Sunday, April 23, 2023

Guernsey State Park: Davis Bay and Newell Bay Loop

I had a wonderful time hiking at Guernsey State Park last week and so when Noelle and I decided we wanted to get out to enjoy the nice weather today, I thought it would it would be fun to return and do another hike, this time with Noelle, Sierra and Rosie.

We picked up some sandwiches in Scottsbluff and made our way west to the park. We paid the entrance fee, and then drove to the trailhead at Davis Bay where we ate our sandwiches at one of the campsites. Then, we hit the trail. 


The trail started with a relatively steep climb on a spur to the starts of the Davis Bay Loop. We decided to follow the trail in a clockwise direction. The next section of the hike continued to ascend,

eventually leading to some nice views overlooking the Guernsey Reservoir.



Soon the trail left the edge of the cliffs overlooking the water and headed inland. We crossed the Brimmer Point Road and found ourselves at a neat looking bridge that crosses a small canyon at the start of the short Brimmer Point Trail. 


At this point, I believe the trail becomes the Newell Point Trail. We followed it partway down into a small, interesting canyon.



The trail continued to follow a bench partway down the canyon. Views both downcanyon and upcanyon were pretty interesting.


In some of the warm, south-facing areas the spring's first wildflowers were in bloom: Hood's phlox and violet.



As we exited the canyon, we had views of the reservoir again. This time cabins lined the shore. The trail took a turn towards the west offering lots of great views out towards Laramie Peak. 


As the trail switchbacked east, views opened up across the water.



Soon, our trail approached a cluster of small caves. 


Not surprising, since the rock here is mostly limestone. We explored the caves for a bit 


before continuing on the loop.


The trail ascended to a flat area, crossed the Brimmer Point Road, and then started to descend on some fairly steep switchbacks back towards the car. 


On this homestretch we caught our last views of the reservoir and Laramie Peak.


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