Elevation: 9,452 ft
Critters: Dragonflies and fish
A view of Officers Gulch looking towards Copper MountainOfficers Gulch is a small Colorado lake right off of I-70 near the western exit for Frisco in Summit County. I decided to check it out one lazy Sunday. It turned out to be quite pleasant. There is a short trail around the lake and numerous social trails for fisherfolk who wish to cast a line.
This gentleman was fishing on his own private island that he kayaked out to
The view near the parking lot
A short bridge leads to the eastern side of the lakeSome plants in the area
This strange looking "cone" on a Colorado Blue Spruce is a Cooley Spruce Gall (abnormal tissue outgrowth caused by insects or other invaders) that has swollen the stem. Cooley Spruce Galls are common and are caused by an aphid-like insect. The spines on it are "mutated" spruce needles. Thanks to reader for identifying this for me.
Lodgepole PineWhile the noise from I-70 is never far away, the area does boast ample parking.
More views around the lake
Looking southwest
Looking north
Looking northeast from the western end
3 comments:
Beautiful pictures as always!
Hi Sylvia. I came across your blog Googling images for the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan. The blue spruce in the picture has a gall on its twig that has caused swelling of the stem- that's why it has needles. The other pics are interesting- looks like a lot of either spruce budworm or pine beetle damage?
Hi Court K,
Thanks for the info. I have modifed my post accordingly.
Yes, the Pine Beetle has done a lot of damage in our area.
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