Hot Day in Golden Gate State Park

We give weather forcasters a hard time for hedging on the forecast.  We expect them to use all that technology at their finger tips to get it right.  If it were possible to somehow moderate the temperature for a given day in a certain area, there are a dozen Aurora-based hikers who would jump at the oportunity.


High Country Hikers are exposed to hot sun all day.


The group of High Country Hikers, based at ACAA (6th and Del Mar), arrived at the Nott Creek TH just after ten a.m.  Their challenge, hike the Mountain Lion loop trail.  After a short pit stop at the visitor center, the group started out counter clockwise on the 6.7 mile trek.

Core hiker, Luisa Sandoval faced an OH NOOOO! moment of the day.  Sandoval had previously gone hiking with her Grandbabies.  In the process of packing for this hike, she neglected to verify that she had all required gear.   The fact is, she only had one hiking boot with her.



The morning provided little to no canopy.




Hike leader and Naturalist, Ed Blum, maintains a steady pace. 



(Front L to R) Deanna, Dorothy, and Nancy; (Rear L to R) Luisa and Marilynn

 First, she tried on the sandals of Gary 2.  They were a bit too big.  Next, she tried the low-cut hikers of hike leader, Ed Blum.  Not a perfect fit, but Sandoval was not about to sit under a shade tree all day waiting for the rest of her hiking friends to return.  A borrowed pair of hikers would do.


(L to R) Elizabeth, Nancy, Luisa, and Marilynn





Yohanna and Penny remain upbeat despite the sweltering heat.



Orange and red Indian Paint Brush dotted the landscape all day.

 The sun provided no break throughout the day.  Hikers felt little if any drop in temperature as they transitioned from partial or full canopy to sections of open trail across meadows. A hiker for decades, I have not experienced a day on trail as hot and dry as this.



Somewhat rare, a stalk of Miners Candle was just off trail.

 Water could have become an issue for some in the group as it was learned a number carried a limited supply.  In order to avert any dehydration issues, hike leader, Ed Blum, took more short breaks than normal.

At Deer Creek Shelter, everyone felt some relief once inside.  The three-sided backcountry structure is typical of those used on long trails i.e. Vermont's Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, spanning Maine to Georgia.


Inside Deer Creek Shelter, Elizabeth, Kathy, and Dorothy rehydrate


On a day like this, both ones energy level and physical stamina are tested.  Everyone, however, found a way to remain focused.


Elizabeth and Nancy catch their breath before facing the next up.


Before noon, a number of hikers felt their energy level and physical ability had been close to max.  Everyone was able to refocus and continue.

A bee scurrys across the petals of a flower.



The group proceeded to a spot with full shade for lunch.  A good thing, because the difficult switchbacks that would take us to within 200' of the summit of Windy Peak were ahead.

Lunch renewed our energy and provided another opportunity to refocus on the task ahead.  Everyone made steady progress thru the switchbacks.  First-time hiker, Elizabeth Exline, paced herself and finished strong.



People on the front porch were waving at me.

 On the back side of the loop, is the site of Tallman Ranch.  In 1870, Swedish immigrant Anders Tallman moved a one-room schoolhouse to the site, and added a kitchen to make it home for his family. 



Luisa and Nancy found the porch delightful.

 The remote location became known as Forgotton Valley.  A milkhouse, barn and stable were later added.  Nott creek was diverted and ran over the milk house flooor keeping dairy products cool.  The homestead became part of the Colorado State Park system in 1970.

 A few of the group today, including Nancy, Luisa, Ed, and Gary 2, took time to venture off trail for a bit of history and R and R.  Two wooden swings have been recently added to the front porch.  One could only imagine how perfect a spot this was in the late 1800's.  Photos only tell part of the story.



One cannot deny the simple beauty of Tallman Ranch today.  How idyllic it must have been in the 1800's.

 How did Luisa make out hiking all day in someone elses shoes?  Fine, she had no blisters or hot spots.  Above all, she remained in great spirits.

One more note regarding this park...the twelve trails are named for an animal native to the area.  Trail markers indicate the anumals footprints.

Golden GateCanyon State Park offers many opportunities to experience the beauty of nature up close.