ATV Ride

A 50" SxS friendly ride on Tuesday to Coolbrath canyon and center stock drive West of La Garita store. Meet at the visitor center at 9AM

Connie

We checked on the Biggest Tree and looked into a roaring Cross Creek

It started out as a nice visit to the biggest tree on the Rio Grande National Forest.  We measured but the various interpretations of measurements prevented making a rational announcement.  It looks pretty healthy yet and is huge--certainly worth a little deep breathing.    Then, by a wise request, we headed on up a while longer and aimed for the Cross Creek canyon.  Staying on the ridge, we descended gently through a lot of fallen timber. We didn't walk far, but we exercised in many ways.

Thanks to Karen Schluter of northern Wisconsin for joining us again.  She says she will be back in July.

Next week, Monday and Wednesday hikes.  9 am departure from the Visitor Center.  You are welcome. 

— Doug Knudson  873-5239 

7 of us went up a hill

 

Found the Big tree (center)

 

Big tree (behind the yellow hat)

 

Beaver mtn S side

 

Roaring creek below us

 

Tangled forest

 

Our Wisc. hiker will be back

 

ATV Ride to Little La Garita Creek

Connie lead a dozen of us on another great ride. We rode up Trl 646 to another wonderful overlook point. I wish I had photos of the creek crossing. What a fun way to get to the other side even if you have to empty water from your boots.


We followed La Garita Creek before returning to the trailers. Some of us took a detour to see the Natural Arch.


Lloyd

Wednesday

We hike tomorrow (Wednesday) meeting before 9 a.m. at the Visitor Center. Judy and I visited some spots, but the creeks are pretty high, so our first choice (Cathedral Campground and Trail) won't work until later in June. (We strolled along the Embargo Creek and a slow stroll through the empty campground. It is beautiful.)

I'm watching the weather (hope you saw the two-piece rainbow). We'll have a place to go, depending on the rain or lack of it. I think I'll keep us close to home this time. I suggest a poncho or waterproof jacket, just in case. If you want some flower photos, we can take some time for you to show off your skills to the grandchildren (if you fit the category).

I'll see you in the morning. Doug Knudson 873-5239

Next door to South Fork

Memorial Day, 2016

It was nice to see summer people joining us--along with a few passing through.   Wayne and Linda Moulds got most of us up to the ridge-in-the-burn (2002), where flowers and aspen are making a comeback.  Unfortunately, the conifers haven't done so well.     

ATV ride

We will have an ATV ride onTuesday. This ride will be 50" SxS friendly.
Met at SF visitor center at 9AM

Connie

SHAW Mesa rim and more on Wednesday morning

Shaw Mesa in the sunshine is a lovely place, with Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, fire-sprout aspen and floral signs of Spring.  It's southern edge is pretty steep and deep, but not for 2 of our returnees from the Grand Canyon.  

 The young yellow-green aspens are masking some of the 2002 forest fire debris (this is where it stopped).

At 9,000-9500' this is a fine place to welcome spring in late May.  

More hiking next Monday and Wednesday: leave the Visitor Center at 9 a.m. for sites dependent on the weather.

— Doug Knudson

10 hikers walked our rim

Hollygrape Mahonia repens

Canyon Cliff + distant peak

A bit of a drop

New England Lady on a clifftop

 silvery Lupine Lupinus argenteus

 distant peak

ATV Ride to Seitz Creek and beyond

Harry lead 11 machines and 12 riders on a ride around the Shorty Springs and Seitz Creek area. Below are some photos of showing a glimpse of what
we enjoyed.

Lloyd

 

Our Route

Night and Day Hike to rock quarry and beyond

Night, in case you missed it.  Welcome to several new hikers.  Summer is on the way.

Day, don't miss the next one on Wednesday, a stroll around our very scenic Shaw Mesa—in the sunlight.

You'll see cliffs, forests, pasture, and a few cows.  Not exactly flat flat, but almost.

9 a.m. on Wed. departure from South Fork Visitor Center.         —Doug Knudson

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ATV Ride to Quarries, Kiln, and Wagon Ruts

Connie lead us on another fun ATV ride. Five machines and 6 folks made the tour to couple of quarries, a kiln and the wagon ruts near the Old Spanish Trail.



We will plan on another SxS friendly ride next Tuesday. Meet at the Visitor Center gassed up with lunch and water ready to leave at 9am.


Lloyd