Including Ed, our hike leader/driver, a dozen hikers boarded the van for a day at Elk Meadow Park, outside Evergreen. The hike began at the south entrance parking lot on Meadow View Trail.
 |
| Hikers begin the day on Meadow View Trail. |
Natural dirt dominates the trail bed in this park, however, a few sections are covered with fine gravel. Trails in the park are well maintained and marked.
Soon after leaving the trailhead (TH), trail meanders across the meadow, then continues parallel with the busy Evergreen Parkway (HWY. 74), for a long stretch, before turning away as it goes deeper into the park while gaining elevation.
 |
| Kathy, Clietta, and Mary Kay on break. |
Again this week, hikers were faced with areas of snow, ice, and some mud. Conditions that can be neutralized by wearing boots with good support, and aggressive footprint. There was plenty of evidence of sturdy boots today, in the form of bold footprints.
The park has been a prime grazing area for herds of elk. The only sign of the animal today, however, was the brief sound of a nearby male bugling to his harem. We did not see an elk today.
 |
| Gary1 enjoys the landscape. |
The morning also provided a number of mountain bluebirds singing their hearts out as they flew from shrub to shrub in the meadow.
Park History: A picturesque barn in the meadow along HWY 74 is a reminder of the ranching history in this area. Beginning in 1869, the U. S. Government offered 160-acre tracts to homesteaders. Over the next almost eight decades one Darst Buchanan acquired many of those homesteads to create a 1,140-acre ranch for his large herd of cattle.
 |
| Hikers begin a short climb before lunch. |
Today the park is home to herds of elk that graze throughout the meadow and find shelter in the trees above. It is common...although not today...while driving through the area to find elk along the road, in residential areas, and at times can be found crossing busy roads to the excitement of motorists.
 |
| Luisa and Clietta catch up over lunch. |
There are a few spots on trail where one can get a good view of the Continental Divide. This time of year gives one a first hand account of the awesome snow-covered peaks to the west, while enjoying a pleasant day outdoors.
 |
| John sits on a tree branch naturally made to relax. |
People who enjoy being outside can experience their passion on 1,657 acres, and 13.1 miles of trails in Elk Meadow Park. It is close to a number of residential sub-divisions around Bergen Park and Evergreen, making it a perfect site for trail runners, dog walkers, bikers, and all-purpose hikers like us.
Short hikes like this means we are back at the TH early. For the second time in as many weeks, Ed drove into Evergreen, where some invaded Baskin-Robbins, while the rest hung out at Java Groove Coffee House.
This quaint spot is popular to locals. Wi-Fi attracts those who want to simply stop by with their laptop, check their email, see what's happening around the globe, or meet a client to discuss a new product or close a business contract.
The corner shop seats 25, plus there are a number of comfy lounge chairs and a sofa in the corner to sink into with a cup of java and a slice of carrot cake.
Leaving the "Groove" we were missing a handful of hikers. We found them lounging in the sun behind Baskin-Robbins, on the patio along Bear Creek.
Later on the drive back, there was a conversation regarding the attributes of a local produce market. It was agreed we would stop (a few short blocks from the exit on I-70) at Heinie's Market, 11801 W. 44th Ave., in Wheat Ridge.
It was to early in the season for inventory of fresh local fruits and vegetables. What we did find was a good selection of specialty jams, jellies, honey, salad dressing, pop corn, and a section called Pop Shoppe...a selection of various old fashion type soft (pop) drinks. Many in the group, purchased at least one item to try. I could not resist getting a jar of McCutchin's old fashion, Pennsylvania Dutch recipe, sweet chow chow.
I ask you, where else would you rather be on a beautiful April day in Colorado? Join us for a day hike and enjoy what Colorado has to offer.
Call 303-739-7950 to register. Seats are still available, but they won't last long so call today.
 |
| Front Row (L - R) Luisa, Marilyn, Barbara, John, Cathy, and Mary Kay. Standing (L - R) Ed, Clietta, Penny, Gary1, and 1st-timer, Rene. |
Total Miles Completed = 5.2
Next week: Lincoln Mountain. Check out the last time this hike was made. Go to the "Archives" section at the right side of the home page. Then click on "2013." Next, click on the month of "October." Finally, click on "Lincoln Mountain Hike." Note: This was a non-scheduled hike. So what was a 9-mile hike will now only be about 4.2
No comments:
Post a Comment