If you can leave a little wiggle room in your budget for a stay at High Camp, it offers one of the most unique backcountry hiking opportunities in the state. Come back in winter for glorious backcountry skiing and snowshoeing.
Named after the infamously fearless logger Harry Gault, the trail follows an old logging road, leading to the famous balcony and eventually the mountain peak. Dirty Harry’s Peak is an excellent choice for spring hiking. Located to the east of Mailbox Peak, this 4,700-foot mountain offers a delightful balance of bare trail and snow.
This trail changes with the seasons, offering something different each time you visit. A summer hike to Kachess Lake is short and accessible for first timers. The gentle, flat trail allows kids of all ages to wonder at nature along this loop. Stream trickle into the lake and bridge along time for nature study before continuing the loop.
Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls is the cornerstone of the views offered in Bridal Veil State Park. This trail is short, family friendly and relaxing, yet it descends into a gulley where you will view 120-foot Bridal Veil Falls. Bring your camera. Benches along the route provide plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.
The start of spring brings a unique opportunity for a hike: The trillium-rich trails at Tryon Creek Natural Area. Accompanying the return of the robins and song sparrows, these beautiful three-petal flower are starting to bloom. The blossoms begin white and then change to a deep reddish purple as they age. These flowers are only found in moist forest settings, and mark the beginning of the new season.
Winter’s harshness has ended, by calendar only. Keep your fingers crossed. If your like me, your screaming for spring, and especially summer!! Winter still has it’s[Read More…]
This flat, 2.5-mile loop hike is a great choice for family hikers, and those simply interested in exploring one of the area’s most curious natural attractions.
Hidden within the rugged folds of Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake Trailhead offers a wealth of stunning alpine lakes. While the trail is often overrun by travelers and tourists in the summer months, hikers can enjoy a peaceful respite from the crowds by visiting the area in the winter months.
Hikers also are advised that the spit is very narrow and would be dangerous to hike during severe storms. High tide does not make the spit impassable, but be aware that you will be forced towards the center, where you will be clambering over logs. This is a fun test of agility, but it will be significantly more time-consuming than walking along the beach at low tide. Check the tide schedule and weather conditions before you set off to avoid any surprises that might leave you soaked or swimming back.
After about 2 miles the trail begins to level out, offering a first glimpse of Commonwealth Basin nestled beneath the shadow of craggy Red Mountain. Snowshoers can choose to continue along the Pacific Crest Trail towards Kendall Peak or cross Commonwealth Creak to enjoy the expansive basin.
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