Bonita Pass trail

We hiked up the Bonita Pass trail to the Continental Divide trail and then up it to Silver Pass. We trimmed a lot branches which had overgrown the trail, thanks to Wayne, Linda & Bill. Both trails are now cleared. About 2 miles West of Bonito Pass the trail is getting treacherous on a steep talus slope. Everyone negotiated the bad spots OK, but it needs work. Do we need to do it or is the FS going to be doing work on it in the near future? I rated today's hike a "moderate" hike.............about 4 miles long.

Wayne & Linda will lead us Monday on an easier hike, then next Thursday we will plan on going to the top of Cathedral Rock. Both hikes leave from the VCPL at 9 AM, bring your lunch, water and some friends.

Dennis

Handies Peak

On Tuesday, six hikers dared to stroll on the steep sides of Handies Peak. The leader was concerned about clouds rolling over us and turned us back within sight of the top (see photo), after hearing flash flood warnings and tales by descending hikers of cold, strong winds.

A trail runner left when we did, then met us at the half-way point, when he was coming down and we were still looking upward. Even he was cold.

The lack of physical exhaustion was compensated by virtually drowning in color and abundant flowers--at least three colors of columbines, four shades of rosy paintbrush, and many more. We traced several "beginnings" of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, found a half-dozen prospects holes in the walls of American Basin.

We rested by Lake Sloan, watching the big grey clouds gather, then temporarily yielding to the sun. Then we went on to 13,000' and decided to enjoy the downhill direction, following the water and billowing fields of flowers down to where dozens .

What a beautiful place! What a splendid mountain! What good companions!

Next week, Tuesday, at 9 a.m. at the South Fork Visitor Center for another foray on the Continental Divide Trail (South), if weather permits.

In late August, we'll try another 14er--maybe the highest point in Colorado. We informally agreed to get on top of Handies in September, along with another big mountain up north. Please keep up your respiratory and leg strengthening activities more often than once per week.

--Doug Knudson

(Judy and I will go to Minnesota for a Knudson family get- together and a visit to Judy's cousin in 2nd-3rd week of August.)

Fremont Camp Trail (885)

We went up the Fremont Camp Trail (885) for a little over 2 miles, made sure we were off of the Private property and had lunch. The Forest Service has done a good job of marking the trail as it leaves the Private property, many thanks. This trail is a road for the first 1.8 miles and is steep, not an "easy" hike.

It looks like you are going to be stuck with me for the Thursday hikes (which will be "moderate"), Wayne & Linda will continue leading the Monday "easy" hike and Doug will continue leading the Tuesday "aggressive" hike. Are you confused yet? Just show up at the VCPL at 9AM on almost any Monday, Tuesday or Thursday and somebody will take you on a hike................

Meet at the VCPL at 9AM Monday and Wayne & Linda will take you for a "stroll". Come on Thursday and I will lead you to either the top of Cathedral Rock or from Bonita Pass to Silver Pass on the Continental Divide Trail (we will clear this trail as we have done for the last 8-10 years). Doug is leading a group up Handies Peak Tuesday morning, contact him for exact details on 873-5239.

Dennis

Continental Divide Trail

Flowers, water, sweeping vistas, billowy clouds on the always-thrilling Continental Divide Trail kept us exploring our lunch destination for over an hour.

Welcome to George Ameel of Creede (ex owner of San Juan Sports)--a vigorous and experienced hiker.

Next Tuesday--climb from American Basin up Handies Peak. We suggest that you sleep close to Grizzly Gulch or in Lake City for an 8 a.m.
start (to avoid lightning and thunder. Meet at Grizzly Gulch by 8 a.m. for a drive around the N base of Handies, into American Basin (high clearance and 4-wheel drive strongly suggested). You can bring a friend or relative to enjoy the big flower show now starting in the Basin. The hiking distance is 3+ miles up to 14,000' plus 3 miles down. On a clear day you can see almost forever. This is one of Colorado's easier big peaks; even going part-way is rewarding.  However, the trail is rocky and, to some, a bit narrow. Please wear more than tennis shoes.
Questions? Doug Knudson, 719-873-5239 (on a professional field trip on Thursday June 21)

Hike to Lake Joyce

None of the maps that I have show this lake on the Continental Divide trail.

Thus since the sign at the lake stated "Lake Joyce", that is what I am sticking with for now.

It was a magnificent day AND we got back to the vehicles before any rain wet us.

Lovely lake.

Bob.

 

FSR 340-1E

Wayne & Linda led us up the old FSR 340-1E for a little over a mile, then up FSR 340 another mile and then back to a large meadow for our lunch. This was a very nice hike, not really tough but good exercise. We filled up 4 bags with trash, mostly aluminum beer cans, so the area is a lot cleaner than it was.............we got back to the truck just as it was starting to sprinkle on us.

We will hike next Thursday, meet at the VCPL at 9AM, bring a lunch, water and a friend.

Dennis