Meridian Trail Hike

This hike was made as the result of cancellation of the ACAA sponsored hike to Blue Lake.  Ed Blum, Joe Jackson, Luisa Sandoval, and Gary2 Alleman made the drive on Colorado Route # 285 to the turnoff before Crow Hill, and the town of Bailey, then a few miles to the TH (9,070') located at the end of Prospector Road.

Luisa makes her way up slope.

We parked in the small dirt parking area surrounded by a cross buck log fence, nestled on the west side of the Elk Creek drainage.  There are no facilities at this TH.  A Mount Evans Wilderness use permit was completed to provide accurate visitor use data.  No fee is charged to hike here.

A few paces from the permit kiosk, trail crosses Elk Creek on a wooden foot bridge.  Next an immediate sharp left turn, before trail begins its steady 1.6 mile climb to 9,750.'  This stretch of trail follows the Elk Creek drainage.



Everyone came prepared for cool temperatures, donning a light or moderate insulation layer for the morning.

View from trail of Royal Mountain.

Looking across the drainage one finds patches of golden aspen contrast against the numerous green shades of spruce, pine, and fir trees.  The ridge on that side of the drainage reaches just over 10,500' with Royal Mountain (11,495'), as the high point where trail makes a sharp turn away from the drainage.

Joe walks through a long golden arch.

To this point, a trail bed of fine gravel makes our footing somewhat unstable due to the fact trail is angled the same as the surrounding slope.  I find myself in a constant lean into the up slope side of trail as I gain elevation.

This part of the hike has little to no canopy, exposing hikers to the elements.  Beyond the 1.6 mi. mark, canopy increases to well over 90%. 

A stark contrast of color.

Trail bed now becomes littered with loose and partially exposed rock.  We pass a few sections of wet trail plus two spots of running water across trail.

A stretch of trail offers hikers a unique opportunity to test their agility, balance, and add yet another element of fun to an exhilarating and enjoyable hike.  We hop from one exposed rock to the next, each one unique in size and shape.  It gave me the feeling of playing hop scotch on the sidewalk outside my boyhood home.

One of many similar images on trail.

The second half of this trail offers hikers some of the  most colorful images Colorado has to offer.  Slopes here are a continuous patchwork of bright yellow and gold contrasted against the deep shades of forest green.  Each break in the trees provides yet another peak at mother natures magic touch.

Trail continues to meander through stands of aspen decked out in the most colorful foliage.  At times the overwhelming barrage of millions of dancing gold aspen leaves in all directions plus the suns rays makes all things, including the ground and sky turn gold.

Ed, Joe, an Luisa are lovin it!

The morning climb took about 3 hours before we approached the saddle at 10,800'.  Here trail finally levels briefly then descends to 10,750 at a junction with Cub Creek Trail.  This will be the site for lunch.

I am curious if weekends this time of year would find this trail loaded with outdoor enthusiasts.  Today the only people on trail was a couple out to enjoy the day together and a solo hunter dressed in camouflage, scouting the area for elk.

About yellow:  Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future.  View from atop a rock outcropping.

On the return, we followed advice given by the couple, and bush whacked off trail to a rock outcropping for powerful views of aspen dressed in their best attire.

About yellow:  Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy as well as spark creative thoughts.  View from atop a rock outcropping.

Ed asked if we were ready to leave.  "No," I said, "How about we make camp here on the rocks tonight." 

Total miles = 6.8

Total elevation gain = 1,730'  

Authors Note:  Check this blog for details on the cancellation of future ACAA sponsored hikes, plus information on non-sponsored alternative hikes for 'High Country Hiker' members and their guest.   Remember to RSVP the author, by October 31st., with your headcount (1 or 2) for the annual Hiker Gathering, Saturday, November 16th., from 11 to 3:00 p.m.  The fun filled event will be held at ACAA.  Your headcount will be confirmed with receipt of $10/person.