Ute Trail - RMNP

Authors Note: The Ute Trail is named for prehistoric Arapaho and Ute tribes who traveled this alpine route for thousands of years from Beaver Meadows to their summer hunting grounds on the great plains and winter hunting in the tundra.

For the second week in a row, 13 members of the High Country Hiker Group experienced steady gusty alpine winds throughout the day.  These experienced active seniors came prepared for extreme alpine conditions, donning knit caps, hooded fleece and windbreakers tightly cinched around their faces.

Approach to Tombstone Ridge.

Views from Trail Ridge Road - the highest continuous paved road in the U. S. -  are awesome any time of year.  Today, for the entire 9.9 miles from Deer Ridge Junction to the TH, all eyes were focused on the vast landscapes of RMNP. 

Would Ed find a parking spot along the short pull-off at the TH on Trail Ridge Road?  Not today!  So he moved on to the next pull-off.  The 1/4 mi. walk back to the TH would provide us a first hand account of the continuous wind we would face today.

Preview - Ute Trail (RMNP)

High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, July 30, 2012
Bus leaves ACAA at 7:30 a.m. sharp

This 4 mile O&B trek begins on the famous Trail Ridge Road, at an elevation of over 11,400'.  Expect trail to be rocky as we move across the parks alpine tundra.  Don't leave your camera at home this week.  The views of numerous peaks to the south will be outstanding.

Be sure to pack sufficient water (32 oz. min.) for the day.  Other staple items in your pack should be rain gear, a cap, sun block (SPF30 or better), and lunch.

Elevation gain will be minimal (100' +/-), as will canopy. 

There is no hike scheduled next week (Aug. 6th.).  Next hike will be to Mt. Sniktau, Tuesday, Aug. 13th.

Hike to Stanley Mountain Summit

Authors Note:  The following text was supplied by hike leader and driver, Ed Blum.  Details such as elevation, mileage, and wilderness background information was provided by the author.  Images provided by Kathy Hall, and Dorothy Stranberg.  

Eleven members of the High Country Hiker (HCH) group made the trip to the Berthoud Pass TH (11,315') where this hike began.  The TH was virtually wind free, but things were to change.

Cherry Creek Little League Intermediate Champions

Little League Baseball (LLB) has been part of the American sports landscape since 1939, when it began with three teams in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  The town in north central PA, hosts the annual little League World Series in August.

LLB has nine regions around the globe.  The U.S. is comprised of East, Southeast, Central, Southwest, and West.  Other regions include teams from Canada, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Europe and Asia.  It is the worlds largest organized youth sports program with over 200,000 teams in more than 80 countries. 

Preview - Hike to Stanley Mountain

Incredible view from the rocky summit of Stanley Mountain, looking south.

High Country Hiker Group
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The bus leaves ACAA at 7:30 a.m. sharp

Compared to some monster hikes this group has done, in terms of distance, elevation gain, or jaw-dropping scenery, this hike is only 6 miles RT.  Total elevation gain will be about 1,200' over three miles.  What makes it special is all of it will be above tree line.

So be prepared for many 360 degree views.  You should also be prepared for a day of full exposure to the elements...rain, freezing rain, high winds, and thunderstorms.  Except for a few trees early in the day, there will no NO canopy.  So pack sun block of SPF 30+, and wear a cap.

What also makes this outing one to remember is the fact that it begins at Berthoud Pass (11,315'), one of the highest starting points on the schedule.  Second, from beginning to end, we will be walking on the Continental Divide - and trail by the same name (CDT).

The climb through alpine tundra will inspire you with drop dead views each step of the way.  All the way to Stanley Mountain, Vasquez Peak Wilderness will be on the right.  On the left is the sprawling Arapaho National Forest.  So stop often, capture all possible images to memory, because it is all about the journey.