The ride into the small town of Evergreen on Rt. 74, always has a calming effect on me. I suppose it first has to do with the rolling countryside after departing the fast-paced I-70. Picturesque Evergreen Lake just outside of town is one of the premier bodies of water in the region. The town golf course is neatly tucked into the trees on the southwest end of the lake. It's tranquil surroundings set the tone for a great visit to downtown Evergreen. Main street is loaded with specialty shops, galleries, and cafe's. Don't bother looking for any fast food restaurants...there are none.
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| After leaving the trailhead, a curious Doe forages for food close to trail. |
After making the turn onto CO. Rt. 73, we then take Rt. 78 (South Brook Forest Road) a few miles to the lower Maxwell Falls TH.
No sooner was I off the bus, than my senses caught the profound smells and sounds of the forest. In this case, the Arapaho National Forest. It's the best time to be outdoors.
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| Marsha, Penny, Barbara, and Gary1, on one of a number of ups today. |
The Maxwell Falls trail combined with the Cliff Loop would give hikers a good workout for their effort. Trail here is well worn and well maintained. It caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages including children and their pets.
Trail first runs parallel with a small stream for the first mile then does the same with Maxwell Creek after trail meets the Loop trail.
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| Break for hydration on a bridge over Maxwell Creek. |
The area is populated by large stands of Ponderosa and Lodgepole pine plus pockets of Aspen groves dot the slopes. A full canopy is assured for hikers between 80-90% of the distance we would trek today.
Some in the group were surprised at the amount of "up" hiking involved. The fact that the day would see the highest recorded temperature for the week was unfortunate. As mentioned, thanks to the almost full natural canopy, it kept the temperature at ground level down.
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| The group in profile. |
The lunch site was sparsely populated with trees, but enough to allow hikers to find a shady spot and a rock or downed tree to rest on. Due to the density of the forest in the surrounding area, there would be no long sightings of the high country or clear views of Pikes Peak like earlier this season.
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| Nancy and Luisa enjoy the day. |
Instead, one was left with the opportunity to smell the aroma of pine, listen to the wind as it rushed through the forest, bouncing from ridge to ridge and chasing up the drainage from below.
Today, a quick lunch meant more time to lean back against a lichen-covered rock, close my eyes, and soak in those smells and sounds only Mother Nature can provide.
When in the backcountry, it's quite amazing how ones mind has a way of focusing on the hear and now. No thoughts of how I will fight traffic on the way home. No thought of how my wife and I will get a weeks worth of clothes and other needed items into two small suitecases for vacation next week.
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| Water tumbling over rocks in Maxwell Creek. |
Then, in the distance, I could hear the sound of familiar voices. Could it be time to go? No, it can't be. Of course it was. The brief mental encounter with Mother Nature was over. There would be another hour+ to enjoy a slice of her exceptional landscape.
After decades of hiking, whether I am on a multi-day trip, with a group, or solo, being the last person out of the mountain gives me a degree of satisfaction that it will be a bit less time before I return.
As happens many times, a return on the same stretch of trail, I walked earlier now provides many new opportunities to see nature from a different angle. Case in point...I missed this shot of a break in the trees of a small waterfall on Maxwell Creek.
This would be a good hike to take out-of-town guests on. It's not too far from home. Not too difficult. You can go as far as you like and turn back. The only downside is there are no facilities at the trailhead, NONE!
Back on board the ACAA Express, everyone has time to refresh, and rehydrate. A few miles later, Ed pulled into a parking spot between Java Groove an Baskin Robbins. Everyone made their choice then found a bench or table on the patio out back by Bear Creek to finish the day.
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| Front seated (L to R) Hike leader/Driver, Ed Blum, Luisa Sandoval, and Penny Guise. Back row (L to R) Barbara Peck, Gary Merical, Marsha McBurnett, Nancy Bralic, Jonelle Bidwell, and Marilynn Micek. Images by Gary Alleman. |
Total Miles Completed = 4.6
NEXT WEEK: Rolling Creek trail outside the town of Bailey. This hike is just over 6 miles in length, with about 800' of elevation gain...similar to Maxwell Falls. Remember to pack rain gear and a minimum of 32 oz. of drinking water.
JoAnn and I will be touring the west coast next week so hopefully someone will get a group shot and some images to capture the day hiking along Rolling Creek. Send them to me plus your thoughts and comments on the day so I can compose an article.
Added Treat: During the drive to Evergreen for refreshments, a number of those on the bus sampled the result of a new recipe my wife tried recently. It is published below for those who voiced interest.
Fresh Kale Chips:
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| Leaves of fresh Kale. |
1 head fresh Kale (washed and dried)
2 tblsp. olive oil or sea salt
Cut leaves into 1 1/2" pieces
Lay pieces on baking sheet
Toss w/olive oil/salt
Bake @ 275 degrees until crispy
Turn @ 10 min. and bake another 10 min.
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