Captain Mountain Hike

This hike, originally was planned to access the TH at Camp Rock Road, on the east side.  That TH is inside the Mount Evans State Wildlife Area, which is closed to the public through June 15th.  The plan changed to access via the Echo Lake TH, located at the end of the Echo Lake Campground, off CO 103 (Squaw Pass Road).

Hikers begin the long steady ascent into Beaverdam Creek Canyon.

For 13 members of the High Country Hiker group, the TH at 10,400' el., would be the highest point they would set foot on.  Why?  Because trail drops steadily from the campground on a series of switchbacks, into Beaverdam Creek Canyon, for 850', where we crossed a stream.

Down, down, down.

Here trail continues to follow the landscape, straying from the creek at times.  After crossing a few grassy meadows, with no canopy, trail dips back into the forest of Aspen and Lodgepole Pine.  After another 200' drop in elevation, we cross Ethel Creek and continue to descend to a spot at approximately 8,750' el., where we have lunch.

Crossing open grassy meadows.

Approaching midday, the sun is creating most of the discomfort. We feel a small surge of energy each time we walk under the minimal shade provided by a single Aspen.  When partial or full, the natural canopy of spruce and fir forests provide a longer reprieve from the sweltering sun.

Although the group did not reach the top of Captain Mountain, (as per the original plan) the challenge of an afternoon climb back to the TH, may be the memory that is most talked about. 

Hikers on the return to the TH.

Throughout the morning, everyone was well aware that the elevation loss hiked thus far would require extra effort, stamina and time to retrace our steps up the canyon.  The group of 13 would separate into smaller groups of 3 or 6, depending on ability and strength for the return.  Nobody counted the number of times we stopped to catch our breath, allow our thighs to stop aching, or simply to take on water.

Front row (L to R) Kathy Tedrick, Clietta Terry, Marcia McBurnett, Luisa Sandoval, and Katy Hall.  Back row (L to R) Hike leader/driver, Ed Blum, John Tedrick, Malva and Don Storm, Barbara Peck, and Marilyn Micek. 

Back at the TH, everyone was tired yet a strong sense of resilience was felt by many.  A stop at the Georgetown Candy Company, in Idaho Springs, made the day.

Total miles = 6.8

Total elevation gain = 1,650'