Thursday, September 13, 2012

French Gulch...a one-time miners dream

View of Humbug Hill from the jeep road.
Today, some backpacks had a few cold weather items, i.e. fleece, knit cap, ear muffs, and gloves added.  The Denver-metro area has been averaging in the high eighties in August and mid-seventies in September. 

Smart hikers know it will be quite different in the high country.  Like today, temperatures in the sixties, and factor in wind chill, you guessed it, extra protection. Although things like ear muffs and gloves don't necessarily help an "ouch" or two in your joints.


Shades of green are quickly being replaced with shades of fall.  Another eye-pleasing reminder that summer is over.  Yes, the Aspen are at their peak.  It's what draws Colorodans out to places like Kenosha pass, and RMNP. 
Trail continues beyond treeline.



 We were not disappointed at the display of color outside Breckenridge today.  In fact, twelve members of the HCH group made the trip.

Beginning at the trailhead (10,355'), for .8 mi., there was no denying, fall has arrived.

After passing a gate into the White River National Forest, a number of upscale cabins can be seen thru the trees.  These properties are old mining claims that have been passed down thru the generations.  The lucky few who have inherited these exceptionally beautiful slices of land, have privacy, and immediate access to an area of Colorado backcountry, literally at their doorstep.


At 2.5 miles, trail enters an open meadow and at 3.5 mi. we are at treeline.

One of a number of cabins in the gulch.

Limited views of Mt. Baldy (11,001') can be seen at a few places from French Gulch Road.

Bearing right at a "Y" in the road, and looking up to the left of French Pass (12,046') in the distance, is Mt. Guyot (13,370').   

Shallow water on trail.

After crossing a few wet areas and some small creeks, the jeep road begins to fade, leaving a carved out footpath all the way to French Pass (11,779'). We cross the headwaters of those small creeks further up the slope.
 
The sound of rushing water is one that never gets old or boring.  It's a sound that makes one feel as if you are in a more remote place than maybe you are.  When in fact, the T. H. is only a few minutes drive from the Breckenridge city limits.

Gold was originally discovered in 1860 by none other than French Pete.  The area was rich in gold, silver, lead, and zinc.  Today, the gulch is littered with mine tailings that can be seen from trail.
Penny and Marsha are glad they packed a few more items.

In less than two hours, we have gained almost 700' elevation.  Some are ready for lunch and decide to remain in an area with some protection from weather should some roll in.
Bald Mountain ahead and French Pass at far left..



The rest of the group move on up the slope another .5 mi. to French Pass.

Six made it to the top, including Nancy Bralic, who was asked to describe her experience.  She told me, "The view looking back was spectacular of course and we could see all the way to the ski runs in Breckenridge.  The final ascension was harder for me but I took it slow and made it.  It was quite windy and cold at the top, and it wasn't just me that thought that.  Ed had on a few more layers by the time I got up there.
Adding to a carin atop the pass is tradition...and a celebration of sort.

We all placed a rock on the carin at the top. We all huddled together, out of the wind, a little lower down for a quick lunch since dark clouds were coming in.  There was a little light rain at the top and coming back down!  It was a great hike!"

Love to spend time here...in the gulch.

The early morning forecast called for 30% chance of rain in the high country by 11 a.m.  Fortunately, we only got a few scattered drops.  What made things a bit uncomfortable was the stiff breeze.  It caused some to pull out the fleece, gloves, and ear muffs.  One hiker recorded 66 degrees around mid-day.
Reminder of how beautiful Colorado is.

We took our good old time coming back to the T. H.  Guess why!

Total Miles = 7.4 mi.

Total Elevation gain =  820'

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