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| Alpine Sunflower |
Riding along the Peak to Peak highway (CO. 72), north from the mountain town of Nederland, my thoughts are if any one of the 11 HCH group members on board are aware of what they are about to experience.
July is the month when both mileage and elevation gain increase on these hikes. To those core members of this mostly senior group, the ACAA van is the place to be, Tuesday morning.
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| Mitchell Lake (10,750' el.) |
The exceptional experiences on trail begin about this time each year. July began with a day to The Loch in RMNP (see blog post July 4, 2014). Then it was Vasquez Pass, another opportunity to see first hand what beauty there is above tree line (see blog post July 23, 2014).
Today the long access on Brainard Lake Road would end at the Mitchell Lake TH. It offers hikers an option to hike to the summit of Mt. Audubon (13,223').
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| Bill, Susan, Penny, Jonelle, and Luisa all make sure of their footing as they cross a stream on logs. |
We will take the Mitchell and Blue Lakes trail deep into the wilderness. Trail begins as an easy walk among an almost 100% canopy and well-trodden trail bed. Soon it transitions from a meandering path through pine and aspen groves to an unforgiving, relentless string of rock-strewn passages. The likelihood of turning an ankle on a trail like this is increased. Continuous focus on ones footing is important.
A number of wet areas must be encountered. Caused by mountain springs and runoff from Mitchell Lake, the muddy areas are small and shallow. Mitchell Lake, located just below 10,750' el., marks the end of the mioderate challenge part of the day.
From here to Blue Lake (11,250') there will be more rest stops to take on more water. The climb takes us past a number of tarns (glacial lakes/pools) nestled in cozy pockets of alpine tundra.
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| Each bend in trail provides another exciting landscape to enjoy. |
Bodies of water at this altitude appear like huge mirrors randomly tossed across the landscape...perfectly calm.
From my sweeper position at the back of the group, I hear all kinds of comments as we progress up slope. 'WOW, look at that,' 'Oh my, how beautiful,' 'What a georgeous place,' and 'This is more beautiful than I expected.'
Comments from people who I suspect have not been to IPW before. After a number of outings in this unique place, I agree with every kudo voiced today.
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| Susan is in awe of the clear alpine lakes and rugged terrain. |
As we move up slope, trail becomes more and more challenging. Not only must we contend with loose rock, there are sections of solid rock to maneuver, tall rock steps to master, and that unforgiving elevation gain that never seems to give hikers a break.
Above tree line, canopy is limited to the shadows from rock outcroppings, making rest stops brief.
After passing a few alpine lakes, trail climbs from 11,100' to 11,250', all without any canopy.
Blue Lake cannot be seen until one is almost there. It rests among the namesake of the wilderness itself...Indian Peaks.
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| Colorado Blue Columbine. |
The horizon reads like a native american book of legends. Shoshoni Peak (12,967'), Pawnee Pass (12,541'), Pawnee Peak (12,943'), Little Pawnee Peak (12,466'), and behind it, Mt. Toll (12,979'), and finally, Mt. Audubon (13,223').
All of these natural features combine to offer those fortunate enough to make the journey here to enjoy one of the best back country experiences in Colorado.
Based on the comments heard on trail today, everyone was glad they signed up for this trip. We hope to see everyone again soon.
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| Our destination, Blue Lake. Snow and ice remain in July. |
We were by far not the only group on trail today. The TH was abuzz with activity when we arrived. We would encounter families, couples, trail runners, power hikers...2030 something's showing off, and dog lovers out to give their pets a taste of the good life.
After lunch at waters edge we gathered for the weekly group photo. The backdrop here may be one of the most rugged, and pristine landscapes this group will ever experience.
Throughout the day we had one constant nagging issue...mosquitos. Most applied an ample amount of repellant. It did little to deter the pesky flying blood-suckers from attacking anything that moved.
As the group starts back, I am reminded of a fellow-hiker many years ago asking, ;'Why is it that you always are the last one out of the mountain?' My response then was the same as it is today. There is nothing better than getting high on Mother Nature.
As we cross the rushing waters of runoff from higher elevations we are welcomed with a full canopy, lowering air temperature considerably...in the mid to upper 70's.
The heat of the day would linger as we stopped at the Blue Owl used book store and coffee parlor in Nederland. Tongues were quick to lap at the drips from cones of ice cream.
Reality of summer in the city would hit us fully as we departed the bus at ACAA. The temperature in Aurora was 97 degrees.
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| Front Row (L to R): Alla Vigderman, Susan O'Connor, and Penny Giese. Back Row, Standing (L to R): John, Albert Barrientos, Susan McHale, Leader/Driver, Ed Blum, Jonelle Bidwell, Luisa Sandoval, and Bill O'Connor. |
Total Miles Completed = 6.0
There are a number of exciting upcoming hikes to choose from. Shrine Mountain at Vail Pass, July 29th; McCullough Lakes, August 12th.; Square Top Lakes, Guanella Pass, August 19th.; and Herman Lake, August 26th.
After that there is a full list of fall hikes planned for your enjoyment.
Join the HCH group for a day of the best exercise you can get. Enjoy the best Colorado has to offer and end the day at a comfy spot for a treat before the bus delivers you back to ACAA.
A REMINDER: Group patches are available from the writer for $9.00 ea. Get one for your windbreaker, fleece, and day pack. Proudly display your membership in a growing group of fit, energetic, outdoor enthusiasts.
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