Crater Lakes 9/2015
photos by Sigrid Freese
photos by Sigrid Freese
Sigrid Freese - Just 5 of us had a splendid hike yesterday, starting at the east portal of the Moffat Tunnel. The first 2 miles from parking lot to turn off to Crater lakes are really nice, going gradually uphill along South Boulder Creek, through meadows and evergreen forest. The last 3/4 mile up to the lake, is tougher, probably gaining twice as much altitude in half the distance as the first section, but still well within the hiking prowess of anyone who gets this email. We took our time and arrived at the lake in about 3 hours. After resting and eating, we explored a bit around the lake and lo and behold, a second lake, hidden in the trees just a short distance away. Equal in size to the first but with less of a high alpine feel with grassy or wooded slopes. The drive up takes about 90 minutes, the last 20 on an unpaved but well graded road. Bluebird nesting boxes line that section of road, and it was exciting, to say the least, to see a flurry of bluebirds, 6-8 at least, explode from the shrubs right next to the road and move to another hiding place. All happened too fast to get a picture, but the visual image of those bright blue shapes remains with me. We drove up Coal Creek Canyon to get there, and came back via Blackhawk, Central City and I-70. Think the return was a few minutes shorter, but we didn't time it. Lots more pictures on Facebook if you participate. |