Vasquez Pass

Some welcome cooler air this morning as 11 members of the High Country Hikers (HCH) group gathered at ACAA, at 6th. and Del Mar, in Aurora.

It would mark yet another week of at least one new (1st time) member in the group.  Proof that word of this group of close-knit active men and women is getting out into the community.

Ed gives the pre-hike safety briefing.

A Day in the Park - ended in epic fashion

My body clock had not failed.  As my eyes focused on the LED on the nightstand, it read 4:49 a.m.  Adequate time to fill a water bladder and secure my multi-day pack in the truck.  All essential gear, and food for a five-day trip had been packed in advance of today.  The day would serve as a preparation hike for our upcoming annual week-long trek later this month.


Larkspur Creek, one of a number of short break spots on during the climb up Mills Moraine.

Looking For 2 Experienced Backpackers

A five-day backpack trip is planned for July 30th through August 5th.  The trip will be in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado, beginning at the Platoro Reservoir trailhead.  Average day mileage is 5.  Elevation gain on day one, 1,280'; day two, 320; day three 400; day four 800; day five, -2,080.

Total miles = 26.3
Continental Divide Trail Miles = 15.6

Only those experienced in high country terrain and conditions and have  all necessary backcountry gear and essentials should respond.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact the writer at  thecohiker2011@gmail.com
or respond in the comment section below this article.

Little Craggy - CO. Trail (CT)

The early morning air even at the TH, felt considerably warmer than recent weekly outings.  It was not until I returned home, and heard the local weather report...the temperature reached 100 degrees at DIA today...that I realized it was a near record (102 degrees) day.

The Loch (Loch Vale) - RMNP

It has been gratifying to walk into ACAA week after week, and be greeted by one or more new smiling faces.  So it has been this hiking season.  More and more people are learning about the High Country Hikers (HCH) group from Aurora.  No less than 13 people have been first-timers already this hiking season.

John Tedrick and Joe Jackson leave the TH for the Loch.