As we headed out of the city on Highway 285, I was reminded this would be the last time any of us would visit the area this hiking season. After next week, the season is over.
Today, our trail experience would be in Reynolds Park, a 1,984 acre gem Southeast of Conifer. The site offers hikers 7 miles of easy/moderate rated hiking trails. As we learned by stepping over or around numerous deposits on trail, the park is open to both hikers and equestrians.
Ed turned off on Foxton Road, and traveled 5.5 miles to a parking lot under renovation. It was actually cordoned off. So we continued a short distance to another lot. The Chickadee TH (7,141'), is where we began the hike.
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| Chickadee Trail, mid-morning. |
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| Gaining elevation on Hummingbird Trail. |
As we gained altitude, a number of views were provided along the way. Nothing close to what we saw the past two weeks in RMNP, but worth a click of the shutter a few times for sure.
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| Views like this were worth stopping for. |
The final .3 mi. of Hummingbird is down. Certainly, it was a welcome feeling for two first-timers with us. Monica and Debbie surprised themselves today. Not knowing what to expect, they both proved with a bit of determination and a large portion of guts, a challenge like this feels good when you finish.
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| On the move. |
The next junction is with the Elkhorn Trail. After .2 mi. it meets with the Oxen Bow Trail for .8 mi. Next, we take the Raven's Roost Trail for another .3 mi. to a junction with Eagle's View. We are now approaching the highest elevation of the day at just over 8,000.' At this point, we were being blasted by strong wind gusts.
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| Penny approaches the high point. |
Not sure if anybody heard stomachs growling but the noon hour was approaching.
Hike leader, Ed, sent word to those of us at the rear of the group, via two-way radio, the group would continue to and beyond the crest of the ridge before stopping for lunch.
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| Monica enjoys a flat stretch on top. |
It is what good group leaders do when faced with unexpected conditions like those today. As a result, we were able to enjoy a quiet and comfortable lunch just off trail, in a grassy area, populated by loose rocks. Four of them loosely stacked in an arc provided protection from wind for my Pocket Rocket stove. A pot of hot coffee was ready in less than two minutes.
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| Not smart to dis the camera! |
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| Smiling faces prevail. |
Back on Eagle's View trail for the balance of the 2.2 mi. and the junction with Oxen Draw Trail. The .8 mi. span would take us on a meandering path back to Elkhorn Trail and the cordoned off Parking Lot.
The final leg, a .5 mi. flat walk on the Songbird Trail, to the van.
Total miles = 7.1
Total elevation gain = 1,200'
Authors Note: The final scheduled hike of the season is next Tuesday (October 30th.). It's Halloween, so we are asking that those HCH members registered for this hike come decked out in their Halloween attire. No long flowing capes that may catch on a willow bush or low pine branch. No mask that inhibits your sight. Consider face paint, makeup, or a basic eye mask. The layer next to skin should be for warmth. The external layer should be ones costume. PLUS: Pack hooded rain gear.
If you have not provided a headcount ( 1 or 2) for the Annual Gathering, November 17th., and $10.00/person, please do so by Nov. 3rd. This event held at ACAA, will be bigger, better, and more fun than last year. Come out, bring your spouse or a guest. Hiking crossword and trivia games, door prizes and lunch, plus view hundreds of images from the hikes of 2012. Don't miss it!
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