Heil Valley Ranch - J. E.

Without exception, everyone (cyclist, and hiker) Ed and I met on trail today was smiling from ear to ear.  It was a wonderful day to be outside.  An early morning chill had not been replaced by the warmth of the sun as we made our way on an access road to the TH.  There, the Wapiti Trail stretches 2.5 mi. through ponderosa pine forest, as it gradually gains altitude.

Mountain bikers far outnumbered hikers today.  It is the norm for this trail just three miles North of the city of Boulder.  After watching biker after biker rush by, we agreed the best way to do this trail is hiking it.  The sections of loose and stable rock seemed to never stop.  I am grateful to have boots with rubber bumpers covering the entire outside surface of the toe box.

Trails here are well  marked.

By mid-day, the suns rays were still not warm enough to neutralize the cool forest air.  At the first junction, we took the Ponderosa Loop Trail to an overlook, before stopping for lunch.  On the return side of the loop, there were no less amount of rocks but by then we had mastered the art of making good choices where to place each step.  It allowed us to maintain a steady pace. 

It was rare to find a rock-free spot on trail where a full footprint could be seem.

Two more cyclists approached.  Seconds later, we saw and heard what was an expensive mountain bike tire blowing.  A loud sssswwwwoooossshhhhhhh followed by what Ed described as a cloud of dust and air shooting out from the tire.

Beetle kill timber is cut up and stacked.  A cyclist makes her way up trail.

We passed the rider who was getting tools from his mini repair kit.  Down trail later, he would pass us, as he walked his bike down the slope.  A sharp rock had punctured the tire from the side.  We passed  him again before reaching the TH.  He was giving it one more try to remove the tire and install a tube.  He remarked that "A gorilla" had secured the rear hub so tightly he could not loosen it with his tool.

Ed makes his way through Ponderosa pine forests, on the Wapiti Trail

 The hike may not have been the most scenic or the highest elevation this year but it was a good hike.  Good in terms of conversation (it ran the topic meter from past hiking experiences to family geneology).  Good also in terms of unexpected features (old homestead ruins, stacked beetle kill timber waiting to be burned, to snow-capped peaks in the distance) all of which made this hike one to do again.

Our approach back to the TH where the Wapiti Trail meets the access road.

Total miles - 8.6           Total elevation gain - 1,264'