Alarm set at 06:30 to get some hiking done in the Rocky Mountains NP. We headed out for breakfast and waited in front of a closed door for 20 minutes before deciding to head back into town as it didn’t seem this place was planning on opening… breakfast taken care of we headed up into the park. We were on the trail at 10:00, not quite as early as we would have liked but enjoyed our 1st hike up to Deer Mountain summit. The 10km return hike offered some stunning views over the continental divide.
We had a good view of Longs Peak, at over 14,000ft
Hiking on the compacted snow near the start of the trail
We made it to the second trail going up to Mills Lake at 16:00 and started the hike on the snowy trail. The trail passed Alberta falls and carried on up the ‘Glacier Valley’. Lots of snow on the trial slowed us down abit. We made it to the lake a little late but it was worth it. The views were stunning and we were all alone. On the way back down the weather started to turn and soon we were hiking in light snow fall.
Alberta falls
Mills lake
By the time we got to the car park the snow was falling thick and it looked like the ride down to the hotel was going to be challenging… and it was!
As the snow storm was starting up the mountain
Our helmets fogged up quickly, snow persisted on the road which slowed our progress down quite a bit. Lucky I have a good light set up on the bike (which I had to clear the snow off on a few occasions) to see the road and the numerous Elk. We eventually made it back to hotel at 21:00 cold and happy to be off the road!
Fortunately we made it through the door as the hotels restaurant wasclosing down, they were kind enough to feed us! Just as well since the alternative options would be 5 Kms away into town. Warm, dry and fed we headed off to bed, ready for a good sleep after our 20km hike in the mountains and challenging ride home!
TA
Seems like snow and bad weather is not giving up on you!
Restaurant closed for breakfast, almost closed for dinner, late risers and early sleepers they are up there!
Well, as long as there’s the road and the elk, the hikes and a warm place to lay down the day’s not wasted.
Baci and over to your next post
20km up and down in this weather !! That’s quite a lot !
Snowfall in the dark is not really what you need while riding on the bike…
Have a good rest and see you tomorrow with hopefully …lots of sunshine.
xx Mum