Memorial Day Weekend 2008 - Lost Creek Wilderness

First, some kvetching: CORPORATE AMERICA SUCKS! Yes, I know..not exactly an original thought. But when you find out, at the last minute, you are working Memorial Day, you can't help but think CORPORATE AMERICA SUCKS!

OK..enough ranting. Let's go to the trip report. :)

Many people often ask me what would be a suitable trip for someone coming from lower elevation. A trip that really shows off some of the best parts of Colorado. The Lost Creek Wilderness is my favorite place for early or late season backpacks.

There are two lovely loops I always suggest. The first is a 26 mile loop. If someone wants a more challenging/longer route, there is this 36 mile loop I also recommend. Both loops show off unique rock formations, great views and meander through open meadows. Highly suggested!

Here is my trip report. Instead of moping around Boulder, I decided to do a solo trip in the LCW.

My trip for this weekend was the 36 mile loop. I figured it was still about two weeks early; but I really wanted to get in a good backpacking trip.

Lost Creek Wilderness is well known for its unique (for Colorado) rock formations. The rocks always remind me of the wet sand I would slowly drip from my hand by the beach. The LCW also posses many wide and open meadows with views to the higher peaks to the south and west.

My route had me go over the Hankins Pass, Lake Park to Bison Pass back to the Goose Creek area via the Wigwam Trail.

As predicted, I was a touch early for this trip. There was still some route finding issues and lots of snow. At one point, I decided to hike over a ridge and bushwhack to a trail rather trying to find a trail through the snow.


Once I made it to the McCurdy/Bison peak area, the nature of the route changed. The red rock formations were in evidence with awesome and wide open views. One memorable moment had me looking towards Pikes Peak in the distance.



As I walked along the ridge, I continued to admire and look upon in awe at the scenery surrounding me. This area really is one of the gems of Colorado backpacking.


The day was difficult. Between route finding, the post holing, off trail travel and frankly not being in my prime thru-hiker shape (but doing a thru-hiker pace and thru-hiker mileage), my body was tired. I found a clear spot among the snow and before a creek crossing. I placed my sleeping pad down, ate my macaroni and cheese and and caught up on some much needed sleep.

The following day would be easier. I knew from looking at my map that my route would be following a series of creeks and would be at a lower elevation.

The morning was simply stunning. The weather was perfect. Blue skies, no clouds and warm sunshine. I walked along an open meadow for most of the morning and did not see a soul. The peaks in the distance were covered in snow and showed in stark detail how Summer will be coming late to the Colorado high country.


As I meandered along my route, I came back to the popular Goose Creek Trail. If for most of yesterday and all of this morning I was in splendid isolation, this trail reminded me that it was indeed a three-day weekend in Colorado. But this trail is wonderful to walk on. With more incredible views of the rock formations below.



In late afternoon, I arrived back to the Mag Wag. I sadly left the wilderness to return back home.

It was not the weekend I planned, but it was rewarding. More backpacking trips will be done and savored this coming season. So many places to go, so many places to explore, so many places to enjoy. I can't wait to see them!

ALL THE PHOTOS

May 17th - 19th My 34th Birthday Weekend ..with a Full Moon!

I am usually low key about my birthdays.

Just another day for me.

However, I noticed that my birthday (May 19th) fell on a full moon night. How could I not do something? :)

My posting from the CHAOS website:

What: First Flatiron Full Flower Moon Festa (hike)
When: Monday 5/19 8:30 pm
Where: First Flatiron
Details: The First Flatiron is a great hike and one I enjoy doing for both its sunset views towards the Indian Peaks and the surreal view of the Flatirons in the full moon. This hike is ~4 miles R/T, 1500' elev gain and goes to just to the little alcove below the top of of the First Flatiron. The hike, IMO, is one of the better ones in Chautauqua. Due to an event that happened 34 yrs ago on this very day, rumor has it that cake and ice cream will be served. :) Remember, d-low guarantees a full moon regardless of the weather!
(No, that is not a typo. It is fEsta, not fIEsta, to a guy named Magnanti. :)

I love full moon jaunts. The terrain takes on a different aspect. The everyday views seem different and somehow a bit more wild. And seeing the mountains illuminated by the pale, silver light is something I never tire of seeing.

So my birthday plans included a hike. What better way for me to celebrate another year around the Sun?

First, though, I celebrated in a more traditional way with by having dinner with the Zapins on Saturday evening. A quiet dinner with close friends could not be better. Avery continues to amaze me with how much he has grown in the past two years. I must confess, when Marni told me that he smiles when he hears "Uncles Mags" is coming over, it brought a smile to MY face. Life ain't bad.

Saturday and Sunday both saw some quiet, enjoyable hikes with two different friends as well.

Then Monday evening came. I arrived a little earlier at the trail head. I thought I saw some friends, but they mysteriously disappeared. Hmm...

At 8:30 PM, the gang arrived. A small group of 19 (?!?!?!). If the worse part of my life is that I have a lot of friends who want to join me for a stroll, I ain't gonna complain.

We finally arrived at the 1st Flat alcove. Where the other mysterious group of friends were! About another 8 people were there waiting for me! Finally, a group of 6 climbing friends literally dropped in as well.

We had cake, ice cream, wine and lots of other goodies. It was easily one of the best birthday celebrations I've had!

And to top it all off? This view was seen:


Life really is good!

May 11th, 2008 - Semi-Circling the Cone

In my quest for shoulder season hikes that I have not done before, I stumbled upon this fairly new open space in JeffCo called Centennial Cone.

There is a loop hike that can be done at the Cone that is 12 miles r/t with a mellow 2000' elev gain. Like most JeffCo open space area, it is a multi-use area. Centennial Cone is unique in that is alternates mountain biking and hiking days. Since this area is more popular for mountain biking, a hiker will not see many people on this loop.

Alas, part of the loop was closed until mid-June for elk habitat reasons.

Still, it is a great hike. One with a surprisingly remote feel. Many open meadows, distant views of the mountains and some great looking rock formations. Clear Creek can be seen below. Our hike ended up being an out and back of about 12 miles. Due to the open exposure, it was a bit warm of a hike. I figure coming back in the Fall to do this hike will work well, though.

I highly suggest this hike for anyone who wants a leisurely hike that is not overly popular.

May 3rd, 2008 - Goat Mountain Gallivanting

Goat Mountain is an obscure little peak located in Waterton Canyon not far from the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado.

What made this peak intriguing to climb was that it is more or less off trail, is a place I have not been before, and should see little use. A perfect shoulder season hike!

The hike started off in a familiar place: The start of the Colorado Trail in Waterton Canyon.

I again thought that while it is not a bad place to start a trail, it would an awful place to end one. :)

Tall Dave, "New Hampsha" Dave, Levon

We followed the "trail" up to a turn off and then (steeply) started following the path up to a ridge line which we would follow to the top of the summit.

Once on the ridge, the hike became very enjoyable. Lots of wildflowers, good views of the foothills and the snow covered mountains and just a thoroughly enjoyable jaunt.



The websites I found stated that it is a class 3 scramble to top; I found it to be much easier than that. Maybe a hard class two. Also, at a lollygag place (long lunch, pausing to look at the views, the flowers and snake!), it took us just under 5 hrs round trip for the hike. I'd say it is a nice shoulder season hike if you want to go some place different and if you don't want a large time commitment. Who knows, maybe I'll do this hike again in the Fall.

Dave enjoying the summit view

All the photos