We headed back out to the Gore Range and combined 2 trails into one big loop.
It involved going up and over a pass through an area that didn't have an official trail, but the bushwacking was totally worth it. We both felt this was one of the most scenic and special hikes we've ever done.
The hike began on the Deluge Lake trail and we loved the wonderful vistas as we approached the lake!
There were tons of flowers growing along the stream that we followed. The pink flower (below) is called Queen's Crown.
Another field of Indian Paintbrush (below)... lovin' the wildflowers this year!
Once we got to the lake we had to pick our way up and over a pass, this is a view of Deluge Lake as we started to make our way UP.
Ok, so there's going to be a LOT of photos of these white specks, but for good reason. I've lived in Colorado about 17 years now and NEVER seen a mountain goat... and on this hike we saw 17!!!! We were both so excited. I didn't get all 17 in any one photo but if you look closely at the photo below you should be able to find 14 (well 13 and 1/2). :)
Most of the adults were looking pretty shaggy, but there were a few babies - AWWW!
I didn't get super sharp photos - my zoom is not all that great and I wanted to keep a nice safe distance.
But we were just glad to see them - as we hiked up the pass we could see them silhouetted against the sky and we hoped that they'd still be nearby when we finally got to the top. Which definitely took awhile because it was SUPER STEEP.
It felt like we were rewarded for the tough climb by getting to watch these cuties frolick and play :)
But we were just glad to see them - as we hiked up the pass we could see them silhouetted against the sky and we hoped that they'd still be nearby when we finally got to the top. Which definitely took awhile because it was SUPER STEEP.
It felt like we were rewarded for the tough climb by getting to watch these cuties frolick and play :)
Why, hello there!
Another view back down on Deluge Lake from the top of the pass. We were very lucky with a gorgeous sunny day!
We definitely enjoyed the view from the pass - gorgeous lake and mountains on one side, another beautiful lake and jagged peaks on the other side (that's Snow Lake in the photo with Jason) and, oh yeah, did I mention 17 mountain goats!!!
The trek down the other side of the pass to Snow Lake was absolutely wonderful with large fields of wildflowers.
I loved how jagged the peaks above Snow Lake were and the way the sunshine sparkled on the water. We took off our boots and rested our feet in the water for a bit. Only took a couple minutes to get them nice and cold/numb! ;o)
We got really lucky with the wind. Low wind means it's easier for Jason to fly and also means I might get an opportunity at some reflection photos, yay!!
I almost missed this photo - with my sunglasses on, I couldn't really see the reflection, but Jason said to give it a try and as soon as I looked through my camera lens, I thought "WOW!" :o)
As always, thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. Feel free to drop me a note using the form below. :o)
Thank you!
