High Mountain Lakes
If you are hiking in Colorado, getting out early is important. The afternoon storms can roll in bringing with them lightening and rain. The sun is harsh at these high elevations and the clouds are appreciated until the lightening starts.
The first time we attempted this hike several years ago, the snow was too deep even though it was June. Then Cottonwood Pass was closed for three years for paving.
This time it was a go! We got an early start, 7:30 am at the trailhead and were back before noon as the raindrops started falling.
This popular, scenic half day hike ascends to beautiful Ptarmigan Lake, cradled at the base of Jones Mountain (13,218-ft.). The first 2.4 miles of the trail climbs through trees.
We were all alone as we started up but passed several hikers on our descent.
As the trail traverses a few rockslide, we would see small pica dipping in and out of the rocks while chirping at us. No bears but we were on alert.
Elevation: 10,680-ft. at Trailhead
12,300-ft. at Ptarmigan Lake
Elevation Gain: 1,620-ft. to Ptarmigan Lake
Difficulty: moderate
The lake’s cutthroat trout also makes it a popular destination for fishermen.
Unnamed lake and the Gladstone Ridge. many people stopped here but we carried on to Ptarmigan. I didn't need to climb to the top of the Ridge this time. It's over 13,000 feet. 12,000 had me breathing hard.
The wild flowers were just starting to bloom at this elevation.
We had a couple of creek crossings and appreciated our poles to maintain our balance.
I felt my legs slowing at 12,000 feet.
I am not sure what he is pointing to, but I was done.
We made it!
At 3.1 miles we came over the ridge to the view of Ptarmigan Lake. The trail continues along the lake’s eastern shore. At the south end of the lake a panorama of high peaks, including Turner Peak and Mount Yale, fills the skyline to the north.
Now, that's a skyline!
We had tired knees as we made it back to the trailhead. I wasn't sure why anyone would put the parking lot up a short hill. But it felt like a steep climb to the truck. This was one hike I am glad we didn't miss even if it took a couple of attempts.
Such a beautiful hike...but I must say, any hike that starts at almost 11,000 feet and gains 1600 feet of elevation is not a 'moderate' hike in my book. You guys are tough.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was hard too.
ReplyDeleteI hiked there with my son when he lived in CO a while ago. Your pictures the beauty of this area. We didn't see any ptarmigan, did you?
ReplyDeleteNo Ptarmigan this time.
DeleteBeautiful area..that's the kind of hiking we love!
ReplyDeletewww.travelwithkevinandruth.com
It is awesome!
DeleteWow, we're at about 7,000 feet and have been feeling out of breath since we got here. Starting a challenging hike at 10,000 is rough, but those views are gorgeous! At least there's a solid payoff for all that work.
ReplyDeleteIt took several weeks to acclimate. The downhill can be a killer. But the views are incredible.
DeleteSuch stunning landscape. My biggest regret about our time living in Colorado was that we didn't explore enough. I guess between work and raising children, there were never enough hours in the day. Before we sold the house in the Springs, we spent one summer pretending we were tourists. Best thing! Horseback riding in Garden of the Gods was a favorite.
ReplyDeleteBeing somewhat forced to find a place for the summer has worked out well for us. The Garden of the Gods is always a favorite when we visit the Springs.
DeleteI love hikes above treeline but you certainly have to be diligent about the weather...
ReplyDeleteAnd the crowds
ReplyDelete