Long Run Solutions

Buffalo Meadows Loop - Rich Creek Trail

After spending 25 miles hiking around the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area this past weekend I can tell you unequivocally that it is one of the most beautiful spots I've ever visited in Colorado. You can check out our photo album here.

We had never spent time in an area just like this before. There are literally miles of this hike through and next to high mountain meadows between 10,600 and 11,400 feet in elevation.

The Rich Creek Trail Head is on Weston Pass Road and is very well marked. Well marked does not mean well traveled through. The day we went in, Labor Day, there were only a total of 3 groups of two people that entered at the Rich Creek Trail Head.

In total this hike is a bit less than 12 miles. It begins at an elevation of 10,000 feet and tops out about half way through at or about 11,600 feet. With only two exceptions the trail is a nice easy grade either climbing or descending easily. The first exception is about a half mile in where there is a moderately steep climb of 400 or 500 feet. The second exception is while leaving Buffalo Meadows along beautiful Rough and Tumbling Creek. It is quite a steep downhill section and made us glad that we traveled the trail in a counter clockwise direction so we didn't have to climb it.

This hike includes three distinct areas of beaver ponds. The first meadow a few miles in is full of beaver ponds, especially the top of Buffalo Meadows is full of ponds, and then below the steep decent along Rough and Tumbling Creek there is pond after pond after pond. And each one is full of fish after fish after fish.

As one hiker told me, if he caught one fish he caught 150. Oh, and most were caught on top using an ant pattern.

There were two places on this loop hike that were confusing to us. First, after getting to Buffalo Meadows there is a trail intersection with the Rough and Tumbling Creek Trail. Don't take a right on this trail if your looking to do the loop. Keep left and follow the meadow lower descending along Rough and Tumble Creek. Second, we walked right by the trail head on the way out and started doing the loop again. We knew we were close because of the creek, but could not find the bridge across the stream. Hey, maybe it was just us, but be aware that when you see the road your near the end of your trip.

All in all, this was a nice long day hike and could make a great short backpacking trip. You can also make a side trip up West Buffalo Peak if you have the time. Drop me an email if you would like directions to West Buffalo from this trail.

Enjoy our photo album.

Climbing East and West Buffalo Peaks

Last week my wife and I decided to climb East and West Buffalo Peaks. It didn't take long to discover that there is a serious lack of information available for climbing these peaks. With that said, we decided to do some scouting the day before our trip.

 (The far left is East Buffalo Peak and the far right is West Buffalo Peak)

We learned a couple of things that will be helpful. First of all, we entered at the following coordinates: N 39 degrees 01.522 and W 106 degrees 05.844. This is a very good spot to start.

On our scouting trip, we made a very difficult bushwhack after about a mile. We learned that much of the information out there is erroneous regarding the forest roads and need to bushwhack. We understood there to be a criss cross of many old forest roads. What we learned was that there are really only two roads that switchback up the ridge covering the first 2.5 miles. The confusing part is that the switch back trails meet several times creating the illusion of many disparate unrelated trails. Here is the key with one notable exception. Always, always stay left on the forest roads. If you stay left, you will naturally follow the main forest road up the ridge. So, if you are bushwacking inside of two miles you have made a big mistake.

OK, now for the notable exception. Right after you start, within a quarter mile, you will run into the main forest road. If you go left, you will find yourself back at your vehicle within 2 or 3 minutes. From here forward, when in doubt go left.

This road will take you 2.4 nice trail miles up the main ridge guarding the approach to East Buffalo Peak. When this road ends a single track trail will begin. Take the trail into the ground willows instead of climbing more steeply into the boulder field. It won't feel quite right, but you will already be at 11,400 feet and there is no need to waste time picking through a boulder field at this point. You need to work your way around the slope while following the trail through the willows if possible. If you miss the trail, just follow the best game trail you can and slowly add elevation. You will be shooting for the saddle between a prominent 12er on your left and East Buffalo Peak. If you climb too quickly at this point you will needlessly waste time in boulder fields.

Ultimately, we were intimidated by the approach to East Buff. It just looks too steep for hikers like us with no climbing experience or gear. But, if you approach from the east and follow the ridge line it is climbable. Unfortunately, we did not make it.

(Picture shows the scary cloud that ultimately boomed thunder and sent us scampering back down to lower ground. This picture looks south from about 12,300 feet.)

The thunder scared us and the hail hurt us. We were at 12,600 feet when we turned back and it was very disappointing. After scouting for 5 miles the first day, we would log 13 miles in our attempt. We ended our pursuit just before we would have climbed the last 700 feet through a long boulder and talus field on the back side of East Buff.

Bummer. But we live for another day. Another try maybe. We verified a decent but broken trail through the willow on the way down. We had a beer and took a nap and explored the Weston Pass area. Check back soon and see my report on the incredible Buffalo Meadows Loop. Twelve miles of beautiful Colorado. Until then, here are a couple more pictures of our trip.

(I ran up the boulder field about 150 feet to snap this shot. That is West Buff in the background with Mr. Thistle in the foreground. Best looking thistle I've ever seen)

(Standing in the willows)

Backpacking the Gore Range - Lost Lake

UPDATE: Click here for Photo Journal and see end of this article for more.

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Was it heaven or was I back in the Gore Range over the weekend? If your doubting me, I've got a feeling you haven't been in the Gore Range lately, or probably ever.

My wife and I are busy people with busy jobs and busy kids and we could come up with more than a hundred excuses for not doing this or that, but we overcame the excuses and were treated to another spectacular hike through one little corner of the Gore Range.

This hike might be seen by some as a bit of a push on the first day. It's a little less than six miles, but up 2100 feet. We started at 11:30 a.m. and were at Lost Lake right about 4 p.m. Now, we are in excellent shape, but if you are concerned about the trip in just get going a little earlier and take your time. Besides, the first hour is through open sage brush and will be down right hot if you let it get too late in the day.

Another alternative to how we did this trip would be to leave late in the day and hike just as far as the Brush Creek Trail Head. This is a nice area to camp and it would make the second day up to Lost Lake two miles shorter and you could climb one of the near by mountains if you need more of a challenge.

If you choose to do this, there is a small water source about half way up to the trail head. If you don't get water there, I don't know of another close by water source unless you hike into the valley past the trail head.

Check out the my photo journal that contains many more details of the trip. This was a beautiful short trip that I would highly recommend.

Out of Commission

On my recent trip to the great north woods of Minnesota and Wisconsin, I brought home something I hadn't planned on. Specifically, Lyme's disease; and over this last week it has brought me pretty low.

I'm happy to say that I can see some light at the end of the tunnel and I'm on the mend. When I get the energy, I will chronicle my day by day Lyme's experience. It's been interesting.

Mt. Zirkel Wilderness - Gilpin/Gold Creek Lake Backpacking

See the photo album on the top right or at: http://longrunsolutions.typepad.com/photos/mt_zirkel_wilderness_gilp/index.html

This weekend Corina and I were blessed to do two short backpacking trips. One was an elk scouting trip between Meeker and Craig and the other was a spectacular trip into the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area.

Some of you may be asking, "Where is the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area?" Up until a month or so ago we didnt' know either, but now that we do, we will be back for sure!

Hopefully tomorrow, I will write a trip report. Until then, here are a couple of slices of the big outdoors we traveled.

Stop back Friday for a map, more pictures, and details.

Route National Forest - Mt. Zirkel Wilderness

(click here to see the photo album and fly fishing information)

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is one of my favorite areas, anywhere. And when I think of Steamboat, I think of the Yampa and Elk River, the Elk River Valley, Routt National Forest, and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area. Not to mention the terrific skiing, the iconic retailer FM Light, the pro rodeo series, or the Steamboat Art Company. The Steamboat area is one of those special places that really does have something for everyone.

And for me of course, the most important part is outdoor opportunities, especially fishing and hiking and backpacking.

If you go to the Steamboat area, you must drive up the Elk River Valley. Go through town on Hwy 40 and about 1 1/2 miles outside of town go north (right) on Hwy 129 toward Clark and Hahns Peak Village. This is the most beautiful broad river valley that I am aware of in Colorado.

The Elk River Valley is a private affair, so plan on enjoying it from the comfort of your car or bike or enjoy it like my wife and I did....running in the Steamboat Marathon. However you plan to do it, it will be worth your drive. From the court house in downtown Steamboat Springs, it is 26.2 miles to Hans Peak Village.

If you've come to fish, then you have a lot of territory to cover. In my case, I'm generally in the area to watch baseball in August and although there is a ton of public water on the Yampa right in town, I recommend going somewhere else. The Yampa in town gets a lot of raft traffic and that can be pretty frustrating. It also gets hit hard by fly fisherman. For a better experience, either head up to Rabbit Ears Pass and pick a small stream to catch small brookies all day or fish the Elk River or one of the streams that run into it. A couple of years ago I went somewhere way up in the headwaters and I caught an entire bucket full of brookies. I didn't actually keep any, but I really did catch a ton of fish. Which, even though they were small, was a lot of fun.

The North Fork of the Elk is a great option if you don't mind walking in a mile or so. I caught a bunch of fish, mostly on a stimulator (female yellow sally pattern). The biggest two fish were 12" and almost 14". The Elk River has some public areas and is beautiful water. I have only fished it once and what I remember is that it is fast and difficult to wade.

Check out the photo album of my trip up the North Fork of the Elk River.

Indian Peaks - Betty & Bob Lake / King Lake Trial Hiking & Backpacking

See the photo album of this trip here.

My wife and I managed to corral our two boys for the weekend and we headed for Nederland and on to the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. We hit the Hesse Trail head at about 11:00 a.m on Saturday and began our long, very uphill journey to Betty and Bob Lakes.  Here are the vital details.

Heads Up:You need a permit to camp in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. You can get a permit at the Boulder Ranger Station or the Ace Hardware in Nederland. Ace Hardware is on the west side of the road behind the bank, as you enter Nederland.

Location:This is an easy trail head to get to and only an hour from Denver. Take Hwy 6 to the west side of Golden and go north on Hwy 93. Eight miles or so up the road, take Hwy 72 west to Nederland. You are also heading toward the Eldora Ski Area, so look for those signs. Just before you enter Nederland there is an unmarked road to the west. There is a sign for Eldora that shows the way and this turn is directly across from a Mexican restaurant.

To avoid the only mistake you can make on this road, stay right and do not go up to Eldora ski area. Instead, you will head toward and through the little mountain town of Eldora. Continue on to where the paved road turns to a well maintained gravel road. This will take you to the well marked and possibly crowded area for parking (mostly along the road) near the Hesse Trail head. See trip details for more information on this.  

Map:

This is a map showing the Nederland area and the greater Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. I have highlighted the turn coming from the south just before town.

 

 

This detailed Topo map shows the King Lake Trail to the Betty and Bob Lake Lake spur. Also, at Betty Lake I have marked two good areas for camping. I would recommend the area furthest up the trail.

I was unable to include the very beginning of the trail, but it is the Hesse Trail head. You will find many other hikers here as it is a popular dog walking / day hiking area. However, once you get 1 1/2 miles in and branch off on the King Lake Trail, you will see few other hikers.

Fishing Report:

Betty Lake holds some beautiful Greenback Cutthroat trout. We caught them on parachute adams, a mosquito, a prince nymph, some sort of sparkle tail caddis pattern, and a dark emerger pattern. The biggest fish we caught was less than 12 inches and we may have seen a 14 inch fish. Regardless of the size, these were beautiful trout....and they tasted good, too!

We did not fish Bob Lake, but we did get a report that it was not yielding any fish. I have heard that it normally fishes pretty well with fish about the same size as Betty Lake. Skyscraper Lake, which would be another trip, is supposed to have larger cutthroat.

Trail Report:Get ready for some up! Hesse Trail head is marked at 9000 feet and Betty Lake is right about 11,400 feet. Add a 40 pound pack to the mix, and this 6 mile hike is a bugger. The trail is very well maintained and much of it is nicely forested. Water is available regularly if you carry a purifier. The payoff on this trip is an incredible basin including three named lakes and three other unnamed bodies of water. This area is well worth the work it takes to get into. And as a great side trip, go back to the King Lake Trail and up to the top of the ridge. The view from this ridge down into the Frasier Valley, is spectacular. For the even more adventurous, follow the Corona Trail north along the Continental Divide to Devils Thumb Lake. Enjoy!

Trip Details: You will need a 4wd to actually drive to the Hesse Trail head. However, there is plenty of parking along the road and there is a well maintained hiking trail just to the north of the 4wd trail.

Don't forget these lakes are at 11,400 feet. That mean cool nights and late ice out. I visited this area on July 26-27, 2008. Just a couple of weeks ealier there may have been two much ice to fish these lakes.

Skyscrapper Lake is reachable by bushwacking. The best route is probably west toward Bob Lake along the north side of Betty Lake and then just before Bob, drop over the ridge to the north.

The Ace Hardware store in Nederland opens at 8 a.m. and does a really nice job with camping permits. They also sell area specific maps and other essentials.

Gore Range - Wheeler / Lost Lakes - Hiking and backpacking

See the photo album of this trip here.

My friend Marshall and I headed for Wheeler Lake about 7:30 p.m. Friday night July 11th and returned Saturday afternoon July 12th. Our total trip was 11.2 miles. There were a couple of unique things about this hike, but before I get into that let me give you a few  vital details.

Location:This is an easy hike to get to and only 75 minutes from Denver. Take Exit 195 and cross to the south side of I70. Take a left at the light and your parking area is immediately on your right. You will need to hike back over the I70 overpass. When you get to the  other side, the Gore Range Trail goes down almost immediately on your left.

Map:

Click on map to enlarge. As of July, you could not start at the area marked TH (trail head). Follow my instructions above.

 

 

 

Fishing Report: If you like salamanders, the lower or first Wheeler Lake is going to be like heaven to you. I never saw a fish. I admit, that does not mean there are no fish. But, the four to six inch salamanders that look a lot like fish were everywhere in the water. Frankly, it was kind of creepy. As for the other Wheeler Lake, I did not catch any fish. As for Lost Lake, now this is a classic mountain bowl lake. It looks deep and it looks like it hold fish. I left my fishing pole back at camp so I really don't know how the fishing is.

Trail Report:Well maintained and a bit steep. The first mile is nearly flat and is right near I70. But from 1.25 miles to 2.25 miles you are treated to a nice climb. Not a killer, but it will remind you your alive. This is a well maintained trail that receives moderate use. My GPS said it was  3.1 miles to the end of the Wheeler Lakes spur. If possible, go back to the Gore Range Trail and continue on to Lost Lake. The trail to Lost Lake, especially after the first half mile or so, is well worth while.

Water availability:Water is available throughout this trip if you carry a purifier.

The Wheeler Lakes Trail is unique because you will be within site of Copper Mountain or I70 much of the trip. But, it is still a very nice Colorado mountain experience. If you take the Wheeler Lake Trail spur off the Gore Range Trail, be sure to go all the way to the end. The trail terminates in sort of an overlook spot that looks down on a beautiful bowl that is the top of Officers Gulch. Looking down the gulch you can actually see Silverthorne (I think) or Dillon. If it is night, the lights are neat to see and it's a reminder of how you can feel like your in the wilderness only a few miles from the lights of town.

Be sure to go on to Lost Lake. The trail to Lost Lake is pretty easy and well worth the trip. As I recall, our total trip length to Lost Lake including our travel on the Wheeler Lake spur and back was 5.8 miles. We did not have time to go on to Uneva Pass, but it is less than a mile up the trail and looked to be a spectacular overlook of the area.

I highly recommend this trip. It makes a great day trip or a late afternoon hike and camp trip.

Gore Range - Wheeler / Lost Lake - High Mnt. Fishing

This weekend we checked out Wheeler and Lost Lake in the Gore Range. It was a beautiful trip. Check out the photo album in the upper right side bar or click here.

I will write more about this trip in the next few days.