North Rock Creek Snowshoe

Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,180 ft to 9,780 ft
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Dogs: Off leash until the wilderness boundary

North Rock Creek, near Silverthorne, CO is in the lesser-used area and is one of the many trails that head west from Highway 9 and into the Eagles Nest Wilderness. With a little bit of everything, it has a lot to offer. There are sweeping views of Ptarmigan Peak and Old Baldy to the east, some huge Aspen groves, an expansive meadow, and lot of “peak”-a-boos to the west. For both the snowshoer and the skier, this trail is very easy. There are a couple of short hills to ascend, but nothing major. If you are new to snowshoeing, give this one a try.

To start, head up Rock Creek Road, a plowed road right across from the Blue River Campground on Highway 9. The plowed section ends right before the large switchback you see on the topo map. There is medium-sized plowed parking area on the left marked by a sign that says Rock Creek Trailhead. Don’t be confused here. The road actually heads sharply up behind this parking area while a more prominent spur road continues due west. This road is not on the map, so it may easily be confused with the main route. It dead-ends shortly at a gate for some private homes.

After a series of switchbacks, the trail straightens out and heads due west. The first mile is open and filled with young Aspens. 

There are several easy milestones on this trail to keep you aware of your distance. It is 1.5 miles from the winter parking area to the summer trailhead. 0.1 miles beyond that is the boundary for the Eagles Nest Wilderness. 0.3 miles beyond the wooden wilderness sign is the intersection with the Gore Range Trail, which is prominently marked by another wooden sign. We always take a group of novice snowshoers out early in the season. In the past, we have chosen Peru Creek for its wide road and easy grade. Rock Creek may supplant Peru Creek because of it constant rewards.

5 reasons to snowshoe Mayflower Gulch this winter. Number 4 is for badasses.

Mayflower Gulch near the Copper Mountain Ski Resort is by far one of the best snowshoes in Colorado and it is within an easy drive of five major ski resorts. Here are five reasons you should not pass up this phenomenal adventure:

Heavy snow years means an "up the gut" exploit

While most people get to Mayflower Gulch by snowshoeing up the well traveled road through the trees, in years when there is plenty of snow, you can travel up the open valley to the left of the road. This adventure will take you over buried willow shrubs and around rock formations with a never ending view of the mountains ahead. Going "up the gut" will make you grin. People pay big bucks for this sort of thing.

A close up of the ridgeline

Mayflower is free, accessible, and close to what matters

Unlike Vail Pass with its ridiculous winter fees, Mayflower Gulch is totally free. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead that can hold a hundred Subaru Outbacks plus the odd RV. Only seven miles up Hwy 91 from Copper Mountain, it is also close to Frisco, Silverthorne, Keystone and Breckenridge. Talk about bang for the buck!

Whipped cream snow, crenelated peaks, and post card blue skies

The snow in Mayflower Gulch is special. I don't know if it is the wind, the sun, or just magic but the snow always seems to drape the surrounding features like globs of Cool Whip. You will want to eat it, wear it, and otherwise frolic in it. It is just so damned precious. Add to this an amphitheater with jagged peaks beneath high-altitude darkened blue skies and you have a winter tableau worth a million bucks!

Whipped cream anyone?

"Cornice of the buried dead"

On the right hand side of the bowl is a large snowfield over which hangs a cornice formed by the persistent winds blowing north from Leadville and Colorado's highest peak, Mt. Elbert. This cornice is big, bad, and nasty. It persists well into the spring but in winter creates the ultimate skiers challenge. I have observed the hearty stomping on it before launching themselves, their screams of joy only mildly dampened by the surrounding peaks. I have slogged up and over this cornice to wonder and the layers of mountains in the distance. Are you bad ass enough to try it.

The cornice

Passing skiers about to tempt the cornice

Climbing along the cornice

A back bowl of waist deep snow will make your cardiologist proud

It is only a short two miles from the parking lot to the ruins of the old Boston mine, which sits at the bottom of the gulch. Most folks stop here and sip spiked drinks from steaming thermoses. The fit can continue on towards the back bowl, however and earn bragging rights. There is trail around the right...a road in summer, that ends at a two-story mining ruin. Skiers often take that route. I am fond of slogging straight up the hill to the left. The snow is deep...which is great for return tumbles and face plants. On the way up however, you might just exhibit a gasp or two. The Boston Mine sits at 11,500 ft, after all, an altitude likely to remind you that doing turns at Keystone is not the same as conquering this mountaineering StairMaster.  

The back bowl

Vital Statistics

Distance: 3.4 miles round trip to the Boston Mine, 6 miles round trip to Gold Hill
Elevation: 10,996 ft -11,520 ft (Boston Mine) – 11,980 ft (Gold Hill).
Elevation Gain: 580 ft to the Boston Mine, 1,040 ft total to Gold Hill
Dogs: Off leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Tags: #snowshoe #winterwonderland #BYO2 #photographersparadise #yehsnow

Mining ruins and the crenelated spires of Mayflower Gulch.

Old Man's Whiskers

Old Man's Whisker (Geum triflorum pursh), also known as Praire Smoke or Long Plumed Purple Avens, grows in large colonies in moist to dry woodland areas. While mostly a prairie flower, it has been growing en masse in the high country this year (2015). It starts out as a pod that hangs downward, but when in full bloom, turns upwards emitting a thousand tentacles.

Early stage of Old Man's Whiskers

The whiskers start to appear.

Tentacles anyone?

The Wave

Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 4,875 ft - 5,200 ft
Elevation Gain: 325 ft (net) 730 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes, with emergency water
Dogs: Off leash, but NO water
Special Permit Required: Daily lottery

The Wave is one of the most sought after destinations in the American Southwest. That divot on the right side is purported to be a dinosaur "slide".

A hike to THE WAVE in northern Arizona's Paria Canyon/Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness is an improbable and totally unforgettable journey to one of the most photographed places in the American West. You can't just go there, however, you have to win a daily lottery (official link on how to enter) for one of the 10 walk-in or 10 online slots allowed each day. People try for years and never get in. We won two walk-in slots on our second try.

Parking area

Heading up the wash into Buckskin Gulch

The walk-in lottery is held at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) visitor's center in Kanab, Utah every morning between 0900 and 0930. You show up before the lottery, fill out a permit request, and then hang out with 100 or more other hopeful souls while bingo balls twirl enticingly in a bin. Everyone's attention is glued to that wheel. Around and around, the numbers of destiny whirl.

Turn off, now marked with a sign

Looking east after cresting the first hill

Having done this a million times, the rangers know how to work the anxious crowd. They told tales of past winners, all of whom had good karma going for them. They helped others fill out their forms. They did not lock anyone in the bathroom. They were just driving by. They did not bring any permit money. Ennui, nonchalance, and "I won't win" are the attitudes that allow the stars to align. The probability of winning is so low that winners often need respiratory assistance.

Heading towards the saddle

Looking northeast from the saddle. It is barren country.

The exhilaration of winning is quickly over because immediately thereafter the rangers provide an unnerving "come to Jesus" lecture about how unlikely it is you will ever return from the Wave. They look you in the eye, assess your abilities, and pointedly ask..."will I be having to find and drag your desiccated carcass out of back country tomorrow?" Most lie and say "Oh No!" Like anyone is going to give up their once in a life time spot!

Why the drama? The route to the Wave is over terrain most never experience. It is vast, barren, hot, disorienting, and downright deadly under certain conditions. Additionally, the Rangers see people with little or no hiking or desert experience. Even experienced hikers can get lost in the seemingly endless rock formations that lead to the Wave. There was one near and two actual fatalities in 2013. This promoted that installation of a few signs.

Most of the route is across rock.

The rangers do provide a brochure showing the route with pictures but emphasize that getting back is not easy even with pictures and the new signs. If you have a GPS, bring it. If you have a map and compass, bring that too. If you have neither, consider hiring a guide in Kanab.  It was true, getting back was not easy and we had a GPS track to follow. The terrain looks the same in all directions.

Heading towards the Twin Buttes

The trailhead to The Wave is located down House Rock Valley Road (BLM Road 1065), which can be accessed from the north 38 miles out of Kanab, Utah or from the south 13.5 miles out of Jacob Lake, Arizona. Unless it has recently rained, the northern route is preferred. While this road is passable with a passenger car, having a 4x4 will increase your chances of getting there. Only a little rain can turn the road into a harrowing luge run.

Towering sand dunes

The trailhead for the Wave also serves Buckskin Gulch, which is a good alternative outing if you don't win the lottery. The route crosses the road and then enters the river bed that is the entrance to the gulch.  0.5 miles up, the route leaves the river bed and ascends a small rocky hill. From there the route travels across a wide, shrub covered valley. Directly ahead is the sandstone ridge that is so difficult to cross on the return trip. The small saddle that marks the best crossing point is very obvious from this side but not so obvious from the other.

Walking across this rock is like being grilled to death.

After crossing the saddle, the route is sloped and filled with conical hoodoos, the remnants of prehistoric sand dunes. Route finding is necessary since there are no cairns and only a couple of recently added signs that get easily lost from view.

Looking down into the final sand-filled valley. The Wave is up the cliff straight ahead.

Eventually, the route leaves the firm sandstone and descends into a broad sandy valley dotted with the occasional Cottonwood. The Wave is located across this valley and up the cliff face beyond. It is quite the sandy scramble to get into the entrance to the Wave and there is no best way to approach it. The occasional zigzag, upwards lunge, and sandy slide are all required.

Inside the Wave

The entrance to the Wave is like entering a canyon. The walls tower on either side and unique striated rock patterns begin immediately. The famous photograph of the Wave is taken after walking through the entrance, through the Wave itself and up a rock amphitheater on the other side. It is not uncommon to see a queue of people lining up to take pictures with some hogging the interior. After seeing this, I understood why BLM limits the number of daily permits to twenty total (10 online, 10 walk-in).

Looking down on the Wave from just slightly above

While the Wave itself is otherworldly and incredibly photogenic, there are other areas in and around that should be explored. Fossilized dinosaur tracks have been recorded on the way to and near the Wave and scenic vistas abound.

The Wave is actually just part of a series of large dunes.

Morning is the best time to photograph the Wave, since it is still in shadow.  This is a good thing since the hike is a dry, hot affair even at 50 degrees. All that rock retains heat and radiates it back to the foolish mammals that dare to walk where only "thunder lizards" have walked before. I can't image what it would feel like at 100 degrees. No one should take this hike lightly.

The exit to the west, which leads to some stellar views.

One of the rangers expressed their amazement at how much allure the Wave holds for people. She thought there were prettier, more remote places on Earth, but none seem to hold the mystic of the Wave. It is included in most screen savers or nature calendars. It is profiled in travel magazines and listed amongst the 500 places you should visit before you die.

Standing outside the Wave proper to the west.

I think the BLM has created half of this mystic with their visitor restrictions. There is something about human nature that drives us to want what only a few can have. The other half of the mystic comes from visitors who return from the Wave with pictures that race around social media and the internet.

Hiking above the Wave. The colors change to a lighter yellow.

Personally, I was mesmerized by sitting in the warm cocoon of the Wave's smooth solidity. It was like being snuggled by Mother Nature while being dazzled by color and pattern. The size and age of the Earth are hard to grasp. Sitting in one small place where so long ago the same sun had warmed the same sand, made it all seem so much more tangible. Who knows. It was if nothing else wickedly cool!

Water often collects in pockets around the area.

*********************
Proposed Lottery Changes (July 2015):

The BLM has issued a draft business plan containing changes to the Coyote Buttes permit system. Permits for ten people per day would be issued via an on-line semi-annual lottery. One lottery would be held on December 1st for the months of January-June, and one on June 1st for July-December. Lottery applications would be accepted during the two months prior to the lottery date. The semi annual lottery would go live for the July-December 2016 period. The walk-in lottery would be replaced by an on-line lottery held two days in advance of the permit date. Permit for ten people per day would be issued via this two day lottery. The two day lottery would go live March 15, 2016. This will fundamentally change the user experience.

Cub Lake

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation: 8,120 ft - 8,625 ft
Elevation Gain: 503 ft (net), 640 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs: No (National Park)
Date Hiked: 21 July 2012

Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its Lily Pads

Cub Lake is a short but scenic hike in the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park.  It is popular because it is lower in elevation, has minimal elevation gain, and ends at a sleepy mountain lake filled with Lilly Pads and waterfowl.

Trailhead

Standing on the bridge looking at the Big Thompson River

I ended up on this trail recently because a friend from Florida came into town and I needed an easy, close to Denver, hike.  Originally, I was going to take her to Dream Lake, but on this date Bear Lake Road was under construction and getting into the park was an exercise in herd dynamics and getting to Bear Lake Trailhead with a couple hundred of my "closest friends" was more than I could stomach.  The bus to Cub Lake was practically empty.   Even when RMNP is not under construction, this pattern holds.  Cub Lake, while far from empty, will be significantly less crowded than other places in the park. 

Early trail segment through scrub and Ponderosa Pine

Looking out into Moraine Park

To get to Cub Lake turn off of Bear Lake Road on to Moraine Park Rd (dirt passable by a passenger car) and head west.  You'll pass the Moraine Park Campground entrance before reaching the trailhead for.  There is only parking here for a dozen or so cars so be advised.

The trail turns westward and slowly begins to climb

Closer to the lake, the flora changes to Spruce, fern and Aspen. 

The trail heads north and crosses the Big Thompson River on a nice metal bridge.  In this dry year, the river was barely flowing, but that did not stop families with small children from frolicing in the water.  After the bridge, the trail weaves in and out of some interesting rock formations along the western edge of Moraine Park, a large grass filled meadow that dominates this part of the park.  In the fall this meadow will be filled with a flash mob of elk dancing in their annual rite of species renewal.

After around 1.7 miles, the trail becomes steeper, rockier, and more shaded. 

Aspens and ferns make lingering on this segment pleasant,  particularly on a hot summer day. 

In half a mile the trail winds around to the right and heads westward.  A less than obvious junction with the South Lateral Moraine Trail, which heads back towards Bear Lake Rd, also marks the general area. From this point on, the trail slowly gains altitude as it skirts the edge of a ridge overlooking a small valley filled with ponds, lush brush, Aspen, and Spruce and Fir.

You won't be alone at Cub Lake

Yellow flower from the Water Lily (Nuphar polysepala).  This plant has large green leaves that float on top of the water of shallow, muddy ponds.  

Around 1.7 miles, the trail becomes much steeper as it ascends the final pitch to the lake. This segment is rocky but shaded by numerous Aspen that would make this trail lovely in the fall.  At just past two miles is a spur to a backcountry camp.  The lake itself comes into view at 2.5 miles.

The author, foreground, and her friend Christine sunbath on their very own rock at Cub Lake.

We observed this Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) swim from leaf to leaf.  While a common terrestial inhabitant of the park, I did not know they also enjoyed the water. 

Long and narrow, Cub Lake is covered in Lily Pads and there were at least 5 species of ducks that were cruising the southern shore. Along the northern shore is a series of large boulders and small clumps of people were perched, marmot-like, on each one. The cacophony of chatter was at times unnerving but in the park, you have to get used to your fellow humans.

Clouds reflected in the lake

We lingered on our rock for quite a while and several female Mallards came cruising by within inches of us, totally unaffected by our presence.  After a while we got back on the trail and headed an additional 0.2 miles to a higher lookout that provides a great view of the lake from above.

Heading upwards for a view of the lake from above

Looking down on the lake

If interested the hiker can continue heading west until the trail intersects with the Fern Lake Trail another 2 miles, and considerable elevation gain, further on.  From that junction the hiker can either return to the trailhead via trail/road or take another deter to Fern Lake itself.

Map of the area showing the flat Moraine Meadow and Cub Lake 

It has been years since I have hiked to Cub Lake and I was surprised at how inviting the experience was.  The numerous people we passed was a slight deterrent, but the scenery and ease of access easily compensated for it.

North Trail Snowshoe (Red Sandstone Road West)

Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation: 8,240 ft - 9,040 ft
Elevation Gain: 800 ft (net) 919 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs: On leash but many off
Tags: #snowshoe, #winter, #coloradooutdoors, #vail

A typical segment on the North Trail...this time looking back to the east and a hillside covered with Aspens. 

North Trail, across the valley from the Vail Ski Resort, is 11.5 miles long but with parking lots interspersed every 3 to 4 miles, you can easily break it up into segments.  On this trip we started at the parking lot on Red Sandstone Road and headed west.

Map of the entire North Trail

Trailhead

In all honesty we did not even know that this trail existed until we decided to try and snowshoe up Red Sandstone Road out of Vail. In looking at the trail map we noticed North Creek and ended stopping at the trailhead on our way up just out of curiosity. When we discovered that Red Sandstone Road was 100% snowmobiles, as evidenced by the caravan of trucks and trailers parked all along the road, we decided to try the North Trail instead.

Looking south on an early switchback 

Looking at Red Sandstone Road and Vail 

This segment of the North Trail switchbacks and switchbacks up the north side of Vail Valley in an seemingly endless procession. In fact the switchbacks are really only about a mile and the views of Vail are rather revealing. At 1.5 miles the trail entered a beautiful and extensive Aspen Grove (fall hike anyone?) that is deep within a quiet crenelation further from the noise of I-70.  For a short hike this would make a suitable destination although there was no place to sit down. We decided to continue for another half mile to see where the trail led and ended up eating lunch on a nice log protruding from the snow with views of Mt. Holy Cross to the south and the Gore Range to the east.

The view from an upper switchback

Looking back to the east.  Note the narrow trail and steep hillside. 

It was obvious from the well packed trail that this route is popular with the locals. Because of the steepness, and narrowness of the route, we wore our Microspikes, which had all the grip we needed.  Do not attempt this trail without some sort of gripping footwear or you will slide down the hillside faster than a gold-medal winning toboggan team!

The Aspen Grove at 1.5 miles

The view of the Gore Range from our lunch spot at 2.0 miles

While not a wilderness experience, this trail was fun and practically balmy on a sunny day. We saw only two people the entire time.  I will have to check this trail out in the fall.  Note that the trail is closed from April 15th - June 15th for wildlife preservation.

Below is a shameless ad for the Microspikes we wore on this trip.  They really are a winter essential.