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| Ed leads the group from the TH to Kruger Rock. |
On the ride North on I-25, Mary Kay...always the creative one...announced to the group, a day pack scavenger hunt was about to unfold. As she called out each item on her list i.e., compass, extra socks, bandana, Neosporin, etc., those who had the item in their pack, said so, before she moved on to the next item. Those having an item could chose a treat from a bag of mini treats she provided. It was a fun exercise and passed some time on the close to two hour ride.
The excitement of the hunt for 13 hikers on board, had been reduced to a low buzz before Ed pulled into Community Park in Lyons for a pit stop. Back on the road, regardless of how intense the conversation got, many heads turned right to confirm if a favorite after-hike spot in the hamlet of Pinewood Springs was open for business. A faint sigh of satisfaction could be heard as a lighted "OPEN' sign in the window of Colorado Cherry Company was observed.
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| Gary1...the lone thin image at center...is first to summit Kruger. |
Today, our destination is Hermit Park Open Space. This 1,362-acre tract, in Roosevelt National Forest, is located off Rt. 36, about 2 miles South of Estes Park. After paying a day use fee, Ed placed the day pass on the windshield before completing the 2.4-mile dirt access road leading to a spacious parking lot.
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| This and the following three images captures the view atop Kruger Rock of RMNP from left to right. |
Once a part of the Crocker Ranch, a large livestock operation, the land was purchased by technology giant, Hewlett Packard in 1967. The firm and later Agilent Technologies, managed it as a private retreat for employees until 2007.
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| Image 2 of 4 |
A year later, the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources purchased the tract in a community-supported partnership and opened it to the public. Visitors, after paying a park use fee, can camp, mountain bike, hike, or ride their horses here. There is also a group pavilion for family outings, weddings and other large events.
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| Image 3 of 4. |
Two trails can be found here. One is the Homestead Meadow Connector Trail, a 1-mile path leading to the USFS boundary, where an additional 12 miles of trail awaits hikers to explore. We, however, will take the Kruger Rock Trail, a 2-mile path, one way, rated moderate to difficult. In that short distance, one will experience breath-taking views of Mt. Meeker (13,916'), Longs Peak (14,259'), Continental Divide, and part of the Mummy Range. Directly below is the sprawling and majestic Estes Valley.
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| Image 4 of 4 (Town of Estes Park-gateway to RMNP-at left center and Lake Estes at center). |
From the parking lot near the group pavilion (8,440'), trail winds it's way through Pine and Aspen groves, while gaining about 940' elevation. The first 1.9 mi. can be considered the moderate portion of trail. In that span, hikers are treated to a number of views of the snowy peaks in RMNP and the Estes Valley.
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| Ed, Alberto, and Dorothy claw their way up the slot in Kruger Rock. |
The final .1-mile is the difficult part and the most exciting. For all but two in the group, who chose to have their lunch below Kruger, it would not pose a problem.
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| Looking up from inside the slot. |
To reach the top, one must negotiate through a narrow gully between two major summit blocks of solid rock. Getting through the slot in the rock outcropping requires some scrambling techniques before reaching the small plateau at the summit 9,355'. There are no defined steps, no places to grab hold or a tree branch, and no crack or sharp edge to get leverage for the next giant step up.
Some might consider this kind of experience extreme for a bunch of seniors. Some might suggest against a challenge like it.
What separates this group from others is the fact that these men and women have had similar experiences with this group before.
These are energetic, forward-looking, people who find taking reasonable risks to be common.
Remember, these are life-long members of the 'Boomer' generation.
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| Luisa (center), Gary1, and Marcy enjoy the view as Alberto captures an image, while Ed (far left) looks on. |
After some grunts and groans, a moan or two and some heavy breathing, we are high above all land for miles in all directions. The 360-degree panorama that is utterly breathtaking. It's the kind of place you don;t want to leave any time soon.
Those with cameras clicked away capturing what awesome views they could. From a special place like this, unless one has access to a hi-tech digital IMAX camera, it's impossible to capture the true scope and breadth of the landscape.
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| Tree Pose (Vrksasana) |
Kruger Rock is the perfect spot to focus on ones mind, body, and spirit. Mary Kay, a long time yoga instructor, took a moment to strike a pose or two from her class regiment.
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| Crow Pose (Bakasana) |
Then, one after another, we moved across the plateau inching back to the rock-lined gully, while carefully easing ourselves down the solid rock-lined trough to a comfortable spacious trail bed below. When all are safely down, the group starts for the TH.
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| Dorothy and Mary Kay brace themselves to maintain their balance in the slot. |
Back on Rt. 36, the drive to the post hike stop at Colorado Cherry Company, is but a few miles away. A favorite to many HCH members, this place has birthed a number of fond memories, and at least one wild story. Ask Nancy B. for details next time you see her.
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| Jonelle, Luisa and Ann chat while on a break on the descent. |
Today the usual offerings of hot java, ice cream, and assorted home made fruit pies (apple, cherry, blueberry) are on the menu. A line of patient hikers starts at the counter and snakes among the tables and chairs in the room.
A slice of pie here is arguably bigger than at any Denver diner or restaurant. Add a dip of ice cream and it's a plate of home made goodness to die for.
For those who have been frequent patrons over the years, a coffee club card is on file under the counter. Card holders must alert the clerk of club membership. The card is punched for each cup of coffee purchased. After ten cups, the next one is FREE! A number in this group are multiple card patrons.
As I board the bus, my belt seems a bit tighter than a few hours ago. I trust the sensation will pass during the drive back to Aurora.
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| Front Row (L to R): Dorothy Stranberg, Fumei Eldridge, Marcy Smith, Mary Kay Ryan, Luisa Sandoval, Jonelle Bidwell, and Alberto Barrientos. Back Row (L to R): Sandra Arunasalam, Leader/Driver, Ed Blum, and Gary Merical. |
Total Miles Completed = 4.0
Next week is the final scheduled hike of the year. At this writing, the bus is full, however, there have been some late cancellations in recent weeks. So call ACAA and add your name to the waiting list. You may get a call to join us. Contact ACAA at 303-739-7950
Destination: Devils Backbone, a 5.2 mile hike, offering great views and towering rock formations in Larimer County.
SEE YOU ON TRAIL.
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