Fact or fiction, depending on who you talk to about the 4th of July trail head, there have been occasions where snow was still on trails long into June. Thus the reason many do not to go there until after the 4th. We did see snow, if only a field of it tucked away high on a steep slope across the valley.
Today, it was the Aspen show, on stage. It was a thrill to see the entire show up close.
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| Nancy and Harold follow one of the wood plank paths. |
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| Johanna is fully absorbed in the moment. |
The trek today is about 2.6 miles from trail head (10,000') to the lake (11,560'). A number of traditionally wet areas are fitted with wood planks, making progress in these areas a piece of cake. A combination of switchbacks and winding trail takes hikers under a fairly constant canopy as it makes a moderate climb along the western slope of Bald Mountain (11,340')..
Looking across the valley, the Continental Divide runs along the crest of Devils Thumb and Devils Thumb Pass, then south to Rollins Pass.
Within the first mile, a long braided waterfall tumbles from the top of the mountain on the far side. According to the map, it's the outflow of none other than Diamond Lake. Thru the trees, Mount Neva (12,814'), can be seen displaying it's unique eastern ridge.
At times, the sound of rushing water from Middle Boulder Creek can be heard below. To the left of Mt. Neva is Devils Thumb (12,236') as it juts up its distinctive form.
A number of streams will be crossed, all on log bridges...at least one of which has succumbed to the weight of hikers, or maybe an elk. Three logs, all fractured midway across the creek. We walk down to the water then up to the bank on the other side.
Just over the mile mark, trail splits. Diamond Lake Trail turns south to cross the valley. Next, something that makes hikers cringe...trail drops quickly about 500' to a bridge across the North Fork of South Boulder Creek. Up stream, a fast-running water fall can be seen.
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| Standing on a log bridge, Bob is thinking about coming back to fish. |
Along the way, numerous features, i.e. exposed rock and roots, large rock steps, mountain springs running across trail, and then there are the views.
Reason to either slow down or stop to fully enjoy them.
Soon we cross the edge of a grassy meadow. Diamond Lake is not far away.
Then, a speck of bright blue appears. "We are here," one hiker is heard saying. Now all the tipped toes on rocks during the climb, the near falls when your boot got caught between two rocks, and don't forget all the sweat, was all worth it.
The lake lies at timberline in a rocky basin.
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| "WOW," Nancy remarks, while getting her first glimpse of the lake. |
After lunch, Harold and Raheam took a brief walk around the feeder end of the lake. He told me later, he saw trout in the lake. In fact we learned the lake is stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout.
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| Bob scans the crystal clear water for trout. |
In may ways, this hike provides numerous opportunities for great camera shots. Today was a good day for the camera...the shutter closed 86 times. Twelve were deleted.
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| Looking east to the water outlet point. |
We asked for feedback on the day. Judy Shaw said, "I loved the great views both on the hike and up at the lake. The lake and it's surroundings are really beautiful."
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| Front row (L to R): Raheal, Clietta, Johanna, and Elizabeth. Back row: Judy, Nancy, Ed, Gary1, Jill, Bob and Harold |
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| The aspen show continues. |
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| One act after another.. |
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| The shows claim to fame...magnificent color. |
When asked for one word to describe their experience, there was no surprise what hikers said, "Awesome."
Total Miles = 5.3
Total elevation gain = 1,500'
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