Dragons Egg Rock via Hunters Creek

The past week brought me some fun and some misfortune.  It all started on Friday.  The subject of my wine study group was Burgundy this week, one of my favorite regions.  I brought along a 1995 Dominique Laurent Vosne-Romanee 1er Les Suchots.  Amazing stuff.
After this I wanted to go mountain biking before heading back down to work.  I started at Heil Ranch on the Wapati trail, planning to ride up it to Ponderosa, take a right there to Wild Turkey, take a left on Picture Rock, turn around at the bottom, and return.  All was going according to plan until I my front wheel washed out going down Picture Rock and I crashed hard.
I landed on my right side, abrading my elbow pretty good.  I thought I hurt my leg also, but the main worry was my head.  It was one of those crashes where you feel your head snap against the ground, and my ears were ringing loudly.  My helmet looked ok, in fact I cannot see any impact on it, but I know it is time to replace it.  I had to sit for about fifteen minutes for the ringing and nausea to go away.  Not fun.  Then, when I got up, my leg hurt so much I thought I might have broken it.
I sat back down and assessed the situation: It was four plus miles down Picture Rock, plus probably 6-8 more on the road to get back to the car, or I could just turn around and take it really easy and ride back.  I could stand and put some weight on my leg and since I had fallen like this before and felt a similar but less intense pain, I felt like it was ok to proceed.  So back up and then down I went.
I was majorly sore the next day, but felt progressively better on Sunday and Monday.  So I decided to go for it.
I tried to get to Dragons Egg Rock last year, on a very long day that took me to Keplinger Lake.  I went east from the lake and made my way to the massive south facing flank of Mount Meeker.  I headed around, but I had two problems.
The first was that navigating the drainage between Keplinger and Meeker took me a tremendous amount of time.  The second was that I wasn't even sure where Dragons Egg Rock was or what it looked like.  The book said it is defined as a single closed topo loop on the south side of Meeker, but this was right where the page joined another and I couldn't tell what to look for in the crack of the book.
Later I looked it up at home, and while I could find very little information about it (like a picture- see below for one), I could see on a better topo where I should have been.  I didn't get to it, but I did get pretty close- I would guess I was less than half a mile from it.
I started out at 808am on April 10th from the Sandbeach Lake trail head.  My research into possible ways to do this hike led me to two different routes.  In the end, it made more sense to me to stay on this trail until I hit Hunters Creek and then follow it up.

Hello dear deer.
The trail was completely dry and in great shape up until the summit of the moraine.  From here until Campers Creek I hit intermittent snow.

Snow on the trail.
It was pretty well packed and completely walkable in hiking boots only.  From Campers to Hunters it was consistent packed snow.  Again, I did not use any traction devices here, and the trail was quite easy to follow.

Stopped at Hunters Creek for a snack.
I strapped on my snowshoes here and started to follow Hunters Creek up.  Stay on the east side of the creek, and if you do happen to do this once the snow has all melted, there is an unofficial trail here that follows the creek up.
Here the going got difficult as the ground gets somewhat steeper and the snow was not packed at all.  I kept looking north to try to determine where I was in relation to Mount Meeker.  For a long time all I could see was trees on a steep hill side above me.  I continued on until things started to look like this...

The first signs of Meeker and the first sight of my goal of the day.
Once I could see Dragons Egg Rock, I basically struck a path toward it.  I would intersect with the couloir near the bottom and follow it up.  In retrospect, I don't think this was quite the right way to go, though in one area where the snow had melted completely I did find what looked like a trail.  There were some steep hills in worsening snow conditions, and I feel like I should have stayed along Hunters for a little longer before heading north.  But live and learn.

The south face of Meeker, close up on Dragons Egg Rock.
I was noticing my lack of conditioning so far this year, along with some pain from my hip post crash.  Along with mushy snow, my pace slowed to a crawl.

Looking down into Hunters Creek drainage from the south face of Meeker.

Are we there yet?

Closer still, and the cliff face right in the middle is Dragons Egg Rock.  There is significantly less snow than last year.

Taken in June 2011 (I think), quite a difference.

A pretty neat thing to take in is how large Meeker really is.  Once you reach the base, it literally takes up the entirety of the view to the north.

Looking south with Copeland Mountain and Mount Orton visible.

 

I was expecting the couloir to be full of snow and to be able to glissade down.  No such luck, though I guess it did make the ascent easier.  Here I stayed on the tundra to the right of the snow.  When I got close to the cliff face, I carefully crossed the snow and then made my way west along it.  I turned North and summitted the feature from the north side.  This is where you will find the only second class on this hike.  

I feel it would be entirely possible to ascend by continuing on the east side of the feature, but this would give you some talus to work through and this is where there was still heavy and steep snow that I descended through.

Sandbeach Lake from way above.  Still looks pretty frozen, but should be melting quickly.

Indian Peaks Wilderness and points south from Dragons Egg Rock.

Looking into the heart of Wild Basin- Mount Copeland, Ouzel Peak, Mahana Peak, Isolation Peak.  Frankly, this view made the entire hike worthwhile. 

Yours truly on Dragons Egg Rock at 12200ish feet.

 

Continuing up the couloir could be a fun but lengthy way to ascend Meeker.

 

Panorama looking south.  What a view!

Despite the general lack of snow, I did try to glissade, and it worked kind of in places.  But eventually I decided it was taking too much effort and not worth it, so I moved back to the tundra and continued down.  

I mention that on the way up I felt as though I didn't take the best route.  On the way down I stayed in the couloir the whole way.  I think this was better- the rise seemed like it would be more gradual, and there was less snow and bushwhacking to contend with.  If you do this hike, I would advise to stay along Hunters Creek until the view north looks something like this..

 

You will come to a more open area that looks like this.  From here, head on up.

 

Here is what it looks like a little bit higher up.  Much more manageable terrain.

 

Dragons Egg Rock.

Once I got near Hunters Creek, I was hitting enough snow to put my snowshoes back on.  Now it was afternoon, and the snow conditions had gotten worse.  I was constantly post holing, and slogging through melted snow was not fun.  But eventually I did make it back to the Sandbeach Lake trail.  

I took off the snowshoes here.  The trail was about a foot of hard packed snow in the middle, but when I happened to veer off that, even by a few inches... post hole.  Well, it was not bad enough for me to put snowshoes back on, and my hip was feeling a little better not wearing them, so I continued on. 

I saw this newly broken tree right next to the trail.  It looked pretty neat.

This tree is on the Sandbeach Lake trail pretty close the the trail head.  It looks like it should be in front of a haunted house or something.  

I finally made it back to the car after a long day at 707pm, giving me eleven hours for the day.  I think with improved conditions in the summer and self, I would be able to knock a few hours off this time.

This is a pretty fun and challenging hike, with a great view at the destination.  I think it would be easier to do once all the snow melts out.  

This feature was named by RMNP ranger Jack Moomaw (for whom Moomaw Glacier was named) in 1921.  Why Dragons Egg Rock?  I guess we will never know.

Dragons Egg Rock via Hunters Creek:

5.5 miles one way, 3860ish foot gain.  Strenuous+ due to elevation gain and snow particularly after leaving Sandbeach Lake trail. Summer conditions would take this down to strenuous or strenuous-, but there is still significant gain in the last 2.something miles.

Bluebird Lake in the Winter.

I had quite an adventure in the park this week, obtaining my only goal for the winter: Bluebird Lake. Here is some music to set the scene. Click play and listen while you read along.

I got up at seven on Saturday, March 17 and was on the road by seven thirty. I arrived at Wild Basin around eight thirty and got my stuff together and started out. I noticed on the drive up that there wasn't much snow still around. In the park that is a different story.
The day was very warm and the mile walk from the winter parking to the main trail head went by pretty quickly. Soon enough I had my winter jacket off and a lighter jacket on, and soon after that only a long sleeved shirt.
Thunder Lake trail was in pretty good shape. Packed snow most of the way up and therefore pretty well delineated through the trees.
Thunder Lake trail.
Cascades in passing.
In fact, it wasn't until I passed Calypso Cascades that I put crampons on. I didn't put my snow shoes on until I hit the intersection for Bluebird Lake trail, which was in much worse shape. Someone had went before me at some point and I was following their broken trail until it stopped, where I presume they turned around and went back. I looked at my surroundings and decided I needed to go up. And I did.
Soon I was on top of the hill and in the 1978 forest fire area that the trail heads through. Without any trees to block the sun or wind, the trail was completely bare and visible in many places.
Copeland as seen from the Bluebird Lake trail.
Trail completely visible. Tanima and Alice in the background.
Here I was able to take off the snowshoes and walk for awhile. That was nice. Once the snow cover started up again, it was pretty difficult to tell where the trail was precisely. I just did my best to think like the trail and figure out where it would be. I guess it worked!
The sign marking the split for Ouzel Lake, buried.
I took this picture to show the effects of wind on the snow. It is hard to tell from the perspective, but the snow here is about ten feet deep.
The entirety of Copeland seen from Bluebird Lake trail.
I was thinking that once I got past the forest fire area and back into some trees, it would be pretty easy to pick the trail up again. No such luck. The next time I 100% knew I was on the trail was only after I got to the lake and got back on the trail to head down. My familiarity with the area helped me out alot here. It is weird to have most visual references gone completely, and to have to rely solely on the surrounding peaks to guide you.
By this time I was approaching afternoon, and the snow conditions were deteriorating rapidly. The nice crust that could support my weight was melting, and I was at times post holing through to mid-shin or deeper. This, along with the lack of a definite trail, slowed my progress enormously. Of course, being off the trail gave me the opportunity to see some neat things, like this floating tree...
Ohh, magic!
More steep snow. After passing the Ouzel Lake junction, you gain around 1000 feet in the next 2ish miles.
This is how most of the afternoon looked. I would look up these steep snowfields, assess the snow pack and curse, rest briefly, and then head up. This was the first time I used my snow shoes on really steep stuff, and they performed admirably. I had my ice axe in hand so I could self arrest in case I did slip and fall, but my feet didn't slip once on the way up or down.
As I got closer to the lake and higher in altitude, the snow firmed up quite a bit, even in full sun.
I stopped for a rest and some food before tackling this slope near the lake.
Oops, got my finger in there. This was taken slightly east of the lake, looking down at the spot of the previous photo.
These pictures don't really capture the scope of it, everything covered in snow and steep snow at that. More than once I found myself thinking 'this is a place where you definitely don't want to fall, because it is a long, long way down'. If you do venture up to some of these higher lakes in snow, an ice axe is a necessary tool. I had it ready in case I fell, and found myself using it to help keep my balance.
I was looking at my surroundings and decided that I was north of the trail proper, and that when I did hit the lake, I was going to be on the north side of the outlet. Soon enough, I was there, and much to my surprise, I was actually south of the trail by maybe 500 feet.
Bluebird Lake!
I walked over to where the trail ends, set my bag down, and took my snow shoes off. Time to take some pictures.
Copeland as seen from Bluebird Lake.
Panorama of the bowl, surrounded by Copeland, Ouzel, and Mahana.
Ouzel Peak seen from the outlet of Bluebird Lake, a picture I have taken every time I have been to the lake.
And yours truly at Bluebird Lake, 10978 feet.
It took my five hours to get here, a bit longer than the three hours or so I remember it being in the summer. I was in better shape then, and didn't have to deal with snow or trail finding. And it was a tiring five hours. Since this lake is en route to some of the higher lakes and peaks in the area, I have been to it a number of times, and usually feel quite chipper when I arrive there. Not today!
After taking in the sights for a little, I had to turn and head back. Here is where the fun started! Since I was wearing snow pants and had my ice axe, I was able to glissade down some of these steep snow fields! Glissading, if you don't know, is basically skiing without skis or sledding without a sled in my case. I would just kneel down, get the tip of my ice axe in, release my weight from the snowshoes, and off I'd go!!! I had one that was so perfect I wish someone was there to see or film it, and I actually ended up on my feet at the bottom of the hill! Like a boss.
Looking back up on the way down.
Chickadee Pond.
A bridge above Calypso Cascades showing two feet or so of packed snow.
I was almost back to the summer trail head when I ran into the first people I saw during the day.
Summer trail head melting.
I got back to the car around 530, giving me a nine hour day. By comparison, I can do this hike in five hours or less in the summer (though of course, that doesn't account for the additional two miles to go to and from the winter parking). One thing that I learned on this hike is to make sure you have sun block! I thought I had some in my bag. It was only when I arrived there that I discovered I didn't. Here is what I looked like that evening.
Pretty red. I am peeling alot today. It is a mistake I won't make again!
Since I have done this hike several times now, I must say the difference in difficulty between summer and winter is enormous. Even during the summer, I would say this is a moderate plus to strenuous hike. Add in an additional two miles of distance, plus some gain, plus a total lack of a trail, plus snow conditions, and you have a very strenuous hike. I was thinking on the way down that this was one of the harder ones I have done.
I would also recommend against doing this hike in the winter if you have not done it before in the summer. There are very few visual clues as to where you are going, and if you don't have a good idea of that, I could see trouble. There are many steep snow fields to complicate things, and a fall down one of these without the tools and knowledge to stop yourself could end in serious injury or death.
That being said, if you are an adventurer and have the skills, tools, and fitness, do this hike!
Bluebird Lake in the Winter:
7.4 miles one way from winter parking, 2478+ foot gain. Strenuous+.
Snowshoes, ice axe, extra water, and sunblock required.

2012 goals.

Well, I have only been out once for what I would call more of a winter hike and less of a snowshoe so far this year. A few weeks ago I headed up to Twin Sisters. The trail was pack the entire way, and though I did wear the shoes most of the way up (for traction only), it wasn't what I would call a true snowshoe, at least based on my other experiences so far this year.
I didn't get to take any pictures, but it did give me some time to think about what I would like to do this year.
In 2011, my goal was to hike to every named destination in Wild Basin. In the end, I got to around 75% of those, and just ran out of time as the winter season started strong. However, I did realize that I could reach my goal of hiking to all of those destinations in a year if I counted from my first hike of the season, which wasn't until May!
At this point, I only have six peaks left, with the remainder being high lakes and I think the odd waterfall here and there. It seems very likely that I can accomplish this goal!
So then what should I set my sights on for 2012? A few ideas...
Bluebird Lake in the winter. This is one of my favorite, if not my most favorite, lakes in the park. I have been plenty of times in the summer, so it would be interesting to me to see it in the winter. It looks like we will have some warmer temperatures here, so hopefully I can manage to get the car and head up soon.
Continental divide crossing, or to Grand Lake and back. This would be an epic at 36ish miles, with a good portion of that off trail, and above treeline. Also I would like to be able to do this in one push- no camping at Grand Lake before heading back. Why? Well, I think it would be fun, challenging, exciting, and offer some unique views that I couldn't get otherwise. I think this would probably wait until later in the season... July, August, September. For sure on or around a night with a full moon.
Longs Peak. The only fourteener in the park, and the one that people ask about when they learn that I like to hike! I would like to do it in tandem with Mt. Meeker in one day, as well as from the probably never used Keplingers Couloir route. Maybe even add in the standard Keyhole route.
Explore other areas of the park. I have not done much of this, but I think it wouldn't take me much longer to get to the Estes Park entrance than Wild Basin, and this would open up a whole range of possibility. I would definitely like to summit Chiefs Head Peak, Estes Cone, Mt. Lady Washington, Flattop, Hallett Peak, and see Ten Lake Park (maybe get some surrounding peaks as well).
What are some of your goals for 2012? I would love to hear.
Needless to say, spring can't come quickly enough for my liking, and I am itching to get out to the middle of nowhere, to be near nothing, to hear only the sound of my breathing, to not get cell phone reception. Until then...

Best of 2011 Hikes!

Best waterfalls!
3. Ouzel Falls. The winter of 2010/2011 deposited a ton of snow in the mountains, and when it melted Ouzel Falls looked like a mini Niagara. Add to that the accessibility of getting there, and you have a great waterfall to visit any time of the year.
2. Trio Falls. To get here, head to Lion Lake, walk around, and follow the inlet creek up to Lion Lake 2. There is a taller fall at the top, with two smaller ones farther down, and many cascades along the way. A pretty place to stop for a picnic.
1. Thunder Falls. I felt this was the prettiest waterfall I set eyes upon this year. Head down along the outlet of Lion Lake. There is no trail, but only a short hike awaits you. You'll likely have it all to yourself also.
Best high altitude lakes!
3. Keplinger Lake. With no trail and both approaches requiring long and arduous bushwhacks, it's no easy feat to get to this lake, but you should set aside a day and add it to your list. You'll get great views of Longs Peak and Pagoda Mountain, and the lake is high enough that you can actually see relatively far into Wild Basin.
2. Bluebird Lake. This is a fun hike, but like many of the destinations in Wild Basin, pretty far in. However, there is a trail right up to it, and you are rewarded with great views of Ouzel Peak, Copeland Mountain, and Mahana Peak. Check out the outlet, where you can see remnants of a dam constructed in the early 1900's.
1. Isolation Lake. Aptly named, as getting here entails a long hike with the last few miles being off trail. It is easier going than some others, as these last miles are around and above tree line, so there is relatively little bush to hold you up. This sits in the bowl between Isolation and Mahana Peaks, and offers prime views of Copeland Mountain, Ogalalla Peak, Indian Peaks wilderness to the south, and the continental divide.
Best Peaks!
3. Mount Alice. I did this one of those days when I didn't feel great, but I got there and the reward was worth it. This 13er is deep in the park, with all approaches being long and grueling. Some third class awaits you if done from Lion Lake, but nothing too bad. Again, great views of all of RMNP await you.
2. Mount Meeker. The day I did this peak, I set out only for Lookout Mountain, which is really a high point on Meekers east ridge. I got to that destination in around two hours and just wanted more. With not much else in the immediate area, I set off west. This is a steep one, gaining 5000 feet over five miles if done from the Horse Creek trail head as I did. There is some scary but easy third class from the eastern summit to the true western summit. You can see forever from here, and hiking up and down the tundra was pretty fun. Next season I hope to be able to do this and Longs in one day.
1. Copeland Mountain. I first tried for this peak in the fall of 2010 but wasn't feeling good on that day and decided to turn around. After two more failed attempts this summer (once from weather, once from hiking companions not feeling it), I finally had a day in the fall full of sunshine, with no storms forecast. I set out early with enough food for days. It was Copeland or bust! There is nothing more than second class along the way, but you do gain around 3000 feet in the last two point something miles after Ouzel Lake. The tundra seems to go on forever, with numerous false summits. But the feeling of elation and reward I felt when I reached the final summit plateau was something else! Needless to say, I was pretty happy to cross this 13er off the list, and I do look forward to returning to it one day. This is a prime viewing spot as you pretty much have an unobstructed view of the whole of Wild Basin.
Best Features!
3. Mount Orton. While not so much of a peak on its own, this high point on North Ridge is a fun hike. Head north around Sandbeach Lake and follow some unofficial trails up the slope. Break tree line and head for the high point. You'll end up looking right at the south side of Meeker and Longs. Wow.
2. Boulder Grand Pass. There are a few ways to get here, and it is accessible from both sides of the park. This slightly rounded area of tundra gives you great views of course. I will never forget looking down to the Lake of Many Winds from this point. It is beautiful, peaceful, and at the top you can literally straddle the continental divide, the line that marks the point at which all precipitation to the east will eventually end up in the Atlantic, and all to the west in the Pacific.
1. The Cleaver. While you are at Boulder Grand Pass, head south and check out the Cleaver! This feature is around 12200 feet high, and you can sit on the edge and hang your feet over a steep, steep drop off overlooking the west side of RMNP. There is some highly exposed third and fourth class along the way, making this an adventurous hike. This is another view indelibly etched in my memory.
Best easier hikes!
3. Finch Lake. This one starts out steep, but once you gain the top of the moraine, a really fun moderate but longer hike awaits you. The trail passes through some very pretty meadows, some great view points north, and the 1978 forest fire area before arriving at Finch Lake. This is a unique lake in RMNP as there is no permanent inlet or outlet. From here you can head on to Pear Lake or call it a day and head back.
2. Twin Sisters Peaks. This was a fun one that I did early in the season. The hike is around eight miles long, and starts and ends higher than Finch Lake. The peaks lie on the extreme eastern side of RMNP and you can see all the way to the plains from here. Look west for Meeker and Longs Peak.
1. Sandbeach Lake. Again, this one starts steep, but levels out once you summit the moraine. The trail passes though some pretty scenery in Wild Basin, crossing several smaller creeks and Hunters Creek. Sandbeach was another that was dammed in the past, with the high water ring still visible. You also get great views of Meeker, which seems to take up the entire view to the north.
Epic hikes of 2011!
The snowy winter season and late start to the hiking season meant I had some long days in the park, as I attempted to get to as many destinations in a specific area as possible. These are the most memorable in my head.
3. Tanima Peak and area. This was the only hike of the year that I started and ended with my headlamp on. I set out around 6am from the Wild Basin trail head, heading for Thunder Lake. I got there, and headed up Tanima Peak. From that summit, I went west to Boulder Grand Pass, and then south to the Cleaver. I headed back north and descended to Indigo Lake, hitting Box and Eagle Lakes on my way down. Up next was Mertensia Falls, another long bushwhack. From here it was back to the Thunder Lake trail and back to the trail head. I ended the day with around 13 hours and 20ish miles under my belt.
2. Keplinger Lake. First I headed to Sandbeach Lake, then around this and up the slope to Mount Orton. I kept along North Ridge after that before dropping down to the unnamed lake south of Keplinger. From there I went east though some difficult terrain to arrive near Dragons Egg Rock. I followed the couloir back down to Hunters Creek and hit Lyric Falls on my way back down. Another long day in the park!
1. Mount Alice. I started around 5 am for this one, heading up the Thunder Lake trail before splitting off on the Lion Lake trail. I headed up from here and got to Castle Lake before hitting Lion Lakes 1+2, Trio Falls, and Snowbank Lake. From there I headed up hourglass ridge to summit Mt. Alice. I headed south from here and got to Boulder Grand Pass and from there descended to Lake of Many Winds. From here I went to Falcon Lake and climbed up next to Fan falls, to end up on some flat land above treeline east of Mt. Alice. I got back to Lion Lake 1 and headed down to Thunder Falls. I cut back to the trail and hit Castle Lakes on my way back down. I got back to the car almost 13 hours later, with an estimated 20.15 miles and a gross gain and loss of over a mile for the day. Whew!
Thanks for stopping by! I look forward to seeing you out there in 2012!

Ouzel Lake in the winter.

Last week brought me what will most likely and unfortunately be my last hike of the year. I will be heading out of town on the 23rd, and will arrive back late on the 29th. I am sad that this great hiking year has ended; I look forward to more adventure next year.
My goal was Bluebird Lake. I have to say that this is my favorite "easily" accessible lake in the park. Easily in quotes because while there is a trail to it, it is a difficult hike, particularly after passing by Ouzel Lake.
I set out a little later, and found that I didn't need snow shoes or any traction devices for that matter while walking from the winter parking lot to the Wild Basin trail head. My feet were slipping a little bit though, so I did stop there and put my crampons on, knowing there was some less flat terrain ahead.
Fortunately, the park had cleared all of the downed trees up until Ouzel Falls, and this made going alot easier. I stopped shortly after the falls and took off the crampons and put on my snowshoes as the trail seemed a little less packed. There weren't many trees down and I felt like I was making good time.
A early rest point.
The trail beyond Ouzel Falls.
The area after the split of the Thunder Lake and Bluebird Lake trails was more difficult, steeper and I could see it hadn't been used as much so far this winter. When I got to the plateau in the forest fire area, there were places where the trail was actually completely visible due to the action of the wind. I took my snowshoes off for a bit and walked. Got some good pictures along the way...
Mount Copeland.
A clear day and views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.
Tanima Peak and Mount Alice.
Earlier in the day I had run into a guy who said his buddies were going for Mount Copeland but he turned back because he wasn't feeling it. I kept looking up the face hoping to see someone and I am pretty sure I did.
The trail was easy to follow until it started to hit some deeper snow. I was following the footsteps of those few ahead of me, though at times I got off the trail because I thought they might not be going entirely the right way. I managed to find the sign for the split to Ouzel Lake, and headed on towards the Bluebird.
The foot steps I had been following cut out left, and without those, trail finding became alot harder. I just relied on my familiarity with some of the boulders in the area, and kept an eye on the general direction I wanted to go. However, the going got tough. Knee deep powder and sometimes but sometimes not crusted snow that could support my weight loomed ahead.
I had stopped several times, looking at the sun going down, thinking I should turn back but willing myself to keep going. I was relatively close after all.
Somewhere on or near the Bluebird Lake trail.
Looking back east.
Looking towards Ouzel Peak in the forest fire area.
Mount Copeland.
Eventually I decided to turn back. On the drive up I noticed ice on the road on route seven south, and I didn't want to be driving on that in the dark. At this point I was beyond Ouzel Lake, but looking down I could see its frozen outline in the forest. I set a new course, and went there.
Ouzel Lake from above.
Copeland over Ouzel Lake.
Ouzel Lake in the winter, defined by trees.
It was pretty neat to see somewhere that I had been to or by several times in the summer looking completely different. And it made a good scene for some photographs that would otherwise be impossible in the summer, at least not without getting wet.
Copeland, Ouzel Peak, Mahana Peak.
Close up.
Standing in the middle of Ouzel Lake, possible only a few months out of the year.
The outlet to Ouzel Creek.
Ouzel Lake documented, I turned back and made my way to Chickadee Pond, and then up the hill a brief way to intersect with the trail back.
I felt like I was motoring on the way back. Sure, it is easier to go downhill than uphill, but the snow really does fill in all the obstacles on the trail and flattens it out. No steps to go up or down, no rocks to walk around. I kept my snowshoes on most of the way down, finally stopping and going back to just boots near Copeland Falls.
The lower trail is pretty well packed and plenty wide.
One last look.
I got back to the car, and made it safely down route seven in the waning light. Another great day in the park.
This has been a great year of exploration and fun hikes. I didn't meet all of my goals this year- I wanted to hike to every named destination in Wild Basin- but I did get pretty close, tagging 75%. The heavy snow of last winter really gave me a late start, so I am hoping for less snowfall this year.
Next year I hope to get to the rest of those destinations, and to start to hike in other areas of the park. I have some pretty epic hikes in the planning stages, one of which may even come with a short film in addition to still photographs. I am hoping to write a year in review post before or shortly after the new year comes.
Until then, be safe, have fun, and enjoy the splendor and natural beauty that is Rocky Mountain National Park.
See you again soon.