Fern Lake

Yes, there are ferns along the trail to Fern Lake. And in the fall, they turn yellow and crunchy, providing a different texture to all the other autumn colors and shapes.


Creeks are low, even lower this year than previous Septembers. Feels like the bridges are unnecessary now.

I call them my magic trees. Along the trail to Fern Lake are a number of trees that are either split or hollowed out. Hikers put little rocks inside them. They tunble down, are rebuilt, providing a little hidden artwork along the way.

At Fern Lake, Clyde, Maggie, Fran, Janet, Rick (and Muneca) and Barbara.

Deserted Village

Continuing my week of visiting old structures in and around the park, today we headed to Deserted Village on the North Fork of the Big Thompson. Once a hunting lodge, now just bits of one small cabin remain.


Margy, Clyde (with Muneca), Fran and Maggie at Deserted Village. Knowing that the season of summer hiking is coming to a close and that we will all be heading in different directions in a few weeks, we've been savoring every step.

Taking a "shortcut" back to the parking lot found us winding steeply through a small drainage. Finally we topped out and hit a dirt road, where the aspens were shining.

Game Drive Walls

Up on the tundra are remnants from an earlier era when the herds were hunted. In order to direct the animals towards the hidden hunters, game drive walls were built. An easy hike up on Tombstone Ridge brought us to these walls, but they are scattered all over the tundra if you keep your eyes open. Look for a string of somewhat parallel rocks.

The tundra was windy and cold, although the sky was still blue. How long until the first snows cover the land above the trees?

Lulu City

 

The colors appear to be changing early this year, but the trees look vibrant and full, as if they will withstand the first strong wind or rainstorm. Maybe it was because we were on the west side of the divide where the trees have more moisture.

Today we hiked up to the remains of Lulu City, a deserted mining town near the headwaters of the Colorado River. The river is just a tiny stream up here, but a couple hundred folks followed their dream to this valley.

Although the site is gorgeous, very few artifacts remain. A few logs from a foundation here, a depression in the ground over there, a ditch that might have channeled the water from a nearby stream. And a trail that was used for daily stage coach travel from Grand Lake to Ft Collins.

Maggie, Jean, Linda, Megan with Muneca, and Barbara at Lulu City.

 

Twin Lakes

 Propped up on a small bench with beautiful views into Wild Basin lie Twin Lakes. From the western lake Tanima takes center stage, flanked by Mahana and Mt Alice. It the shadows are just right, you can see Eagle's Beak rising up in the drainage between Mahana and Tanima. But the best part of these lakes is the solitude. I have never had to share the lakes with another human who wasn't on the hike, only otters and birds.It's the perfect place to spend a few hours of solitude.

 We bushwhacked over to the smaller eastern lake, climbing lots of boulders and passing through a beautiful stand of aspen. The second lake is covered in lilies, but only the leaves remain this season. 

Greg, Cathy, Muneca and Maggie at Twin Lakes. Deciding to find an alternate path back to the trail, we followed the dry outlet stream. Without too much trouble, we found our way back to the main trail and avoided the worst of the krumholz. A leisurely stroll past Ouzel Falls and Calypso Cascades completed a perfect September day.

Sky Pond

 The summer is always nearing its end before I get a chance to lead a hike up to Sky Pond. And I always wonder why I don't go there more often, as there are so many incredible sights along the way. Under aspen ready to start glowing, past Alberta Falls, and then to our first lake of the day, The Loch. The wind had a certain fall chill, but the skies were staying bright with just a few puffy clouds racing over the summits. 

 On the far side of The loch, and up an incredible number of stone steps, lies Timberline Falls. Water pours over the falls all summer, catching the light to make it appear weightless. To the right of the falls, the trail climbs straight up the wet rocks. A little scramble and the upper gorge opens up. 

 While we were sheltered from the wind while we climbed the falls, there was no protection upon reaching Lake of Glass. But it doesn't matter - the view is worth it. Just put on another layer and enjoy. 

 Following the rocky ledges to the right of Lake of Glass, we climbed further into the gorge and arrived at our destination, Sky Pond. The mountains tower over you, feeling like they are closing in. All is gouged out rock, transformed into cliffs and spires by the force of the glaciers 20,000 years ago. 

 Our group at Sky Pond - Kim, Andrew, Rich, Lisa (with Muneca), John, Richard, Maggie and Boyang.

As we trekked back down the trail, we reentered the aspen forests. Color changes seem to be appearing overnight. A whole hillside of bracken was already dressed for autumn.