Alder Bench Hike to Peak 3

My contribution to the hike up from Alder Creek to Peak 3.

Thanks,

Bob.

 

Alder Bench Hike

Doug led us on a hike to a hill above Alder Bench Trail. We bushwhacked to the top and had lunch and took photos of the Rio Grande River and the Ponderosa Subdivision along Hwy. 149.

Barbara T.

Our Elevation Change. We ate lunch at the highest elevation.

Our Route as seen from above.

Our fearless leader, guess who?

The Rio Grande River.

Bob Seago, hike photographer posing for a photo.

A better photo of our leader, Doug.

George.

The hill we climbed, we went up on the right hand side, and ended up on the point.

From the heights above Alder Creek valley

Six vigorous hikers went to the top of what we'll call Peak 3 (north of Baxter Pk and Peak 2 all visible from much of South Fork). The views of the Alder Creek and Rio Grande valleys were splendid. So were distant views of the tall peaks of the South San Juans, of the Elk Cr. Ranch and the cliffs above it, and of Del Norte Pk and Beaver Mtn.

We basked in the sunshine and breezes on the peaks. We were reluctant to leave until we saw some distant clouds and lightning moving rapidly. The weather held until we reached the cars, then hit us with a deluge that pounded the windshields.

Thanks to the hikers for the breath-taking upward climb to the top of this conical peak that I see out of my window every day.It now adds new perspective, including knowing that the peak is covered with bristlecone and limber pines.

NEXT TUESDAY: We agreed to try San Luis Peak--imagining that September 6 weather will be less rainy. Both Bob and George have made this climb and urged us to depart South Fork's visitor center at 4:30 a.m., meeting them at the Creede Repertory Theatre at 5:00 a.m. That will get us off the high places before mid-afternoon storms. Current weather projections suggest that the jet stream is dipping south and will bring warm, clear weather for the new week. I'll let you know if things change--I know of only 7 people who have committed to go. Send me a note if you are interested.

Please join us--you can conquer this 14,000' peak--the highest on the north rim of the San Luis Valley-- or just enjoy the spectacular alpine ridge and the Continental Divide/Colorado Trails.

--Doug Knudson 873-5239

Alder Cr. Guard Sta, USFS

Ridgetop twisted wood

Bob,Moulds,Barb,George

•Tansy aster

•Scarlet Gilia Ipomopsis aggregata

S.SanJuans from Peak3. across Sentinel

Dramatic cliffs above Elk Cr. Ranch

Shallow Cr. Hike

I increased the pix to 3 megapixels, if they take too long to download let me know and I can make the files shorter.

Wayne & Linda led us up the Shallow Cr. canyon to the YERT where we had lunch. There is one long hill to contend with but everybody made it. We cleared several trees off the trail, so horses can make it OK now.............

This is the first time we have hiked this canyon before the aspens had turned, we will probably hike it later after they turn. It is a great hike anytime.........

Doug will lead the hike tomorrow, I will lead the hike Thursday (Barry corrected me on the mileage, it is only 5 miles not 7 as I had recalled) on a crossover hike on the Tewksberry trail.

Meet at the VCPL by 9AM, bring raingear, lunch, water and as many friends as you can...........

Dennis

Shallow Creek Hike

We had a good hike to the Yurt and stopped there for lunch. On the way back the guys moved a couple of downed trees out of our path. There were showers with thunder and lightning that helped us move a little faster down the mountain back to our vehicles. We went about 4.7 miles round trip.

Barbara

Tuesday (8/30) Ride

There will be an ATV ride Tuesday, Aug. 30, 9 AM at the visitor center, going up the Park Creek Area.

 George Powell, president

Tuesday hike change

Change plans for Tuesday hike--come with us at 9 a.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot.

After checking the weather forecast, we have decided to postpone our hike up San Luis Peak. Therefore, you won't have to get up early to hike that day. We'll try it again in September, when the rains (and lightning) aren't so prevalent.

At 9 a.m., we'll take a vigorous hike at lower elevations. We'll probably be back by 2 or 2:30 p.m.

I'll plan two alternatives, to fit in the potential of rain. My first choice is the familiar Alder Bench trail coupled with a several mile extension on north on the stock driveway with a parallel side trip or two to climb some of the hills for the views and the opportunities to breathe deeply.

Thanks to all for your flexibility. I'm still dreaming of climbing San Luis Peak and an overnight trip to top out on Colorado's highest peak, Mt. Elbert before the snows lie upon the heights.

-- Doug Knudson

Mineral County Rescue Angels

A few of the hikers that Bill & I  were with the other day were talking about the high number of rescues that the Mineral County Rescue Service has had to make this summer (So. Fork Tines of Thurs, Aug. 11th  - or 18th, can't remember which!!).
 
We decided that since most of our hikes (both Creede & South Fork hikers) are in Mineral County that it would be nice if we could make a monetary donation to the MCRS on behalf of all of the hikers from both towns.   Both Bill & I heartily recommend this since the MCRS made an AWSOME and EXTREMELY LONG rescue trip for me up on Lake Fork Trail a year ago in June!  Several of us  made donations to them last year and we thought that before our summer visitors go back for the winter it would be nice to do so again.  The rescue service is extremely qualified, as well as totally dedicated, to the excellent care of those in need who are taking advantage of the benefits and beauty of our area.
 
I don't have a list of email addresses of all of the hikers, so I'm wondering if you could help us get the word out to everyone who does hike.  Also, we are hoping that you would be willing to take donations on the next few hikes from those who wish to give something.
Sue Romine in Creede has volunteered to take the collected funds by to the Rescue Service in Creede.  Sue & John are leaving on Sept. 21, so we only have a few hikes left to take in donations. 
 
Please call either Bill or me if you have any questions, and we appreciate your help in getting the word out!
 
Thanks so much!
 
Dawn Klein
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Snowshoe Mountain Hike

John & Tristan led the  Silverthreaders and Creede hikers up to the top of Snowshoe Mtn. and then some of us went down! to the snowshoe itself (it is a rock field in the shape of a snowshoe) for lunch.  Then the steep! trek back to the top of the hill............

Everybody was enthused and delighted with the scenery and the 360 degree views.  Thank you John & Tristan for a great outing!!

Wayne & Linda will lead us on a hike Monday and Doug will lead you on Tuesday.  I will take you on the Tewksberry trail next Thursday, it will be a crossover hike with a group starting at each end of the trail.  The trail is 7 miles long, we will exchange car keys when we meet on the trail.

Dennis

Up and Down and Up and Down…

This was our path