2007 Hikes

Last year I dutifully recorded each hike I did, such that I could remember which hikes I had and hadn't enjoyed.  This year I have been woefully pathetic in recording my hikes, so we're going to remedy that right here and now folks.  Hang onto your Vasque boots and MontBell jackets.  Here are the hikes I've done this year and what I can still remember about each of them:

White Ranch - Rawhide Loop:  It's a nice loop, very easy, and with pretty views.  ...and that's about all I have to say about that.

Ceran St. Vrain: It starts out well shaded in a dense pine forest and runs along a creek.  Later, as you turn to head towards Miller Rocks, it gets a little exposed, but not too bad.  Definitely climb to the top of the rocks (fret not, this is easy) to get a really nice view of the surrounding peaks.

Royal Arch: This is a great short hike and excellent workout.  The trail is super crowded, but everyone is very friendly.  If you go on this hike, be sure to walk through the arch and out to the edge of the rocks, then look north.  The view is absolutely amazing.

Bear Peak: This one's a killer, folks.  It's a whole lot of up, but man, the views from the top are amazing.  Bring LOTS of water and snacks and be prepared for a solid ass-kickin'.  I've done this hike twice this season and both times were quite painful.  That said, sitting at the very top of the highest rock on Bear Peak is AWESOME.

Mt. Sanitas: (Sorry, no pics -- forgot the camera this trip.) Though the views from the top are excellent, this is a tough hike up (think an hour and some of climbing stairs) and is very exposed.   The trail is also very crowded, but if you're looking for a good workout that ends in a great view, give Mt. Sanitas a try.

Beaver Brook: I walked along this trail for about an hour and a half, most of which was spent next to a burbling brook (Beaver Brook, I imagine).  It was very easy and a nice, well shaded walk.  If you're looking for a destination hike, though, this isn't for you.  BUT, if you're looking for snakes, this hike is for you.  (I saw my first snake ever on this hike.  Smack in the middle of the trail.) 

Vail Mountain: Ride the gondola up, then walk your way around and down.  This is the second time I've hiked around Vail Mountain.  The views are good, there's good shade, and you always see several deer.

Lake Isabelle and Lake Isabelle Glacier: Hands down, my two favorite hikes.  (The hike to reach the glacier continues on from Lake Isabelle.)  The scenery is unmatched for the level of effort it takes to get there.  And not only are the hikes great, the drive to get there is wonderful too.  A couple of notes... I think Lake Isabelle is prettier earlier in the season when the lake is still high and there's snow.  BUT, I don't think you can do the Lake Isabelle Glacier hike until later in the season, because snow likely blocks the trail earlier in the season (well, at least for fair weather, novice hikers like me).  Also, the Long's Lake trailhead parking lot fills up around 7:30am on the weekends, so if you arrive after that, be prepared to park a ways away and walk.

Happy hiking!