Shrine Mountain Trail

Hike Leader, Ed Blum has a string of great hikes to his credit in the last few weeks.  In the month of August, consider Boulder Lake, Burning Bear Creek, Mohawk Lakes – Continental Falls, Butler Gulch, and today, Shrine Mountain Trail.

Tucked neatly within the White River National Forest, this gem of a trail is easy to navigate and with its difficulty rating as moderate, it ranks up there with the best to date.

Hikers from ACAA on trail.

Highlights…there are many.  Look North and see inspiring views of the Gore Range. 

Not far from the TH, this becomes the norm.

Look South, to find The Ten Mile Range.  Look Southwest to find The Sawatch Range and Mount of the Holy Cross.  The Flat Top Mountains are to the West.

Elevation increases rapidly at times.

Although there are many inspiring spots maybe the one most remembered is the 360 degree view at the summit (11,089’). 

Threatening clouds don't stop these veteran hikers.

Known to be the last one off the mountain on many hikes, today, I had to pry my feet from the high perch and start down to the TH. 

Penny is thinking...'It doesn't get any better than this.'

No, it was not a 14er.  But up there, one gets the feeling that you are in fact that high.

Tough climb behind them, hikers make their way across the saddle.

The numbers on the day go like this.  The OAB hike totaled 5.3 miles and 1,231’ of total elevation gain.  The book may rate it as moderate but a few hikers found it a challenge. 

The summit is nothing short of inspiring.

Good thing is today they all got to the top to enjoy the view.  If you were one of those on the mountain today, start counting the visuals forever etched in your memory.