Hansons Mill

We started our hike at the Hansons Mill end of Trail #798 at an elevation of about 10,800 ft; we went up to the top of the ridge East of Hansons Mill, a distance of about .8 mile and an elevation gain of around 600 ft. (that's steep!). From there we hiked another 1.4 miles to the #610 road and down it about .5 mile to the trail marker for #798. Some folks decided that they needed to go back so they did.

We followed the trail down for about 3 miles and saw some interesting things, one of which was the West Alder Cr. flowing at a good rate and then suddenly not a drop of water! About 300 yards on down it reappeared with more flow than it had upstream! We also saw a lot of old beaver dams and a very tough trail to hike due to the loose rocks, narrow trail and boulders to dodge around.

All agreed that this trail should be rated "Difficult" end-to-end due to the poor footing, steepness and elevation change from 10,200 at the lower end to 11,400 at the top of the ridge overlooking Hansons Mill.

The mountain that looks like a pyramid is named just that "The Pyramid" and is a lonnnggg ways away......

Next week we will hike the Archuleta trail from Big Meadows reservoir, going up to a lunch spot and then returning. This will be a great hike due to the high volume of water coming down, should see a lot of waterfalls and cascades...........meet at the VCPL before 9AM and bring a lunch, water and a friend.

Dennis