Columbine Lake 8/2016
photos by Sigrid Freese, Barbara Berryman
photos by Sigrid Freese, Barbara Berryman
Sigrid -
7 of us had a strenuous but beautiful hike yesterday to Columbine lake. Strenuous because instead of the 5.6 mile RT we had been expecting, a new trail reroute, designed to avoid many boggy areas, increased the distance to 7.5! Good thing the new mileage didn't show at the trailhead or I might have hesitated starting. But glad we made it, lovely views of the Indian Peaks start within a half mile, then continuing up through the very healthy forest with many open lush meadows, more flower filled the higher we went. Even a 30 min. light rain as we approached the lake and the temp falling 20 degrees didn't detract from our good spirits. The drive to Junco Lake trailhead takes just over 2 hrs. After you leave US 40 at the Devil's Thumb exit, you're on an unpaved forest service road in good shape for 9 miles, then 2 more miles of potholed surface. Any car can make it. Portapotty at trailhead. More pictures on Facebook for those who participate. Barabara B - Wonderful hike to a beautiful Colorado Lake with hearty, affable, and determined friends. (See Sigrid's comments below!) Wildflowers, creative bridges, cheery waterfalls, a little rain, and even a patch of snow in the distance. |