Lost Lake - IPW

The atmosphere on the bus was much like a 50th high school reunion.  People were catching up with a fellow group member since their last hike together.  Although there were only 11 people on board, it sounded like a much larger group.  There was much to talk about as Ed guided the bus out of the ACAA parking lot.  It was as if someone had brought a bunch of debate team members on board, each one trying to out talk the other.  It sounded like a group of buzz-saws on auto-pilot...a sign of a tightly-knit group. 

Actually, it's typical of most day trips for this group of outdoor enthusiasts.  Everyone knows about a fellow group members spouse, children, and grandchildren.  It makes for comfortable and soothing conversation.  Plus conversation helps time pass and lessens the anxiety of getting to the backcountry one more time before winter.

Once we are beyond the drama and tension of morning rush hour traffic on I-70, it's on to Golden, where we stopped at the 7-11 for a pit stop.  The washroom facilities here are far superior to the TH, where we are limited to two port-o-johns.

On the ride through the tiny town of Eldora, I am reminded of how different it is to live in a place where there are no traffic lights, no sidewalks, and no common services, i.e, restaurants, pharmacy, food store, or barber shop.  In fact, the only building on Main Street other than a residence was the Fire Station.  

At the far end of town, the paved roadbed gives way to a one-and-a-half-lane wide dirt road the final mile to the TH.  On approach, I am surprised to find only a handful of vehicles already parked.  Ed has no problem pulling the van to a spot next to one of two johns.

The first .5 mile of trail offers hikers standing water and loose rock on the jeep road. 

Minutes later the group is on it's way to the jeep road and the start of an outstanding day on trail.  The challenge here is to skirt a number of large puddles of water...some a few inches deep...while on the lookout for being whipped in the face by a tree branch.

First rest stop is at the site of a long-deteriorated ghost town.  Nestled in a valley between Middle Boulder Creek and Mineral Mountain is what remains of the old mining camp of Hessie.  About 1890, gold was discovered along the talus slopes overlooking Lost Lake which brought a brief mining boom to the area.

Site of the old mining camp of Hessie.

The remote mountain mining camp was first organized by Captain J. H. Davis, who with his wife Hessie, lived here during the boom years.  All that remains today is a tattered and weathered wooden marker beside trail.  The only thing we can do is envision what the old mining camp might have looked like.

We continue on the jeep road to a junction of the south fork of Middle Boulder Creek.  There, trail splits into Devil's Thumb Bypass trail, leading to Jasper and Devil's Thumb lakes.  This is where we bear left, crossing a one-lane wooden bridge. 

First bridge across Middle Boulder creek.

We are now at about 9,600' el.  Traces of a recent snowfall dot the slopes in the area...but no snow on trail.  That can change at any time.  As a precaution, a pair of Yax Trax, and snow baskets for my poles, are in my pack today.

The next .3 mi. will present hikers with the steepest section of trail today.  Plus loose and partially-exposed rock on this section becomes an added challenge.  A number of stops along the way to catch one's breath is rewarded by exceptional views of  the core of what makes Indian Peaks Wilderness a must see.  Add it to your bucket list.

Crossing a bridge on Lost Lake trail.

Through the pines, one can see the horizon is made up of South Arapaho Peak (13,397'), and Old Baldy (13,038'), each covered in an early white blanket.  The rush of water crashing over rocks in the creek nearby is a profound and constant reminder that we are in a remote part of Colorado.

At the next junction, trail splits right to King Lake Trail, and left to Lost Lake, our destination.  On approach to the lake, trail flattens somewhat.  First sight of the lake (9,867') is from the Southeast.  Total lake area covers over 5 acres of water. 

Late morning scene at Lost Lake.

Today the suns dominating rays provide a bright glare off the water as small ripples form at the far end of the lake.  A log, exposed rock, or clump of grass, are choices for a seat while having lunch.  Sitting among the trees at waters edge, my thoughts focus on how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy the natural beauty of nature.    

Beyond the lake, the horizon is made up of Bryan Mountain (10,810'), and Woodland Mountain (10,843').  If we were to bushwhack, southeast, past the lake, we would reach the slopes of Eldora Ski Resort.   In addition to downhill skiing, the resort offers patrons a world-class Nordic Center and groomed corduroy for cruising (Xcountry skiing).  Plus there is RTD bus service.

Lunch at waters edge.

Some in the group decide to scout a path leading around the lake.  Designated campsites dot the landscape around the lake.  I notice one tent through the trees, proof that people are enjoying the outdoors.

As the sun starts its early afternoon descent overhead, day packs are cinched before heading for trail, and the return to the TH.  Walking over the same terrain we covered earlier in the day, the views are somehow different.  Snow-covered peaks are seen from a different angle, or from a different vantage point, making each sighting somehow worth storing in the memory bank.

View from path beyond the lake.

Plodding downhill, over the same rock strewn path/roadbed can be almost as challenging as going up slope.  Loose rocks can cause one to slip or throw off ones balance.  For me, it's a constant focus.  A pair of poles have saved me countless times over the years.


Hiker moves down slope past ruins of a miners cabin. 

Back at the site of old Hessie, rather than maneuvering around those large puddles in the jeep road again, we take trail leading into the trees for some different sights.  This low marshy area allows hikers to plod directly into it by way of a series of wood planks assembled end to end.  It allows hikers to remain dry while walking virtually on top of the water.  The alternate path brings us out just beyond the spot where we began this morning.          

Hikers progress down the steepest section.

With everybody back on board, we make the short ride into Nederland, stopping at The Blue Owl coffee shop and used book store.  Benches out front provide ample room to relax in the sun, while enjoying a cup of java or dip of ice cream.

This may be the best spot to learn what this mountain town is all about. Allow me to elaborate.  Envision an old time carousel across the street.  In the opposite direction, the Black Forest Restaurant, owned by a German family, offers great food.  On the corner of the next block in town is the Alpaca Store, where you can find gifts, novelties, and souvenirs. 

Town marker.

The unique 'Carousel of Happiness' has 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel.  The unit turns to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ.  Rides, $1.00

Nederland is also the home of 'Frozen Dead Guy Days.'  Begun in 2002, this annual tongue-in-cheek tribute to Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, who is cryogenically frozen and cared for in a Tuff Shed on private property in town, awaiting the day when science can re-animate him and cure him of the heart disease that killed him in 1989.  The frozen body was said to be found in 1994.

The annual event is held the first weekend in March.  The town provides music, food, a polar plunge, and ends with a coffin race.  This event has been voted as one of the top 10 New York Times best Winter parties.

Town Hall building.

While finishing my ice cream, my attention is focused on three people walking along the road (no sidewalk) on their way to who knows where..  The first is playing an acoustical guitar while he walks.  The second has a skateboard cradled in his arms.  The third has a full-size backpack cinched to his back.  They appear to be traveling together, only they know for sure.  None of this is odd or unusual in this town.  

Nederland was established in 1885 as a trading post for Ute Indians and European settlers.  It was home to people who either worked in area mines or had a business that supported the mining industry.  The Caribou Mine outside of town was purchased by the Nederland (Netherlands) Mining Company.  The town was soon after named for the company.

Front row (L to R):  Monica Richard, Marsha McBurnett, Mary Kay Ryan, Luisa Sandoval, Sara Bald, Marci Smith, and Gary Merical.  Back row (L to R):  Albert Barrientos, Bob Choquette, and hike leader/driver, Ed Blum.  Image by Gary Alleman

Today there are only a few thousand residents in Nederland.  It is known as the gateway to outdoor recreation.  A short distance from where we are, is a visitor center, where pamphlets on activities around town can be obtained. 

If you are looking for a place with no fast food restaurants, limited sidewalks, and one traffic light, Nederland might be a town to visit.

Total Miles Completed = 3.8

Note to all High Country Hikers.  Only two scheduled hikes remain this season.  Next week we will go to Hermit Park, outside of Estes Park, for a 4 mile hike and 975' elevation gain.  The last hike of the year is Devil's Backbone, a 5.2 mile hike and 500' elevation gain.

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Don't forget to confirm your seat...with payment of $10/person in advance...fort the annual High Country Hiker "Gathering" planned for Saturday, November 15th at ACAA.  The event begins at 11 a.m.  Dress is hiker casual. 

Contact the writer to confirm a spot for you and a guest.  Join us for food and beverages, hiking trivia, images from hikes of 2014, and great door prizes.