We hiked to the Stair Steps via the Highline Trail, a seldom used trail coming in from the NE. There are hundreds of trees down in the first 4 miles; we were off the trail detouring around deadfalls more than we were on the trail. I lost the trail beyond a meadow about 1/4 mile from the junction of the Deckers trail (too many downed trees to see anything), we just bushwhacked to the next meadow and picked up the trail again on the other side of that meadow. The wildflowers are really coming out, but it was too early for the Columbine on the N slope of the Stair Steps; another trip later on.
When we got up the Stair Steps we spotted 5 elk way down below us; we had spooked them about 1/2 mile earlier. After admiring the wonderful country we saw before us we started down to the Hunter Lake trailhead where Doug had left his car. It was a little over 5 miles from the start of the Highline Tr. to the Stair Steps and another 2 miles down to the vehicle. Due to all the crawling/jumping/straddling and falling off all the downed trees, we were ready to ride for awhile...........
Wayne will be leading us on a hike Monday, 9AM at the VCPL and as always bring your lunch, lots of water and several friends...........
Dennis
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