Thanks for an amazing adventure!
Annapurna 2016
We traveled to Nepal in October 2016 to hike to the Annapurna Base Camp in the Himalayas. Annapurna I (24,273') is the 10th highest mountain peak in the world. The base camp is only at 13,550' and is a gorgeous trek. This blog tracks our preparations for the trip and shares some thoughts on the adventure. Enjoy your travels.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
Remembering
Annapurna I was the first 8,000+ meter peak ever successfully climbed. It was first summited by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal of the famous French led expedition on June 3, 1950. A number of other climbers have attempted Annapurna since the Herzog and Lachenal expedition, but it continues to be one of the world's most difficult 8,000+ meter peaks to climb and one of the deadliest. Annapurna has the greatest fatality rate of all the fourteen 8,000+ meter peaks with the ratio of 34 deaths per 100 safe returns. This calculates to about one out of every four people that attempts to summit Annapurna dies trying. Their deaths are a testament to the challenges and dangers of Annapurna.
"The power of such a mountain is so great and yet so subtle that, without compulsion,
people are drawn to it from near and far, as if by the force of some invisible magnet..."
people are drawn to it from near and far, as if by the force of some invisible magnet..."
- The Way of the White Clouds, Lama Anagarika Govinda
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Kathmandu
For our last day in Kathmandu, we slept in, had a great buffet breakfast at the hotel, and then finished up our shopping in Thamel. I got a great $20 knock-off North Face duffel bag to take home all the extra brass bowls, scarves, blankets, and one brass dragon, we had acquired.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Hotel Marshyangdi
The day after the trek, we flew out of Pokhara back to Kathmandu. It was very nice to have the extra night in Pokhara to freshen up and relax after 10 days on the trail. We had an extra day in Kathmandu as well which was nice to take in a few more sights and finish up on some shopping in Thamel. If you stay at the Hotel Marshyangdi, try The Hub for dinner. It is just around the corner and has some great cocktails and food.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Atithi Resort and Spa
For our first night after the trek, we stayed at the very nice and decadent Atithi Resort and Spa. It was great to finally get a shower and to put our shoes on while sitting on the bed rather than hunching over in the tent. We had a celebratory beverage and then devoured our dinner and fell into bed. Job well done!
Nayapool
The trek ends in Nayapool (3,510') where we boarded our bus for the transfer back to Pokhara. It was sad to be leaving behind the beautiful people and their amazing countryside.
Namaste - "The light within me bows to the light within you."
Namaste - "The light within me bows to the light within you."
Day 10 - Our Crew
One of the best things about an adventure is all the great people you meet. Our guides and crew were amazing and wonderful people. Super hard workers and always friendly. As our guide Badri said, "come as friends, leave as family." We will always remember the crew behind the scenes that made this trip happen. Thanks so much to Badri, Manny (my favorite), Purna, Sudhir, Madhu (the cook), Michal (and all the kitchen staff) and, of course, all the porters. Namaste!
Day 10 - Ghandruk to Nayapool
Our last day on the trail. Everyone is ready for a shower. The last day is mostly downhill from Ghandruk (6,365') to Nayapool (3,510'), through birch forests, past terraced hillsides, and down to the Modi Khola for a picnic lunch and a farewell to the crew. It has been an incredible trip.
Starting Elevation: 6,365 feet
Highest Elevation: 3,510 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 308 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 3,678 feet
Total Miles: 8.65 miles
Total Time: 4.5 hours
Total Time: 4.5 hours
Temperature Range: 48-76 degrees
Quotes of the Day: "Farewell, my friends," and as Frank would say, "Let's get off this f***ing mountain!"
Monday, November 7, 2016
Day 9 - Chumrung to Ghandruk
Day 9 starts with another downhill trek from Chumrung (7,120') to the Chumrung Khola, over a suspension bridge, and then back up the other side through rhododendron and bamboo forests, past the villages of Sinuwa Danda and Bamboo, and finally to Dovan (8,220'). Definitely another epic day. Today's summary - lots of up, lots of down, a village tour, and an enchanted forest.
Starting Elevation: 7,120 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,105 feet
Starting Elevation: 7,120 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,105 feet
Camp Elevation: 6,365 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 2,450 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 3,043 feet
Total Miles: 9.21 miles
Total Time: 6.5 hours
Total Time: 6.5 hours
Temperature Range: 45-70 degrees
Quote of the Day: "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha."
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Day 8 - Bamboo to Chumrung
Starting Elevation: 7,660 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,430 feet
Camp Elevation: 7,120 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,771 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 2,260 feet
Total Miles: 7.87 miles
Total Time: 4.5 hours
Total Time: 4.5 hours
Temperature Range: 34-58 degrees
Quote of the Day: "Remember, this is your time."
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Day 7 - Annapurana Base Camp to Bamboo
Starting Elevation: 13,550 feet
Highest Elevation: 13,550 feet
Camp Elevation: 7,600 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 553 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 6,430 feet
Total Miles: 14.5 miles
Total Time: 7:45 hours
Total Time: 7:45 hours
Temperature Range: 19-54 degrees
Quote of the Day: "Last chance to get a helicopter ride out of here!"
Friday, November 4, 2016
Day 6 - Annapurna Base Camp
"The mountains had bestowed on us their beauties, and we adored them with a child's simplicity and revered them with a monk's veneration of the divine."
- Maurice Herzog
Day 6 - Machapuchare to Annapurna Base Camp
Starting Elevation: 12,140 feet
Highest Elevation: 13,550 feet
Camp Elevation: 13,550 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,363 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 18 feet
Total Miles: 2.75 miles
Total Time: 2.15 hours
Total Time: 2.15 hours
Temperature Range: 18-42 degrees
Quote of the Day: "I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed."
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Day 7 - Machapuchare Base Camp
Today was a big day hiking from Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp (12,140'). You can definitely tell we are gaining elevation as the air feels thin and cold. They actually have wifi all the way out here! One more day to Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 5 - Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp
Starting Elevation: 8,220 feet
Highest Elevation: 12,140 feet
Camp Elevation: 12,140 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 4,120 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 437 feet
Total Miles: 11 miles
Total Time: 6.5 hours
Total Time: 6.5 hours
Temperature Range: 22-47 degrees
Quote of the Day: "The reality is I didn't have any underwear on."
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Day 4 - Chumrung to Dovan
Starting Elevation: 7,120 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,430 feet
Camp Elevation: 8,220 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 2,851 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 1,890 feet
Total Miles: 9.31 miles
Total Time: 6.10 hours
Total Time: 6.10 hours
Temperature Range: 33-56 degrees
Quote of the Day: "Does your family know you are a vegetarian?"
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Day 3 - Landrung to Chumrung
Starting Elevation: 5,134 feet
Highest Elevation: 7,120 feet
Camp Elevation: 7,120 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 3,056 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 1,436 feet
Total Miles: 8.75 miles
Total Time: 5.2 hours
Total Time: 5.2 hours
Temperature Range: 49-65 degrees
Quote of the Day: "Let me lick it" - Patty's new trail name.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Day 2 - Dhampus to Landrung
Day 2 of the trek is a long day. We hiked from Dhampus (5,413') up to Deurali (6,500'), then down to Tolka (5,188'), and then up and down to Landrung (5,134'). We were quickly learning the meaning of "Nepali flat". Luckily, the weather was absolutely perfect. It was chilly in the morning, but we were in short sleeves by afternoon. And we got our first views of the gorgeous Machhapuchhare peak.
Starting Elevation: 5,413 feet
Highest Elevation: 6,500 feet
Highest Elevation: 6,500 feet
Camp Elevation: 5,134 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,576 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 2,127 feet
Total Miles: 8.5 miles
Total Time: 5.5 hours
Total Time: 5.5 hours
Temperature Range: 49-69 degrees
Quote of the Day: Frank: "Sometimes I'm smarter than I look." Ava: "Let's hope so."
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Day 1 - Phedi to Dhampus
We started our trek from the Maili Hotel and Café in Phedi (3,707'). The trek starts in the valley near the Modi Khola River and quickly gains elevation with a very steep climb up stone stairways passing through a couple of villages and ultimately arriving at Dhampus (5,413'). It was a hot and sweaty start to the climb, but it was great to finally be on our way. It took us about two hours to hike to Dhampus. A nice easy start to the trek.
Starting Elevation: 3,707 feet
Highest Elevation: 5,413 feet
Highest Elevation: 5,413 feet
Camp Elevation: 5,413 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,805 feet
Total Elevation Loss: 104 feet
Total Miles: 3 miles
Total Time: 2.15 hours
Total Time: 2.15 hours
Temperature Range: 55-79 degrees
Quote of the Day: "Leeches coming! What, she no like leeches?"
Pokhara
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Buddhist Stupa
Another great site in Kathmandu is the Bodhnath Stupa. this is one of the world's largest stupas. So many sites, sounds, smells and colors all around. This was one of my favorite places.
"Om mani padme"
"Om mani padme"
Pashupatinath
Kathmandu
Every Himalayan trek begins with an obligatory transfer through the bustling smog filled metropolis of Kathmandu. Namesake for at least two known pop songs and every traveler's iconic dream. The reality is almost too much of a whirlwind to handle. The quaint trekker's hippie town has grown into a tourist shopping mecca with every imaginable north face and marmot knock-off one might need. That said, Kathmandu is still a melting pot of migrating people and religious ideas and contains one of the greatest concentrations of temples, idols, and shrines anywhere in the world. For these gems, I was glad to have a couple of days to explore the rich and diverse sites.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Chhahari Lodge
For our pre-trek lodging, we stayed at the Chhahari Lodge located in the foothills overlooking Kathmandu. Chhahari Lodge is about a 45 minute drive from the airport (with traffic), but it was nice to be above the hustle and bustle of the city. The lodge is owned and operated by Mingma and his two sons. They also own and operate Last Frontiers Trekking which operates the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek for REI. We met our other traveling partners and had a wonderful dinner sharing our excitement for the trip.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Training Log
In order to get ready for this trip, we did quite a bit of hiking. We started out in the spring doing lower elevation hikes between 2-4 miles (mainly in the foothills). Early summer we focused on higher elevation hikes between 3-6 mile with more elevation gain (lower mountain hikes). By the end of summer we focused on high elevation and steep hikes between 4-7 miles (above 10,000'). We did most of our hiking on the weekends. To get some more aerobic exercise in during the week I biked a couple times a week during August and September. Once fall rolled around, it was hard to get the exercise in and stay focused through October as the days got shorter. Overall, we hiked about 342 miles training for the trip. We feel pretty ready.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
BMI
As with each trip, I am reporting my travel ready body mass index and stats after a summer of training. It seems harder each year to stay in shape and to keep the weight off. But the Nepal trip has certainly been a great motivator.
Weight: 123 lbs
Body Fat Percentage: 18.6%
Body Water Percentage: 59.4%
Bone Mass Percentage: 5.3%
Body Mass Index: 19.3
BP Systolic/Diastolic: 121/84
Heart Rat: 60/min
Weight: 123 lbs
Body Fat Percentage: 18.6%
Body Water Percentage: 59.4%
Bone Mass Percentage: 5.3%
Body Mass Index: 19.3
BP Systolic/Diastolic: 121/84
Heart Rat: 60/min
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Up and Over
This is the last weekend before the trip. All our bags are packed and we are ready to go. We just have to make it through a few more days of work and we are on our way. We got in a few more hikes this weekend to keep the training alive. Looking forward to getting on our way and trade the training in for real hiking in Nepal.
Trailhead Elevation: 4,982 feet
Highest Elevation: 6,247 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,453 feet
Total Distance: 4.59 miles
Total Time: 2:43 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 4,982 feet
Highest Elevation: 6,247 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,453 feet
Total Distance: 4.59 miles
Total Time: 2:43 hours
Monday, October 10, 2016
Yellow Pine Creek
For our third hike of the weekend, we went for the Yellow Pine Creek hill climb. This is always a tough hike and for our third day of hiking it showed no mercy. We usually do this as an early season hike since it is at lower elevation. It was fun to see the trail during the fall. It was completely different with the leaves off the trees.
Trailhead Elevation: 7,071 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,707 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,598 feet
Total Distance: 6.8 miles
Total Time: 3:38 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 7,071 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,707 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,598 feet
Total Distance: 6.8 miles
Total Time: 3:38 hours
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Grandaddy Lake
For our big hike of the weekend we did Grandaddy Lake. This is on the other side of the Uintas from the Mirror Lake Highway hikes we usually do. The trailhead for Grandaddy is up near Hanna and requires a pretty steep six mile drive up a dirt road. We sucked up our fear of drop offs and made it to the trailhead. There were only two other cars at the trailhead. I think this high country hike is about done for the season, but we were glad to get out one more time for some elevation training.
Trailhead Elevation: 9,656 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,624 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,444 feet
Total Distance: 8.67 miles
Total Time: 5 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 9,656 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,624 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,444 feet
Total Distance: 8.67 miles
Total Time: 5 hours
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Lofty Lakes Loop
We took advantage of the Columbus Day holiday weekend to do some higher elevation hikes in the Uintas. It was a beautiful weekend with clear skies during the day and cool temps at night. This is our last real camping weekend before we leave for Nepal.
Trailhead Elevation: 9,995 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,878 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,056 feet
Total Distance: 4.82 miles
Total Time: 3 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 9,995 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,878 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,056 feet
Total Distance: 4.82 miles
Total Time: 3 hours
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Lambs Canyon
We decided to stay local again and ventured up Lambs Canyon. It was a great hike with some good elevation gain, but not too steep. The fall colors were amazing. Some people on the trail said they saw a moose, but unfortunately he did not come out for us. It was still a great day out in the colors and the light.
Trailhead Elevation: 6,560 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,134 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,473 feet
Total Distance: 4.0 miles
Total Time: 2:40 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 6,560 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,134 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,473 feet
Total Distance: 4.0 miles
Total Time: 2:40 hours
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Up and Over
We did our old standard utility hike up Red Butte. The Up and Over is a great hike for some steep uphill climbing and reasonable downhill retreat. It was a gorgeous fall day in Salt Lake and we were happy to be out in the sun. The wind really cleared up the valley for some spectacular views. We could see Grantsville clear as day.
Trailhead Elevation: 4,934 feet
Highest Elevation: 6,254 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,496 feet
Total Distance: 4.10 miles
Total Time: 2:30 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 4,934 feet
Highest Elevation: 6,254 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,496 feet
Total Distance: 4.10 miles
Total Time: 2:30 hours
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Physical Exam
Along with the blood work up, I had a physical exam to get ready for the trip. Everything looks great and I have been cleared to pursue ABC! This was really just a formality as the blood work already looked good.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Round Mountain
We managed to get out a couple times for a quick hike around Round Mountain. This is our go to hike when we don't want to have to drive out of the valley. I love the quiet out on this hike. A great wind-down from our hectic weekdays.
Trailhead Elevation: 4,848 feet
Highest Elevation: 5,172 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 151 feet
Total Distance: 2.10 miles
Total Time: 48 minutes
Trailhead Elevation: 4,848 feet
Highest Elevation: 5,172 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 151 feet
Total Distance: 2.10 miles
Total Time: 48 minutes
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Parriott Mesa
We were in Castle Valley for the weekend with my folks. It was a great visit with a trip to the dinosaur tracks in the La Sals, dinner with Aunt Barbara and Turiya at the Bistro, and a couple hikes smattered in here and there. We didn't make it too far up Parriott Mesa this visit, but as always, the views were great.
Trailhead Elevation: 4,587 feet
Highest Elevation: 5,315 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 748 feet
Total Distance: 2.88 miles
Total Time: 1:45 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 4,587 feet
Highest Elevation: 5,315 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 748 feet
Total Distance: 2.88 miles
Total Time: 1:45 hours
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Kamas Lake - Partial
For the second hike of the weekend, we needed something easy. We started at Pass Lake Trailhead and hiked out a little ways to the meadow. It was a gorgeous fall day and the leaves were turning. We didn't quite make it to Kamas Lake, but it was nice to get out and stretch out legs before heading home.
Trailhead Elevation: 10,077 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,077 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Total Miles: 2 miles
Total Time: 1:15 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 10,077 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,077 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Total Miles: 2 miles
Total Time: 1:15 hours
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Ibantik Lake
Ibantik Lake is a gorgeous lake in the upper Uintas near Notch Mountain. We hiked to Ibantik as a loop (and spur) from the Crystal Lakes Trailhead. We hiked in a clockwise direction heading out on the Long Lake Trail, past Twin Lakes, with the spur up and over the Notch, down to Ibantik. For the return, we climbed back up to the Notch and then continued on the Notch Mountain Trail, past Wall Lake, and back to the Crystal Lakes Trailhead. This was the first time this year we were able to get a parking spot in the trailhead lot instead of hoofing it from the overflow parking area. Heading up and over the Notch and down to Ibantik Lake was the highlight of the hike.
Trailhead Elevation: 10,008 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,600 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,148 feet
Total Miles: 8 miles
Total Time: 4:30 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 10,008 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,600 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,148 feet
Total Miles: 8 miles
Total Time: 4:30 hours
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Immunizations
I hate getting shots (almost as much as giving blood), but it has to be done if you plan to travel. Luckily, we had a number of shots already taken care of from our 2011 trip to Tanzania. There were still a few we needed. In addition to the typhoid tablets (I still need to take), here is a list of the shots I got for Nepal at the Salt Lake County Travel Clinic:
9/13/16 Hepatitis A (Twinrix combined with Hep B) - painful!
9/13/16 Hepatitis B (Twinrix combined with Hep A)
9/13/16 Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis (every 5 years)
9/13/16 Influenza (every year)
9/17/16 Typhoid (tablets)
9/13/16 Hepatitis A (Twinrix combined with Hep B) - painful!
9/13/16 Hepatitis B (Twinrix combined with Hep A)
9/13/16 Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis (every 5 years)
9/13/16 Influenza (every year)
9/17/16 Typhoid (tablets)
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Mount Sneffels
Mount Sneffels is a short, steep and rugged climb with some technical scrambling at the top. The drive to the trailhead is a pretty difficult task in itself. We ended up hiring a guide with Peak Mountain Guides out of Ouray to drive us to the trailhead and get us to the top of this challenging fourteener. I am really glad we had a guide with us for this one. It was a cold and windy hike through interminable talus slopes. He roped us up for the short 30' of Class 2+ scrambling near the top. We were super happy to make it to the top.
Trailhead Elevation: 11,350 feet
Highest Elevation: 14,150 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Total Distance: 5 miles
Total Time: 7:20 hrs
Trailhead Elevation: 11,350 feet
Highest Elevation: 14,150 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Total Distance: 5 miles
Total Time: 7:20 hrs
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Spirit Gulch
Spirit Gulch is a great hike up an old mining road. The trail starts right off of Highway 550 just beyond the Red Mountain Pass Overlook. The road climbs moderately in the first mile or so and crosses three creeks and a couple mine sites along the way. Once you enter the gulch, the trail gets a little steeper as it traverses the mountainside. The trail does not actually go to the top of the mountain (that we could readily see). Though the rain was rolling in and we decided to call it good.
Trailhead Elevation: 10,346 feet
Highest Elevation: 12,054 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Total Distance: 6 miles
Total Time: 3:45 hrs
Trailhead Elevation: 10,346 feet
Highest Elevation: 12,054 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Total Distance: 6 miles
Total Time: 3:45 hrs
Labels:
Colorado,
Ouray,
Spirit Gulch
Location:
Ouray, CO, USA
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Blood Work Results
I had some blood work done to make sure everything is in order for the trip. Looks like our high elevation training has been working well as my red blood cell count looked great. Just slightly high on potassium. Everything else is great.
Blood Glucose: 80 mg/dL (normal is 65-99)
Red Blood Cell Count: 4.99 10*6/uL (normal is 4.00-5.20)
White Blood Cell Count: 4.7 10*3/mm3 (normal is 3.6-10.6)
Blood Glucose: 80 mg/dL (normal is 65-99)
Red Blood Cell Count: 4.99 10*6/uL (normal is 4.00-5.20)
White Blood Cell Count: 4.7 10*3/mm3 (normal is 3.6-10.6)
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Butler Fork
We left the dogs home today to do the Butler Fork Trail up Big Cottonwood Canyon. They don't allow dogs up Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons so it is a rare occasion we ever get up these canyons. We took the Butler Fork Trail up Mill A and did the left fork up to All Circle Peak topping out at 8,707'. It was a gorgeous day and a bit hotter than we expected. This used to be one of my favorite hikes. Although I will admit it was steeper than I remember. We explored the trail out to Bakers Pass for a ways but decided we couldn't make it to the pass and turned around. My Garmin was on the fritz, so I just had to estimate the data.
Trailhead Elevation: 7,107 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,707 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Total Distance: 5 miles
Total Time: 3 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 7,107 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,707 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Total Distance: 5 miles
Total Time: 3 hours
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Meadow Lake
The hike to Meadow Lake from the Pass Lake Trailhead is a long slog on a rocky, boggy, game trail. It starts out with 3.5 miles of fairly gentle downhill. Then turns off on an uphill cut off to the Notch Mountain trail. The cut off is marked pretty well at the start, but requires some route finding with cairns along the rocky climb. Meadow Lake is a big lake with gorgeous views making the hike almost worth it. It would have been better if we hadn't missed the cut off on the way back (which added a couple extra miles to an already long hike).
Trailhead Elevation: 10,087 feet
Highest Elevation: 10, 344 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 2,480 feet
Total Distance: 12 miles
Total Time: 7:15 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 10,087 feet
Highest Elevation: 10, 344 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 2,480 feet
Total Distance: 12 miles
Total Time: 7:15 hours
Ruth Lake
For our second hike of the weekend, we opted for the nice and easy hike out to Ruth Lake. It was a crowded day on the trail, but it was gorgeous. We did the entire hike around the lake and then explored a spur trail that ended a very popular climbing wall. We all did pretty well (including the dogs) after our really long day yesterday.
Trailhead Elevation: 10,059 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,367 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 390 feet
Total Distance: 3.63 miles
Total Time: 1:45 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 10,059 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,367 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 390 feet
Total Distance: 3.63 miles
Total Time: 1:45 hours
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Bench Lake
For our second hike of the weekend we hiked out to Bench Lake from the Bald Mountain Trailhead. The Trailhead starts at 10,720' and the trail goes downhill first, which isn't optimal, but we decided some days in Nepal we will start out going downhill. The hike is just gorgeous. We passed Clegg Lake (about 1.5 miles in) and then Notch Lake (about 2.3 miles in) and finally Bench Lake (at 3.4 miles in). Notch Lake was the listed hike in the book, but we thought Bench Lake was prettier and worth the extra mile.
Trailhead Elevation: 10,720 feet
Lowest Elevation: 9,945 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 775 feet
Total Distance: 7 miles
Total Time: 3:30 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 10,720 feet
Lowest Elevation: 9,945 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 775 feet
Total Distance: 7 miles
Total Time: 3:30 hours
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Cuberant Lake
We went camping in the Uintas this weekend along with everyone else. The campgrounds were packed! We had a great time though. For our first hike of the weekend we hiked out to Cuberant Lake from the Pass Lake Trailhead. Cuberant Lake is a good hike for some uphill climbing. The hike goes past a number of lakes and ponds. Near the end you have to climb up over a pass and then down to a pond and back up to Cuberant Lake. But the effort is worth it as the lake is just gorgeous with flowering lily pads.
Trailhead Elevation: 9,320 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,420 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Total Distance: 6.22 miles
Total Time: 3:50 hours
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Broads Fork
Trailhead Elevation: 6,200 feet
Hightest Elevation: 8,300 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
Total Distance: 5.86 miles
Total Time: 3:30 hours
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Lofty Lakes Loop
Lofty Lakes Loop starts at the Pass Lake Trailhead. It has been a busy summer in the Uintas and today was no exception, as we had to park in the overflow parking area. It was a beautiful day out on the trail though. This is a great hike with moderate elevation gain and great vistas of the surrounding mountains. We did the loop counter-clockwise for no reason other than habit. On this trail, we passed Scout Lake, Lofty Lake, and Kamas Lake. Not too shabby.
Trailhead Elevation: 9,951 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,802 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,043 feet
Total Distance: 4.75 miles
Total Time: 2:40 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 9,951 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,802 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,043 feet
Total Distance: 4.75 miles
Total Time: 2:40 hours
Monday, July 25, 2016
Ice Park Loop
For our last day in Ouray, we did the quick Ice Park Loop. This loop is a short part of the longer Ouray Perimeter Trail that circumnavigates the entire town. It was a nice little outing to stretch our legs before the long drive home. Ouray has an amazing trail network and plenty of places to access the trails around the town. And after long days on the trail, the mineral hot springs provide a nice way to relax and enjoy the view of the towering cliffs. I can't wait to get back to this place.
Trailhead Elevation: 8,094 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,323 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 417 feet
Total Distance: 2.44 miles
Total Time: 1:15 hours
Sunday, July 24, 2016
West Lime Creek
For our third day of hiking, we planned to do a high elevation hike outside of Silverton. Unfortunately, we woke up to rain, so we had to improvise. We drove up and over the Million Dollar Highwaay with staggering views of Red Mountain and dizzying drop offs to the Uncompaghre river gorge. We tried three different trailheads until we found one at lower altitude where it wasn't raining. We had a gorgeous hike in the sunshine for most of the way. The rain and hail didn't hit us until the last mile on our way back. Another good day to test out our rain gear. And to test our nerves with the howling and crackling Colorado thunder.
Trailhead Elevation: 9,857 feet
Highest Elevation: 10,652 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 1,115 feet
Total Distance: 6.42 miles
Total Time: 3 hours
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