After my strenuous effort hiking yesterday, I decided to take a couple of shorter hikes today Adams Falls and the Colorado River Trail. I did end up hiking a little over 5 miles with most of the Colorado River Trail being snow covered.
My first stop was at Adams Falls located just outside Grand Lake Village. The hike was really easy on a "naturalistic designed trail made of local materials, such as rock, wood, and dirt, in order to harmonize with the local environment." (per the trail description) The falls are very impressive as the water cascades roughly 55 feet down a narrow rock gorge in a series of steps.
As I approached the falls the roaring sound of the water grew louder. The all familiar sound causes different emotions to arise: 1) as a canoer - feelings of caution and potential danger; 2) as a white water rafter - feelings of excitement and possible adventure; and 3) as a naturalist - feelings of wonderment and anticipated beauty. Today I was the naturalist and I was not disappointed.
With all the snow melt, the water was really flowing.
Looking out across Grand Lake.
Next stop was back to the Rocky Mountain National Park to hike the Colorado River Trail. The beginning of the trail looked promising with some bare sections among the snow covered parts.
There was some slight elevation changes on the trail but nothing compared to yesterday's experience.
Well it didn't take long for the trail to become 98% snow covered with very few bare spots to walk on.
There were a couple of foot bridges over small streams.
Oh-Oh! this bridge looks a lot like that one yesterday.
The snow is really beginning to melt along the banks of the river.
You can see how the snow is still very deep further up the mountain side.
The pine trees had this moss growing on them. It appears to be killing the trees as the branches with the moss looked barren otherwise.
Saw this animal trail leading over to the water. There was evidence of moose tracks (not the ice cream kind) along the trail.
At times the trail went right along the river banks.
Then it headed up to higher ground along a 2 1/2 to 3 foot deep snow pack on a narrow ledge.
I have much better respect for mountain goats and how they run around the ridges.
A small area beginning to melt. This shows that at times you aren't sure how solid it is under the snow you have to walk on.
Simply beautiful!
Well, I lost the trail markers and decided to go back. I had gone a little over 2 miles. So, time for today's selfie before going back.
I love the way the snow drifts up and around the trees creating a beautiful landscape.
Not near as tired tonight and still greatly satisfied with what I was able to experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment