Deep in the Wilderness

Record setting temperatures, devastating wildfires, and rush-hour traffic, are all part of life in colorado.  What does one do to get away?

Go to the mountains, of course. 

While cinching into our packs, it was apparent, there was a major drop in air temperature compared to that back in Aurora.  Plus a steady breeze helped.

For ten members of the High Country Hikers (HCH) group based at ACAA, a two-hour drive would find them entering Arapaho National Forest, then continue deep into the Mt Evans Wilderness.



A cairn directs hikers deep inside Mt. Evans Wilderness. 


The access road to Camp Rock trailhead (TH) (9,040') could have been THE ONE used in one of those magazine promos for Subaru.


Two back country shelters nestled below a rock formation along Beaver Meadows Trail. 


On Beaver Meadows trail just after 10 a.m., these seasoned trail geeks would face challenges all day, including ups totalling over 1,500'.  The trek to Beaver Meadows kept hikers focused on their feet.  Loose rock, exposed roots, and sections of modrate soil erosion would keep eyes at ones feet.  The 3.5 mile initial leg, would sap not only body fluids, it would challenge ones physical and mental strength to accomplish grade after grade after steep grade.



Penny and Clietta in the middle of one of many switchbacks on this hike.


Dozens of blowdowns across trail forced hikers to go over, under, or bushwack around the massive timber.  Some chose the straddle method.  Some did a sit and spin maneuver.  While others simply used a bend over, lean into, or crouch position to get on the other side.


A large fir tree exploded on impact.


  We were hiking thru a "ghost forest" of sorts.  Mountin sides once lush with spruce and fir trees were stripped of all their natural beauty.  The result of the 1962 Resthouse fire that devastated 1,000 acres in the area.  There are signs of recovery from the devastation, however.


Bridges are often in the path of a blowdown.


As we continued on Cub Creek and later Shelter House Spur trail, there were many spots where a trail maintenance crew had cleared downed trees, clearing the way for hikers.


Lehman enjoys the landscape 


A nice spot just off trail was found for lunch.  Gary 2 prepared a pot of cool strawberry chocolate pudding with crunchy topping for the group before starting the return hike.


Jo Murphy takes a short break before mastering more switchbacks.




An area on the mend since the 1962 Resthouse fire.

 The ruins at Resthouse Meadows would not be found today.  According to the map, we were close when we decided to turn back due to a massive blowdown across trail. 

Numerous patches of Elk scat was noticed on trail today...no Elk, or any other wildlife for that matter.  Hopefully that will change next week when we go to RMNP.

Total miles:  7.4

Total Elevation gauin: 1,543'