Hike to Finch Lake (RMNP)

The bus ride from Aurora to the Allenspark TH (8,950'), included a quick pit stop at Lyons Community Park.  Once at the TH, the group of 12 High Country Hikers were on trail in minutes.

The Allenspark Trail climbs steadily through the Ponderosa and Lodgepole pine forest for .8 miles to a junction with a spur trail leading to Bluebird Lake Trail.

We continue another .9 miles, to a second junction with the same Bluebird Lake Trail.  A few wet spots dot trail in the area.  Not enough to cause concern.  The exposed and loose rock hikers must negotiate are more of a challenge.

Nancy and Judy climb a section of trail loaded with exposed roots and rocks.

A few steep sections of trail present hikers with a series of log and stone steps to climb.  A number of stone steps are uncomfortably high, causing some to take more rest or water breaks than normal.

We play leap frog on trail with a group of girl scouts, and later a group of boy scouts out for a day of fun...possibly a requirement for a merit badge.

Golden Banner provides color to the area devastated by the Ouzel fire.

French Gulch Hike

You can't help but look up while traveling Colorado Rt. #9 going into the town of Breckenridge.  What you see are snow fields contrasted against the bare slopes around town.  It prepares you for what is ahead.  It's also a reminder of the winter of 2012-13, that lingered week after week...remember how it fought its way into the hiking season cancelling three straight hikes.

Ed makes a left turn off the main drag onto Wellington Road.  We pass through a sub-division, then take French Gulch Road (dirt) to the TH (10,300').

From there it's a jeep road for the next two plus miles.  We walk around two closed gates before entering the Pike/San Isabel National Forest.

Just beyond the TH, a faint road leads into the gulch to a point were the historic Sallie Barber Mine is located.  In 1860, French Pete discovered gold in the gulch.  Numerous area mines were rich in zinc and other minerals for decades in the late 1800's. 

Preview - French Gulch Hike

High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The bus leaves ACAA at 8:00 a.m. sharp.

Despite warm temperatures in the city, come prepared for a cool morning with winds forecast up to 20 mph., and a 30% chance of isolated showers.

Located at 10,355' el., this TH is on the outskirts of Breckenridge, in White River National Forest.  Trail begins as a jeep road passing a number of upscale cabins and residences.

The jeep road soon narrows to a path, and at 2.5 mi., the gulch opens into a number of open meadows.  Trail continues a moderate and steady climb up the gulch.  At 3.5 mi., you will be at treeline.

French Pass (12,046') is another .5 mi. ahead.  Total RT miles = 7.2  Total el. g. = 820'

High Country Hikers on French Gulch Trail.

Mt. Guyot (13,370'), to the left of French Pass, can be seen as we gain elevation.  Bald Mountain (13,684'), is just to the right of French Pass.  Other features include Mt. Argentine (11,412').

There may be some running water on trail, plus a small stream crossing.  Be sure to wear sturdy waterproof boots. 

Pack a light fleece for the morning, and rain gear.  Bring a minimum of 32 oz. of drinking water, plus a light lunch.

This will be an easy to moderate hike for HCH core members.

See you on trail. 

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'

Preview - Captain Mountain

High Country Hiker Group (HCH)
Tuesday, June 11,2013
Mt. Evans Wilderness
Bus leaves ACAA at 8:00 a.m. sharp.

We will be entering from the Mt. Evans Road, following it to Echo Lake Campground.  Trail begins at the end of the campground and continues through a pine forest, and parallel with Beaverdam Creek to the base of Captain Mountain.  There we will cross the creek and follow a series of switchbacks taking us from 8,650' to the top at 9,870'. 

On the pre-hike last week, a number of snowfields remained at the higher elevations.  Most of which were off trail.  None will affect our footing tomorrow.  NOTE: Temperatures at elevation can be 10 to 20 degrees less than in the city.  Plus wind gusts can make an uncomfortable condition.  Consider packing a light fleece or wind shell. Bring and use sunblock, SPF 30 or more. Wear a cap.  Canopy on this hike is sketchy...estimated 60% to 70% max. 

See you on trail.

Hikers Enjoy RMNP Despite Setbacks

Prologue:

Weekly snow storms cancelled 3 consecutive hikes earlier this year.  That tossed the schedule upside down.  Add to that rigid and at times out of touch with reality rules by the forest service played havoc with the planning process.

The bus was to leave at 7:00 a.m.(an hour before previous hikes) to insure we would arrive at RMNP before 9:00 a.m.  After a brief wait for two registrants the van did leave.  The 11 High Country Hikers aboard would be the smallest group to hike this year.

While driving north on I-25, we learned one registrant cancelled and one missed the van and was now following behind it.  Normal traffic congestion and a line of park visitors at the park entrance caused some concern.  It was with less than 10 minutes to spare that the van passed the park security station on Bear Lake Road.  The road would be closed to all visitors at 9:00 a.m., so a major construction project could continue.

We had been in cell phone contact with the hiker following the van and provided instructions to meet us at the park shuttle bus station.  We later learned the hiker missed the shuttle turn-off and was headed to Glacier Gorge TH.

At that point, the group boarded a shuttle bus bound for the TH.  On arrival, we learned when the hiker arrived, there were no parking spaces remaining at the TH.  The hiker returned to the shuttle bus station to park and board a bus.  The hiker had to wait for a bus going to the Glacier Gorge TH.  Finally, minutes before 10:00 a.m., the hiker arrived.  The group was complete.

Support for 11th Annual PAR Walk Surpries Many

It seems like it's been longer than 5 months since team leaders met to establish their teams and begin the process of raising funds for Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR).

According to PAR, 60 teams were registered prior to the event this year.  That is a record.  In addition, a fundraising goal of $100,000 was established for the event.  Last check found, that goal was close ($94,665) to being surpassed as well.

Walkers make their way around Grasmere Lake.

Walkers could choose between a 2 mile and a 1 mile course.  The longer course provides walkers the opportunity to see both Grasmere and Smith Lake up close.  This course also passes by Park flower gardens, still in the process of being planted. 

KOOL 105, Denver's KOOL Classic Hits, provided music for attendees, on a near perfect early Sunday in June.  

The large crowd stretches out along the 2-mile route.

Preview - Boulder Brook Loop - RMNP

High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The bus leaves at 7:00 a.m. sharp

Please note, the bus will leave one hour earlier (7:00 a.m.) than normal for this hike, due to major construction on Bear Lake Road in RMNP.  If we don't arrive before 9 a.m., we will be required to take the park shuttle bus to the trailhead.

A handful of parking spaces is all you will find at the Storm Pass TH (8,860' el.).  That's right, no toilets.  So a stop in Lyons or the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center would be a good idea.

The .3 mile spur trail dips down to Glacier Creek.  On the way, look over your right shoulder for good views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Otis Peak, and Thatchtop.  Continue on to a junction with Glacier Creek Trail.

View from the TH of Flattop Mtn., Hallett and Otis Peaks.

Trail then gains elevation quickly as it paralells Boulder Brook.  Over the next two miles we will cross the Brook 4 times while gaining over 1,450' el.  Several waterfalls will catch your attention on this climb.

Boulder Brook Trail ends at the junction with North Long's Peak Trail.  We will follow it over a mile to Glacier Creek Trail.  On the way will be Alberts Falls.

The end of the loop will be a 2 mile hike on the Glacier Creek Trail.

Remember to pack and use sunblock (SPF 30+), a cap, and a fleece.  Weather forecast is for a high of 78 degrees and 10 mph winds in the city.  That means we can expect it to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler and windy in the park.  So dress for the day.  A fleece and hood might be a good idea.  Why a fleece...on the scouting hike, high winds ripped the door of my vehicle out of my hands, almost hitting a H3 Hummer parked next to me...Yikes!