The Hiker: Woods Quarry Trail

Today was special in many ways. Minutes after all thirteen hikers had boarded the bus, Gary 2 reminded the group that today was the last time Betty Getz would be hiking with us. She and her husband are moving to Ithaca, N. Y. With her long-time hiking buddy, Ingrid Knight standing in the doorway of the bus, Gary displayed an image he had taken of Betty and Ingrid while on a snowshoe day hike. The women are snowshoeing on the Hoo-Doo-Voo-Doo Trail. Gary also read a poem written for especially for Betty. It will be posted separate.

Hikers on the Chautauqua Trail.

The enthusiasm of the group seemed to carry over to the ride to Boulder. I can't remember a noisier bunch first thing in the morning ever. The fact that the bus was stranded in the middle of RR tacks, in traffic, in north Aurora, didn't phase anybody one bit. Conversations continued with fervor. Up in the drivers seat, Ed was being entertained by Lehman and his lengthy repertoire of jokes.

Marsha is dwarfed by the awesome angled rock of 3rd Flatiron.

The next hurdle...the Boulder Turnpike (Rt. #36). Traffic came to a stop before we reached the Broomfield, 1st Bank Event Center. Despite the delays, Ed made good time to Chautauqua Park. After a quick pit stop and a minute to pick up a park map, we were on trail by 9:15. As planned, the 14th hiker, Lela, met us at the TH.

One step beyond the visitor center, hikers are faced with an outstanding display of a series of natural rock formations. We began on the Chautauqua Trail and head to the junction with Mesa Trail. There we would follow the Quarry Loop back to Chautauqua Park.

The natural formation of five flatirons are between 36 and 85 million years old.

Much of the 837' elevation gain on the day we experienced in the first 30 minutes. Trail was dry, with areas of loose and stable rock. Well defined switchbacks were not part of the planning of this trail. A steady pace kept everybody within eye sight. Canopy was zero to start but became partial and later in the day we were rewarded with full cover.

Hike Leader, Ed Blum, shows Luisa (L) and Judy (R) a map of trails in the area.

As trail continued to gain elevation we entered stands of pine. Towering above the tree tops were the spires of 1st and 2nd Flatiron. Much like the feeling one gets when standing facing half dome in Yellowstone, the shear size of the rock formation leaves one thinking, how can it get any better than this.

View of the scree field from below the quarry site.

Trail bends a number of times as we approach the site of Woods Quarry. The site is an open shelf below a cliff face that is littered with rocks. The views of Boulder are stunning. Today, the sun was stunning us with hot temperatures. It was a good spot for the group photo.

High Country Hikdes (Front L to R) Betty and Dorothy; Middle (L to R) Jonelle, Lela, Marsha, Louisa, Penny, Judy, Clietta, and Lehman; BAck Row Gary and Ed

Ed takes a perch on the scree field above the quarry.

Now late morning, lunch was the word on many hikers' minds. Hike leader, Ed had the day well planned. We would leave the Quarry, descend to the junction with Enchanted Mesa Trail. An abandon stone cabin is tucked among tall pines. Enough canopy to provide adequate shade. Logs provide space to sit or lean plus the area is covered with grass.

Judy takes a survey of the the old cabin.

Betty treated hikers with home made cookies before we started the final leg of the days' journey. Ed suggested an option to do a short up to a lookout of the 3rd Flatiron. Only two declined but after hearing comments from those who hiked the extra section, wished they had done it as well.