake
Wildflowers on Columbine Pass with Lewis Lake below
Julie at Columbine Pass overlooking Lewis Lake Basin (Photo by Penny Jones)
More Sky Pilots and wildflowers in the rocks
Wildflowers on Columbine Pass
Jane Marie and Penny with Columbine Lake in the distance
Julie and Penny with Columbine Lake in the distance (Photo by Jane M Johnson)
Columbine Lake
Penny, Jane Marie and Bella start the hike down from Columbine Pass-Columbine Lake in the distance
Now the real fun! How do we get down and back to the jeep. Jane Marie finds many of her dead ends.
Turtle Rock
The cliffs turn an amazing orange in the sunlight
Penny ponder trail at the cairn that typically shows where the trail descends. The trail is still buried in feet of snow. It's a good thing Penny has her GPS.
We hiked a couple miles or so trying to find a trail back to the jeep. We got cliffed out and snowed out many times. We were cliffed out looking into Silver Cloud Basin.
We hiked by many rocky ledges and promontories
We all remember crossing this location so we are happy to know that we are back on the trail. Penny and Jane Marie pass between the snowfield and rock
Penny, Julie & Bella cross the final snowfield to the jeep (photo by Jane M Johnson)
OPUS HUT TO RUBY LAKE
Today's hike, located off Ophir Pass, was a short but intoxicating ramble that lead the Moxies from Opus Hut (11,600") to the beautiful, pristine Ruby Lake at approximately 12,000'+. The total mileage was about 3.5 miles round-trip including exploring around the lake. The trail is narrow, goes through talus and has "coming around the mountain" type ledges. The entire hike provided panoramic views, wildflowers and even a tour of the Opus Hut. The weather was beautiful although a bit windy. A big Thank-you is due to our leader, Margaret and our drivers: Margaret and Michelle. Poor Michelle had two backseat drivers in her jeep who demanded she hug the yellow line driving along highway 550 into Silverton and wouldn't let her drive faster than 25 mph all day long. This was Michelle's first time driving up to Ophir Pass and she did a wonderful job. The ride down Ophir Road did get much smoother after she remembered to take her emergency brake off. (We love you Michelle!!) Another wonderful day in the mountains with a great group of friends.
(Click on Images below to open in Lightbox-hover bottom of photo for caption)
BLACK BEAR ROAD TO BLACK BEAR PASS
Today the Moxies hiked Black Bear Road for a total of 6.4 miles RT. The hike started at Red Mountain Pass at an elevation of 11,018' and ascended to Black Bear Pass at 12,840'. The weather was absolutely perfect with sunny skies and light winds. It was a great day in the mountains with a great group of friends.
GROUSE GULCH
The Grouse Gulch trailhead is located NE of Silverton, Co. The Hike starts at 10,800' and is 1.9 miles to the lake which is at an elevation of 12,480' and 2.4 miles to the saddle at 13,040' It was a steep demanding hike and there were a few snowfields left that we had to circumvent. The Moxies headed up the trail around 10:00 am. The views were incredible, the lake still snowy and icy and the wildflowers were starting to bloom above the lake near the saddle. Unfortunately, storm clouds, lightening and nearby rain cut the day short. We made it down in less than half the time it took for us to go up.
Moxies heading up Grouse Gulch
Grouse Gulch, Candy
Grouse Gulch Lake, Candy and Barbara
Grouse Gulch Lake
Moxies hiking up to the ridge
Grouse Gulch Lake
Moxies hiking hiker to the ridge
Grouse Gulch Lake
Candy and Barbara heading up towards the ledge
Moxies go cross country to avoid snowfields
Trail above Grouse Gulch
Looking down at Grouse Gulch Lake with Sky Pilots
Tim and Angela-Grouse Gulch Lake
Looking down at Grouse Gulch Lake with Sky Pilots in foreground
Reflection in Grouse Gulch Lake
Grouse Gulch Trail
Grouse Gulch Trail (Stormy Skies)
PORPHYRY BASIN-October 8, 2015
After a couple days of rain and wanting to get in one last "high" hike before heading back to Phoenix, Zarita and I decided to hike up to one of our favorite alpine lakes: Bullion King. I only brought my iPhone as ultimately we were hoping to look for rocks instead of take photos. Our hike started out like many others but we were shocked to find the road/trail completely covered with approximately 4-5 inches of snow. Obviously, we didn't look for rocks but we did get an early adventure into the snow. I sure wish we would have brought our snow shoes.
The Road is mostly dry and it only looks like there is a little snow up in the basin
Just a little snow on the road
Reflection in mud puddle on road
Looking up into the mountainside
Reflection in the puddle on the road. Snow increasing
Zarita (and yes she is in shorts-her mother said she needs to get some pants)
The snow depth increases as we continue hiking higher
Zarita enjoying the snowy trail in her shorts
Rocks that we could see. We were shocked to see this much snow on the ground.
Bullion King Lake
The reflections at the lake were amazing
Bullion King Lake
Bullion King Lake
Bullion King Lake
Bullion King Reflection
Bullion King Lake
Snowy Porphyry Basin
Zarita heading down the trail
Looking Back at our tracks
Playing hide and seek with our new friends that we met on the trail
JUD WIEBE MEMORIAL TRAIL #432-September 28, 2015
The Jud Wiebe trail is one of my favorite fall hikes that is accessed right out of Telluride. It is a 3 mile loop that is rated Moderate-strenuous and gains 1300 feet of elevation. The trail leads through aspen trees and wide open meadows and provides panoramic views of Telluride and the surrounding area. At the 10,000’ highpoint an overlook bench awaits where you can sit and take in these views. The trail was named in memory of Jud Wiebe, a Forest Service recreation manager who planned the trail but passed away of cancer in 1986 before the trail was complete.
DEER CREEK TRAIL #678-September 27, 2015
Deer Creek can be hiked as an out and back trail or connected with other trails like Coal Creek and Engineer for loop hikes. The trail ascends steeply through a large aspen grove and then switchbacks up a gully right above a small limestone cliff band. The trail continues through some meadows and provides some great stopping points with views of the West Needles Mountains and Hwy 550 winding up toward Molas Pass. This is a favorite fall hike.
RICHMOND PASS TRAIL-September 25, 2015
The Richmond Pass trail has it all: alpine access, peak access, aspens that turn golden yellow in the fall and wildflowers bursting with color in the summer. The distance is 2.4 miles one way with an elevation gain of 2807’. The trail starts up a series of relentless steep switchbacks through an aspen covered slope. Eventually after continuous steep climbing the aspens thin out and spruce trees prevail before entering the meadow and alpine area. The views of Red Mountain and the Ironton region are amazing from the meadow and pass. From the pass, you can scramble up to Hayden Peak another .6 mile and 600+ feet of additional elevation gain. This is one of my favorite fall hikes.
ISLAND LAKE TO V2 TO CLEAR LAKE LOOP September 13, 2015
Well here's to say that all the reports are true. If you are looking for a front seat in the parade of jagged peaks then this hike is for you! From V2, elevation 13,309', there are spectacular views of Fuller Peak, Vermillion Peak, Golden Horn, Pilot Knob and many others plus from V2 you get views of all the surrounding lakes including Ice Lakes, Fuller Lake, Island Lake and Clear Lake. Jane Marie, Barbara, Dave, Candy and I hiked a loop from Clear Lake Road to Island Lake to Swamp Pass to V2 and down the steep relentless scree to Clear Lake and then back down Clear Lake Road to our cars. The exact mileage and elevation is unclear but we figure that we hiked approximately 8.5 miles and climbed about 3000'. Luckily, we had great weather to make the summit. The route we hiked is shown below:
Map of Hike-Island Lake to V2 to Clear Lake
Jane Marie, Candy & Barbara on trail towards Island Lake
Jane Marie on Island Lake Trail with the golden Horn in the background
Old Mining Track with Candy & Barbara hiking above on the trail
Barbara amidst the wildflowers
Jane Marie and Barbara rounding the curve towards Island Lake with Ulysses Grant ahead
Golden Horn Reflection
Dave, Barbara, Jane Marie and Candy hiking ahead with Ulysses Grant Peak
Golden Horn Reflection in pond
Dave Larson (Barbara's Husband)
Island Lake with Candy hydrating and enjoying the view
Island Lake
Island Lake
Barbara, Dave & Jane Marie near Island Lake
Candy and Jane Marie near Island Lake
Candy, Julie and Bella near Island Lake
Barbara, Jane Marie and Candy head up to Swamp Pass
Trail up to Swamp Pass
View of Island Lake from trail heading up to Swamp Pass
Dave and Barbara lead the way up to Swamp Pass
Jane Marie making her way up towards Swamp Pass with Island lake on the right.
Candy hiking up towards Swamp Pass
Barbara heading up towards Swamp Pass
Jane Marie on trail with Swamp Pass ahead
Candy and Jane Marie approaching Swamp Pass
View near Swamp Pass
Candy and Jane Marie nearing the top of Swamp Pass
Swamp Pass
View of Island Lake from ridge towards V2
Swamp Pass
Looking back at Ulysses Grant, Swamp Pass and trail heading up towards V2
View of Island Lake from Trail heading towards V2
Island Lake from ridge trail towards V2
Barbara, Dave and Candy Heading towards V2
Island Lake below ridge trail towards V2
Looking back at Ulysses Grant, Swamp Pass and V2 Ridge Trail
Jane Marie nearing the top of V2 with Dave, Barbara and Candy following behind
Barbara and Dave hiking the ridge trail towards V2
Looking back at Ulysses Grant, Swamp Pass and V2 Trail
Island Lake, Ice Lakes and Fuller Lake from V2 Trail
V2 Trail
Ulysses Grant near V2 Summit
View of Clear Lake taken on V2 Trail
Jane Marie, Candy, Barbara and Dave at V2 Summit
Candy, Jane Marie and Dave on V2
Julie on V2
Jane Marie and Candy hiking down the relentless Scree Field toward Clear Lake
Jane Marie and Candy finding their way down from Swamp Pass
Candy overlooking Clear Lake. I think she has a flying suit packed in her backpack as she tells us there is a route down from there.
The Group finding their way down towards Clear Lake
Clear Lake
Jane Marie, Bella, Candy and Barbara take a short break near Clear Lake
Jane Marie hikes around Clear Lake towards the road
Candy following in the fall colors
Clear Lake (look for V2 Peak in upper lefthand corner)
View of Golden Horn and fall colors from Clear Lake Road
Only a few more miles on the road until we reach the cars
RICO-SILVERTON TO ROLLING PASS September 9, 2015
The Rico Silverton Trailhead is located two and one-half miles beyond South Mineral Campground near Silverton Colorado at an elevation of 10,680'. The hike is highly rewarding in beauty with waterfalls, expansive wildflowers in the summer months and the scenery of the nearby peaks including Rolling Pass(13,693') and Twin Sisters (13,432' and 13,374') The Moxies including Jane Marie, Bella, MaryAnne, Barbara, Marianne "Spence", Mary P, Michelle and Julie headed up to Rolling Pass and the unnamed Peak above the pass. On route to the trailhead, we stopped at the gas station in Silverton and some of the Moxies bought new colorful neck scarfs that matched their hiking attire and sported them during the hike. It was a sunny, beautiful day that was much appreciated after all the cloudy and rainy days of the past week.
Mary Peil climbing up from South Park towards the pass
Rico-Silverton Trail near Rolling Pass
Moxies heading up to Rolling Pass
Moxies on Rolling Pass
View towards Cascade from Rolling Pass
Jane Marie, MaryAnne & Barbara head up unnamed Peak
Barbara climbs unnamed peak above Rolling Pass
Incredible Views
Moxies Scouting the area for a trail
Barbara heads back down the unnamed peak toward Rolling Pass
Hiking down unnamed peak-Mary Peil is sporting her bright pink today so that the hunters can see her.
There goes "Spence" down the unnamed peak
Jane Marie gets the shot! And look, her gloves match her shirt.
And the winner of the best dressed award by majority vote goes to.....BELLA
Moxies on unnamed peak
There's our winner of the best dressed award
It's starting to look and feel like fall weather. It was 34 degrees this morning near the trailhead
Moxies on the move down the unnamed peak. MaryAnne Nelson is wearing her new scarf on her head that she bought this morning
Moxies continue downhill
We climbed up over 2000 feet from the trailhead to the unnamed peak
MaryAnne Nelson in action
Moxies stop for lunch. What a view!
Moxie Lunch Stop
Off trail hiking in typical Moxie manner
Moxies heading back towards the Colorado Trail
What a beautiful day to be in the mountains with a great group of friends
Moxies on Colorado Trail
Moxies hiking back towards Rico Silverton Trail
Jane Marie-our color coordinated leader and best dressed award recipient: Bella
KANSAS CITY MINE September 7, 2015
The Kansas City Mine Trail is on a jeep track that goes up Georgia Gulch to an old mine. You can hike beyond the mine to the Ridgeline. The trailhead is at 10,328', the mine is at 11,768' and the top ridgeline is 12,400' It is approximately 4 miles RT. Moxies: Jane Marie, Margaret, MaryAnne, Angela & Julie hiked the route up to the Ridgeline and enjoyed the expansive views of the Red Mountains and surrounding Peaks. It was cloudy and windy. We got sprinkled on for a short time during our climb up to the ridge.
View of Red Mountain, Image #1175
Moxies enjoy a snack and the views from the Ridgeline
View of Red Mountain, Image #1214
Trail heading towards???
View of Red Mountain, Image #1207
View of Red Mountain, Image #1228
Margaret, Angela & Jane Marie taking in the views
Jane Marie and Bella on the ridge enjoying the views of Red Mountain
COLUMBINE LAKE HIKE-Sept 2, 2015
The Moxies (Angela, Mary, Jane Marie, Bella, Candy, Penny, Julie, MaryAnne and K) made the trek up to Columbine Lake. This is a 7 mile RT hike to a beautiful turquoise lake that sits inside a glacial bowl at 12,685' ringed by rugged ridges and 13,000' peaks. We enjoyed the hike up but the storm clouds started to build about the time we reached the lake so our lunch stop was a short one. It was a great day in the mountains.
SHRINE MOUNTAIN Trail #2016 August 18, 2015
The Shrine Mountain or Shrine Ridge Trailhead is located at an elevation of 11,089' off Shrine Pass Road near Vail Pass. The trail climbs 2.1 miles and 750' through pine-studded meadows to reach the ridge leading to Shrine Mountain. There Spectacular 360 degree views are awarded. The pass was originally an Ute Indian trail and was later used by Silver Miners and Settlers. During Zarita and I's hike we also enjoyed the wildflowers and noticed many wild mushrooms.
Shrine Ridge, Image #8845
Shrine Ridge, Image #8949
Shrine Ridge, Image #8973
Zarita gets the shot on Shrine Ridge Trail, Image #9034
Shrine Ridge, Image #9038
Shrine Ridge, Image #9042
Shrine Ridge, Image #9105
Shrine Ridge, Image #9131
Shrine Ridge, Image #9139
Shrine Ridge, Image #9142
Shrine Ridge, Image #9146
Shrine Ridge, Image #9159
Coal Creek to Jura Knob
BLACK BEAR ROAD July 22, 2015
Black Bear Road starts just south of Red Mountain Pass off Highway 550 at an elevation of 11,018' and climbs 3.2 miles up to Black Bear Pass at an elevation of 12,840'. This road hike offers spectacular scenery and 360 degree views as it is entirely above tree line. There was a lot of picture taking going on and it was a beautiful day. We actually got to enjoy lunch at the summit. (Glenda you should know that you now have some competition in the sandwich department)! It was a great hike with a great group of friends. I hope you all enjoy the photos:
HEMATITE LAKE July 18, 2015
Penny, Candy, Jane Marie, Bella (her dog) and I headed out early to tackle the Hematite Trail to Hematite lake before the afternoon thunderstorms arrived. The climb to Hematite Lake is a steep, strenuous 2 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 2300'. The starting elevation is 9600' ending at 11,900. The turquoise colored lake that lies within the horseshoe shaped Ridgeline, the abundant wildflowers, and views make this a great hike. As usual, by the time we reached the lake the dark thunderous storm clouds were moving in so we took a few shots of the lake and headed directly back down to the cars. I sure wish I could just once enjoy my lunch at the destination and not get chased down by storms.