Hike Lincoln Mtn.

Excellent conditions on this fourth week of the official hiking season.  Gone are the snow fields, and patches of slush and ice.  No more worry about stepping onto a stretch of trail covered with thick mud and long areas of standing water.  Trail today was open, wide, and dry.


Gary1, Linda, Penny, and Susan stop to enjoy the view.

The best trail conditions to date this year were found at Lincoln Mountain Open Space.  This tract located in Douglas County, southeast of Castle Rock, is not that big...876 acres... but it does offer visitors some exceptional views.

Again this week, twelve hikers, plus hike leader/driver, Ed, were on board.  The drive south on Chambers, to Parker Road went quickly.  Then it was on through Parker and Franktown, plus another 18 miles south on State Highway 83, to Jones Road.  While approaching the turn-off, the large empty parking lot located at the bottom of  Lincoln Mtn. could be seen.  We were the first to arrive.

Barbara, and Marilyn make their way through a patch of scrub oak.

A note to those who might consider hiking this system for the first time...the trailhead (TH), at 7,080' el., is equipped with a single port-o-john, and a layout of the trail system.  That's it, no shelter, no benches or picnic tables, 

Hikers move up grade on long switchbacks.

The area surrounding this open space is a combination of leased pastures, restricted wildlife areas and several large tracts of  private property.  What you see is "Open Space."

Much of the land on which we would be hiking was once part of the Palmer Divide Ranch, before Douglas County acquired it a few years ago.  West Cherry Creek snakes its way across the heart of this tract.  A number of times today I found myself stopping on trail to capture the image of a Prairie Hawk overhead, or a particular landscape.  I found myself thinking what the area may have looked like years ago with fields of grass providing food for cattle and horses.

On Lincoln, looking southwest...Pikes Peak (14,115' el.).

Trail from the TH, climbs to 7,394' at the Lincoln Mtn. Loop junction, and tops out at 7,398' at the western tip of West Lincoln Mtn.  From there on a clear day...like today...one can see both Pikes Peak, to the southwest and Long's Peak to the north in RMNP.


This prairie hawk passed on us as a source of food.

Hikers make their way through stands of Gamble oaks, and a scattering of pines and rhyolite rocks, as we make the gradual easy climb up Lincoln.  Not long after leaving the TH, some stopped to shed a layer before moving on.  The result of what would become a high 70's kind of day.

The 7 mile trail system is both well marked and maintained.  Trails are wide throughout the system.  Some loose rock, mostly on graded sections, can be tricky.   Unlike most trails that are formed naturally, Douglas County had this small system designed then physically cut into the landscape by machine.  

Cairn atop Lincoln Mountain.

As we approach the junction with Lincoln Mountain Loop trail, the sun is pelting us with warmer temperatures.  Sparse clouds overhead and virtually no smog should make for a good opportunity for shooting Pikes Peak.

As I came around the last turn on trail on top, the massive collection of rock of the iconic mountain was in clear view.  The image was captured again and again.  There is something about an iconic natural wonder that continues to captivate us.  I wonder how many images of Pikes Peak are captured each year.

Easter Daisy (Townsendia hookeri); Aster family

By late morning, we had finished the entire loop and made our way down slope to a rock formation off trail where we had lunch.  The area as mentioned is not much to look at considering the time of year...early spring, many trees have not had the time to sprout new growth.  Wildflowers too have not been able to sprout.  Although we did find one bunch of Easter Daisy beside trail.

The descent back to the TH took little effort.  Back in historic downtown Parker there were a number of choices for a treat.  Some would visit fika coffee house.  Others walked another block to Baskin-Robbins.  A few tried Swirls frozen yogurt.  With flavors like coffee, pomegranate, raspberry, and strawberry, who would not want to try a blast of each.


Robert, and Gary1, and Penny, and Albert are deep in conversation.

This help yourself shop is popular with all ages.  The toppings bar, also help yourself, has got every kind of topping you could think of.


It doesn't get MUCH better than this!!! Front: Linda; Standing front; (L to R) Penny, Clietta, Marsha, Betty, and Marilyn. Back row (L to R) Barbara, Susan, Ed, Gary1, Albert, and Robert.

Total miles completed = 4.2

Next week we will return to this same area to hike up Hidden Mesa.  It too is located on Highway 83 south of Parker.  Check the weather before leaving home.  If temperatures are expected to be in the 'warm' category, you should have a minimum of 24 ozs. of water in your pack.  I recommend a 32 oz. supply for a day hike.  Seats may still be available.  Call ACAA at 303-739-7950 to reserve a spot.
 
PLUS:  A non-ACAA hike is planned for this Thursday, April 24th.  Ed and I will hike in Eldorado Canyon, outside of Eldorado Springs.  It is a moderate hike in terms of difficulty.  Nothing any HCH core member has not done before.  Trail begins with a series of long switchbacks that take us to the top- of the canyon.  We will meet at 8 a.m. in the northwest corner parking lot at Quincy and Parker.  If you are interested, be there on time and be willing to drive if needed.