Indian Creek - Pike National Forest

For eleven members of the high country hiker (HCH) group, expectations of a day hike are nothing less than to have a good experience with friends in the Colorado back country.


Kathy makes her way across a creek on two logs.

 A last minute cancellation opened the door for another person to share in the experience.  For Luisa Sandoval, it was not the first time she received an early morning phone call from the ACAA front desk.  Sandoval arrived still sleepy, but smiling and happy to be part of the group.


John and Kathy on the other side.


Two remaining seats on the van were taken by new-comers to HCH.  John and Kathy Tedrick, from Aurora, have enjoyed hiking before.  They decided to register for a number of hikes with ACAA.  We look forward to seeing them on trail many times.

Rush hour traffic on I-225 kept the pace slow at first.  On C-470, lost time was quickly made up.

At the TH, everyone knew the drill.  Some slipped into their boots, some made a pit stop, while others walked directly to the TH.

Ed asked Gary 2 to be the designated communication link in the rear because he is always the sweeper.  We left the TH at 9:50.  Trail is in moderate to good conition.  A few sloped areas had deep erosion, and exposed root and rock.

Stream crossings are nice, nothing scarey or unsafe.  Two crossings are on two parallel logs with options to rough it by getting ones boots wet.  How awful is that?


A quick break before beginning another up.


A number of steep ascents today, none are difficult.  The men and women in HCH have experienced more difficult days than this.


Time to check gear, hydrate, and relax.

The meandering Indian Creek trail is one that can surprise a hiker.  Beyond any bend in trail, one may be confronted by a deer, or surprised by an oncoming cyclist or trail runner.  Hikers must always be aware of their surroundings.

Ed is about ready to move out.


A straight section ends as we enter a section that takes us by old Ponderosa Pine and Engfleman Spruce, then across an open meadow, up a short gulch and across a saddle to a vista.  All of this back counmtry is special in terms of what nature has put here.

An abundance of flora, matched with the experience of a Naturalist, can be an absolute treasure trove of information and the best learning experience.  Hike leader, Ed Blum, is on top of his game in this environment.  A Naturalist with The Wildlife Experience, in Parker, Ed knows his stuff.  In fact, Ed knows a lot of stuff. 


Prarie Trumpet, a rarity for this group to see.



Colorado blue columbine.


A sample of the flora the group saw includes a coulter daisy, white dutch clover, canadian violet, prickly pear cactus, common mullin, wild rose, queens crown, pennycress, yarrow, dogbane, alpine and tall pussytoes, yucca, bistort, stone crop, and cinquefoil.


Prickley Pear Cactus

We met no other hikers today although we did encounter a few cyclists decked out in their competitive-looking body tights.  Considering the ups and downs of trail today, my choice is to remain a hiker.

Make way for cyclists pedaling uphill.




Luisa with Strontia Reservoir in background.

 At a point atop a ridge, we stopped to catch a clear view of the Strontia Reservoir.  Located on the South Platte above Waterton Canyon, it is part of the Denver Water Boards water supply system.



Trail crosses a meadow before going back into the forest.

 About 11:30, members of the group began thinking about lunch.  Ed had the day fully planned out.  At four miles from the TH, there was an open area with shade and logs to rest and have a comfortable lunch.

After eating, everyone seemed upbeat and positive.  That would soon change, however.  A group of seven moved on ahead, and out of sight.  The remaining seven started the return trek at a slower pace.

After hiking four miles, ones mind must recalculate what is expected of ones body.  There are four more miles to the TH.  I know those miles are the same as the miles I did this morning.  Although I am tired, I need to pace myself to insure I make it to the TH without causing injury to myself.  I must remain hydrated and if there is any indication of a problem, I will stop and ask for help.


Hikers on a sharp bend in trail.


All of those thoughts are among the things one considers when in the back country.  A hiker must listen to their bod
y.  The focus meter must be set on high.  The human body is an incredible machine.  It must be primed, cared for, and when needed, it must provide an incredible amount of strength and stamina.

This hike is an example of what can occur.  Today, one hiker slipped on trail, went down, without causing inury to herself.  Another hiker tripped on trail, went down skinning her knee.  Her camera took a sizeable hit.  Lets say the housing looked more like it was last used on the "Dirty Jobs" TV show.


Penny and Deanna enjoying the solitude.

 This O&B, eight-mile round trip hike, was many things.  It was colorful on terms of the wide range of flora.  It was challenging in terms of doing the same ups and downs twice in one day.

Total Miles = 8

Total elevation gain = 700+




Front Row (L to R) Kathy, Mary K, Linda, Marsha, Luisa, and Kathy
Back Row (L to R) Penny, Judy, John, Deanna, Ed, Dorothy, and Marilynn