Captain Mountain

At first light, I looked out the back of the house to find the sky totally overcast.  By the time my pack bladder was filled and my day pack placed in the truck, the sun had dried up the mist.  It would be another exceptional day to hike.


View from trail of Mt. Evans, 14,265' el., and Mt. Warren 13,407' el.

As I headed north to ACAA with a cup of java in the cup holder on the dash, thoughts of my friend Ed darted through my mind.  We had planned a three-day backpack trip beginning today.  Unexpected back pain forced him to remain at home to recover.

Knowing a few seats remained empty on the van today, I was assured of making the trip.


One small stream crossing going out and again coming back.

On the van, hikers were settling in when I realized that the Hike Leader/Driver today would be non other than the new Recreation Assistant, Mick Prozinski,  An avid backpacker, hiker, and all-around outdoorsman, Mick was obviously happy to be out of the office...doing his job.


Scenes like this are numerous on the Captain Mountain Trail.

At the trailhead (TH)(9,050' el.), Mick gave hikers a safety briefing before setting foot on trail.  Although the day began with little to no canopy, overall, there was at least some canopy overhead to shield us from the sun about 75% of the hike.

Fungel Conks, or mushrooms.

Trail begins in the 3,398 acre Mount Evans State Wildlife Area.  An abundance of wildlife inhabit the area including deer, elk, big horn sheep, mountain goat, and blue grouse.  Today we were treated to close sightings of deer, elk, and the fleeing tail feathers of a blue grouse.

The Blue or Dusky Grouse is native to the Rocky Mountains. It forages in Aspen stands for berries and insects in fallen trees.

At one point, Mick stopped to explain what was growing at the bottom of a tree beside trail.  It was a type of mushroom called a Conk.  They grow from the trunk or base of a tree.  It indicates that a rot-inducing pathogen has taken up residence.

After meandering through meadows and sub-alpine tundra, trail enters the 74,401 acre Mount Evans Wilderness.  Two 14ers Mt. Evans (14,265') and My. Bierstadt (14,060'). are located within this remote Colorado backcountry.

Susan and Jonelle enjoy the view.

Blue (Dusky) Grouse

 Both the Wildlife Area and Wilderness are part of the 723,744 acre Arapaho National Forest.

A dozen members of the High Country Hikers group made the trip today.  None were disappointed in terms of the landscapes, snowfields on Mt. Evans, and the Lodgepole Pine and Aspen forests of the Arapaho National Forest., they experienced.

Front (L to R) Mick Prozinski, Susan McHale, Mary Kay Ryan, and Monica Richard.  Back Row (L to R) Penny Geise, Albert Barrientos, Charlotte Deters, Ann Evans, Marilynn Micek,Luisa Sandoval, and Jonelle Bidwell

A stop in Evergreen for coffee at the Java Groove or ice cream at Baskin Robbins capped an envigorating day. 

Total Miles Completed = 5.5

NEXT WEEK: The Loch, RMNP.  This is one of my top ten all time favorite places to hike.  We will hike up the Glacier Gorge while passing some incredible views.  The payoff comes at the end where you will be treated to one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado.  Seats on the bus are still available so call ACAA today at 303-739-7950 to register.

Pack a lunch, lots of water and wear comfortable hiking boots.  If you have trekking poles, bring them.  Much of this trail is rocky, some areas continuous rock.  As mentioned in the previous article, the effort to get there will be worth it. 

Members of the High Country Hikers group are encouraged to purchase a group patch.  Attach it to your day pack and get one for a favorite jacket or windbreaker.  ($9.00 each)  see below.