Castle Rock, Burro and Shady Trails

We had 5 good workers on Tuesday. We went over Castle Rock Trail, Burro Creek Trail, and Shady Creek Trail. We found trees down on all the trails, also found mud holes, snow and ice on the creeks. Thanks to Connie, Elizabeth, Harry, and Harolena. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
George.

Penitente Canyon

We hiked in the Penitente Canyon today, there weren't any big game hunters in that area so we felt pretty safe. The ruts in the rock were made by oxcarts, presumably carrying wood down to the villages from the higher ground. The rock picture looks like a turtle if you look at it just right.

Next Tuesday we will hike above Coller Park, check out the ruins of some cabins we found up there earlier this year.

We will meet at the Visitors Center (restrooms at Rickel Park are closed) at 9AM, bring lunch, water and a friend.

Dennis

Lone Rock

Our first snow hike since June--about 1/4" of snow on the ground.

Baxter Peak circle

A walk around the mid-section of Baxter Peak involved some ups and downs. The leaves still look good, especially under Del Norte Peak, off in the distance. This trail, laid out and marked with cairns, needs more travel. The segment called Alder Bench Trail needs more erosion protection.

Tuesday, we'll try to get to Lone Rock. Meet before 9 a.m. at Rickel Park. You will need a lunch and you may see some great aspen colors near the rock.
--Doug Knudson

San Francisco Creek

Nice trail, along the middle fork of San Francisco Creek;
A carpet of gold and silver aspen leaves;
Sky intense blue;
Lots of aspen, with
conifers coming through;
gentle, icicle-decorated,
sparkling water all speak of fall.

Thursday--Ozzie and Eve lead a loop on the mountain way above the golf course. Next Tuesday--Lone Rock 9 a.m. at Rickel Park

Stunner Pass

We walked through glory today. Fall color peaked up at Stunner Pass. Yellow, gold, rose, orange, and lingering yellow-green contrast with spruce's deep green and the ever changing colors of alpine rocks.

We have personal testimony that Timberline Lodge at Platoro still offers big, scrumptious hamburgers and cobblers--a good repast after a visit to the serenity of Lily Pond. Then a skiff of snow escorted us out of the high country.

We'll see how well the color holds; we aim to go up San Francisco Creek on Tuesday. 9 a.m. with lunch in a bag, uphill legs, and good boots.
--Doug Knudson