This one...a "Keeper."

There are times when an experience turns out to be perfect in every way for all participants.  So it was this week for members of the High Country Hiker (HCH) group.

Typical CT trailhead marker

Anyone who has hiked one or more of the 28 sections of the Colorado Trail (CT), knows most of it is above 10,000' elevation.  The trail is detailed section by section in the book titled The Colorado Trail, seventh edition, revised, and published by CMC Press.

The words of CT Foundation founder, Judy Gaskill, best describe the 468-mile long trail between Denver and Durango.  It is "A Wilderness path designed to traverse some of the most scenic areas of the Rockies and the Continental Divide."  The highest point is 13,271' above sea level.

According to HCH member, Marsha McBurnett, the mild elevation gain (600' or less), the continuous canopy provided by conifer trees, a cool breeze, the length of the hike, and great camaraderie among members of this group were perfect.  Beyond that, simply being outdoors in Colorado, provides a wonderful adventure.

Sharon, Marsha, and Clietta prepare for the day, while Leaman looks on.

The trail wandered along the base of the ridge, then climbed the north face of another hill.  At the top of a rise, the view of the Little Scraggy formation opened up. 

As is customary on day hikes with HCH, the spot chosen for lunch sometimes separates those hikers who are a bit more adventurous, and have the stamina to explore, from others who are quite happy to have lunch with friends outdoors.  About half remained at the lunch area, while the rest continued on.

Sections of trail are covered with decomposed granite providing a smooth walking surface.  In some areas bikes have eroded trail into a "V" shape.

Various rock formations would highlight the day, including many small outcroppings and of course, Little Scraggy Peak.  It is actually a long ridge with several summits which stretch out along the western side of CR 126.

One of a number of rock features on trail.

Some of the more prominent flowers and trees identified were Smooth Brome grass, Rocky Mountain maple, a spent Pasque flower going to seed, Cinquefoil, Stonecrop, Clover, Wild Strawberry, Wild Rose.  There were two intriguing unidentified flowers, one purple and one white.  Hopefully, they will be seen again on a future hike.

A number of hikers today spent time determining the differences in the leaves between a Sulphur flower and Pussy Toes.
   
A few bikers and a party of three rock climbers were encountered today.

There is a climber on that rock face...see em?

This hike turned out to be a good one.  This particular piece of Colorado Rocky Mountain beauty is a "Keeper."