Thanks for an amazing adventure!

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..."

- The Way of the White Clouds, Lama Anagarika Govinda

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.

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.

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."

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

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!"

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

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

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." 

Day 8 - Bamboo to Chumrung

Day 8 was another up and down day as we hiked from Bamboo (7,660') down to the Chumrung Kohla and back up 2,000 stairs for second visit to Chumrung (7,120').

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

Temperature Range:  34-58 degrees

Quote of the Day: "Remember, this is your time." 

Day 7 - Annapurana Base Camp to Bamboo

After a wonderful and frigid time at the Annapurna Sanctuary (13,550'), it was time for our swift retreat to Dovan, and then on to the village of Bamboo (7,660').  We hiked down more than 6,400' and I fondly refer to this day as the "day from hell death march down."

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

Temperature Range:  19-54 degrees

Quote of the Day: "Last chance to get a helicopter ride out of here!"

Day 6 - Annapurna Base Camp

It is hard to choose just one photo of the Annapurna Sanctuary.  The views in every direction are stunning.  But, this one of Annapurna South is my favorite.

"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

Today was the ultimate day as we made our final climb from Machapuchare Base Camp (12,140') to the Annapurna Sanctuary (13,550').  It was a freezing cold start to the day, but the scenery was spectacular.  The 360 degree views at ABC are worth every step.  Today's summary is big payoff. 

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

Temperature Range:  18-42 degrees

Quote of the Day: "I'm not mad.  I'm just disappointed."

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

Today was an epic and glorious day as we climbed steep terrain from Dovan (8,220') to Machapuchare Base Camp (12,140').  We passed a lot of waterfalls, crossed many rivers, and gained nearly 4,000' in elevation.  The camp at Machapuchare is cold, but the views are awesome.  Today's summary is glacial streams and elevation gain as the real cold begins.  

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

Temperature Range:  22-47 degrees

Quote of the Day: "The reality is I didn't have any underwear on."

Day 4 - Chumrung to Dovan

Another long day on the trail, but through gorgeous country.  Day 4 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 on to Dovan (8,220').  We passed a lot of horse trains today. The camp at Dovan is chilly.  Today's summary is waterfalls, forests and elevation gain. 

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

Temperature Range:  33-56 degrees

Quote of the Day: "Does your family know you are a vegetarian?"

Day 3 - Landrung to Chumrung

The summary for Day 3 is bridges and stairs.  We started the day with a short downhill walk to the Modi Khola River (4,594') and then crossed the river on a huge metal suspension bridge.  After making it across the river, it was time to start heading back up the other side through the rhododendron forests, terraced hills, and our final destination of the day at Chumrung (7,120').  The trail is amazingly green and lush and we can't get enough of the gorgeous terraced hillsides. 

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

Temperature Range:  49-65 degrees

Quote of the Day:  "Let me lick it" - Patty's new trail name. 

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

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

Temperature Range:  49-69 degrees

Quote of the Day:  Frank:  "Sometimes I'm smarter than I look."  Ava:  "Let's hope so."

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

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

Temperature Range:  55-79 degrees

Quote of the Day:  "Leeches coming!  What, she no like leeches?"

Pokhara

After a couple of jet lag recovery days in Kathmandu, we took an early morning flight to Pokhara.  Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.  We enjoyed the views from our prop plane on Yeti Airlines.  There is really no security at the airport and it was like travelling back in time to when you could just walk onto a plane (with or without your ticket or ID in hand).  One more bus right to Phedi and we can start the adventure!

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"

Pashupatinath

Be sure to visit Pashupatinath to witness numerous funeral rituals taking place along the Bagmati River in Kathmandu.  The Bagmati is considered holy as it eventually flows to the Ganges.  Pursuant to Hindu religious custom, the bodies of loved ones are cremated on the cement platforms called "ghats" located along the river and their ashes are pushed into the river to flow to the Ganges guaranteeing release from the cycle of rebirth.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Broads Fork

We did a short but steep hike today. The book says it is only 2 miles up to the meadow at Broads Fork, but it seemed a lot closer to the 3 miles clocked on my Garmin.  Either way, it was about 2,000' of elevation gain in a short distance and pretty darn steep.  Another good day out on the trail.  And this trail was pretty empty compared to the Lake Blanche hike that starts at the same trailhead. Great view of Twin Peaks and Dromedary Peak.

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

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

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

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

Upper Cascades

For our second hike of the weekend we hauled ourselves and our packs to the Upper Cascades waterfall which sits high above Ouray.  We had to change campsites (which took most of the morning) so we didn't get an early start, but the weather held out and was actually downright hot on this south facing hike.  We were able to do this hike right from the Amphitheater Campground.  This hike was a really good comparable for hiking in Nepal with an average gain of 1,000' per mile.  It was slow going on the uphill, but slow and steady worked for the day.  We didn't make it over to Chief Ouray's Mine due to some steep drop offs that I wasn't willing to cross.

Trailhead Elevation:  8,639 feet
Highest Elevation:  10,151 feet
Total Elevation Gain:  1,663 feet
Total Distance:  6.10 miles
Total Time:  3:30 hours

Blue Lakes

We spent the Pioneer Day holiday weekend in Ouray, Colorado for some spectacular hiking in the San Juans.  We are trying to focus on short and steep (not necessarily sweet) hikes to best match conditions for Nepal.  Our first hike of the weekend was to Blue Lakes outside of Ridgway in the Mount Sneffels area. While the lake wasn't all that blue, it was a gorgeous cirque around the lower lake.  Although we got an early start, the rain came earlier than expected, so we spent the last hour hiking down in the rain.  It wasn't too bad for us with our rain gear, but the dogs were thoroughly disgusted with the wet and mud.

Trailhead Elevation:  9,029 feet
Highest Elevation:  10, 871 feet
Total Elevation Gain:  1,644 feet
Total Distance:  8.4 miles
Total Time:  4 hours