Ouzel Falls

So often I pass Ouzel Falls on the way to one of the higher lakes and don't take the time to hike up and see the falls straight on rather than sideways from the bridge. The spray feels wonderful on a hot day. The water snakes through the cracked rock, finding the easiest way down the ledges and back to a sedate little river.

Brainard Lake

Travis and I set off to Brainard Lake area hoping to do Mitchell and Blue. Unfortunately the road was still closed at the winter parking lot, requiring us to walk in 2 1/2 miles to the summer trailhead. The flowers in the parking lot were already beautiful, and we found lots more up near Long Lake. 

The Indian Peaks above Brainard Lake have some snow this year, but nothing like last year. They look inviting. I'll be up and over Pawnee Pass in a few weeks and get to see them from the top. 

Lookout and Horsetooth

Although it sits right behind our cabin, I had never hiked to Lookout Mountain before. A short, but steep hike from Meeker Park takes you to this peak on the flank of Mt Meeker with a tremendous view into Wild Basin. 

To get to the very top requires one or two pretty exposed moves, and getting down is even more challenging. However there are plenty of rocks just below where you can enjoy the 360 degree views. 

Unfortunately the High Park fire outside of Ft Collins started while we were on the hike. A tiny puff of smoke in the distance soon became a gigantic cloud of smoke on a hot and windy day. 

MacGregor Falls

Early summer is the best time to hike to MacGregor Falls. The walk across the meadow is not too hot and the water is cascading down the falls.

Calypso Cascades

The orchids are early this year. Hidden in the undergrowth along the sides of the trail are these little gems no more than a few inches tall. 

 Muneca was happy to be back on the trail. It has been a long winter.

The Keys

Muneca finally gets to see the ocean but she is a little overdressed.

My tree

I have a special tree on one of my favorite trails. I've been visiting to it for over 20 years, especially when I need to share in some of its strength. On morning "runs" with my running group, I've started taking my phone along, and when I have to walk, which is most of the time, I look around for the beauty of the morning. Today, the mountains west of Boulder were clear and crisp as the morning sun hit them. I took a few photos further to the left, but then realized my long shadow was in way. I moved to the right and saw that my tree was projecting an incredibly powerful shadow - a pathway up to the mountains. Plenty of strength absorbed this morning!

Community Ditch

Spring has arrived in Boulder. The ditches are flowing even though we have had no rain this month

North St Vrain

Spring has come early to the North St Vrain this year. The ice has melted, leaving a trickle bubbling down the stream. Large piles of rocks washed up in last year's enormous runoff line every twist of its course.

The water is incredibly clear at the moment - sliding by the rocks with hardly a ripple. No sign of green in the grasses on the banks. A possible yellow tinge can be seen in the willows if you know what to look for. But on my one secret south facing bank, more than a dozen pasque flowers tilted their blossoms toward the sun.

 

Eldorado Canyon

The water is no longer bound by the icy barriers. Though still low, it has a new freedom. A sign of the rush to come when the winter releases its hold on the high mountains.

Back on the trail

Unseasonably warm weather has hit Boulder in the last few weeks. Snow and ice are a distant memory. Even the mud is long gone. The first flowers are raising their petals through last year's brown grass. A lone sand lily perches on the side of the trail.

Moraine Park

The roads were incredibly icy in the park. We opted to hike from the YMCA into Moraine Park in search of elk instead. A large herd was lounging out in the sun, but they were skittish as we approached, probably because our snowshoes were making so much noise.

The Mummy Range was snow covered in the distance. Ypsilon and Fairchild appeared to be standing guard over the park.

At the far end of Moraine Park, we found some sunny rocks that protected us from the icy breeze. Muneca found her way out of the pack and into the fresh air. She's dressed for the winter.

Bierstadt Lake from Hollowell

There was snow on the mountains at the beginning of the hiking season, and we appear to have come full circle. But tall brown grasses dress the scene for fall. Permanent snowfields are waiting to be recharged. Light dances off the clear water, daring the ice to reappear.

The sun is still warm, but the wind blows off the high mountains, full of an icy edge. Sue, Shirley, and I braved the breeze to enjoy the incredible view from the shore of Bierstadt.

Returning through Mill Creek Basin, the aspens have all shed their leaves. A herd of elk had found a quiet meadow, away from the throngs near Moraine Park. Bugling echoed in the surrounding forest, but we only glimpsed a few heading into the solitude of the surrounding forest.

Williams Weekend

Too short, but a truly wonderful three days with college friends. The aspen provided a backdrop worthy of this reunion. In 25 years I have never seen the aspen so full and glowing.

After the equinox, the light noticeably changes. It bounces off the water at a different angle than in mid-summer. I wonder if that is why the aspen seem to emit their own light?

Near Glacier Gorge trailhead, the aspens provided the perfect canopy. Just a few days earlier I had been hiking behind a family, and when we hit this spot, the young girl said to her father "This is my favorite part of the trail".

Mills Lake was completely still when we arrived. Snow was still dusted on the high peaks from several days before, but it was incredibly warm at the lake. Perfect for sprawling on the rocks and peering into the crystal clear water.

Everyone made it to Mills Lake - including Muneca.

Mill Creek Basin

Despite the colder weather in the last week, the aspen leaves are just beginning to change. Pockets of color are scattered across the hillsides. The lower aspens along Mill Creek have an internal glow that lights up the trail.

Our group stopped for a snack at the top of the trail before the bridge. Even the ground cover is alive with the fall colors.

I never know what Muneca is going to get up to when she gets out of my backpack. Today she found a new friend slithering in the grass.