Quandary Peak

Last night I camped at the pleasant Peak One Campground near the Dillon Reservoir. 

My site was really nothing special, but it was fun to watch the chipmunks,

and I had a great view of a mountain that I suppose is Peak One. 

This morning I woke up at 4 am and packed up camp and ate breakfast. Then, I made the short drive into Breckenridge where I parked at the South Gondola Parking Structure and caught the first shuttle of the day bound for the Quandary Peak Trailhead. We arrived in the dark at about 5:30 and I immediately hit the trail. 

The hike starts by following a short section of road, before veering off onto a true hiking trail. 

The first mile or so of trail, passes through a pleasant, wooded area with a steady, but not too steep, incline.

I reached tree line just as the sun rose through a low bank of clouds. 

Soon, the climbing would start in earnest. There were nice views off to the south and the Blue Lakes.

As I ascended higher, I caught a glimpse of several pikas 

and a large flock of rosy finches. 

There were intermittent stretches of sun and clouds.

However, by the time I found myself at the final climb to the summit, I was completely engulfed in clouds.

The last mile was pretty slow going. I would hike for about 100 yards and then take a short break. Eventually, I was standing on the summit without any view of the surrounding landscape.

I spent about 5 minutes at the summit area, but it was cold and there wasn't any view and so I headed down. As I descended, the clouds started to lift a bit offering some nice views.

The going down was much easier than the ascent and I was able to enjoy the view and the wildflowers more than I had on the way up.

A ground squirrel seemed to pose for a picture just off the trail.

I was back to the trailhead in time for the 10:30 shuttle back to Breckenridge. I feel like I made pretty good time. I would estimate 3 hours up and 2 hours on the way back. Once back to the parking structure, it was a long drive back home. 

7:30 Mine Trail

 Today was day one of my annual 14er climbing trip. This year I will make an attempt on Quandary Peak near Breckenridge, Colorado. However, for a warm-up hike, today would take me up the 7:30 Mine Trail to the Griffin Memorial.

I started my day at the Kelly Dahl Campground outside of Nederland, Colorado. Unlike my previous stays at this campground, last night I practically had the place to myself. This morning, I woke up, ate breakfast, packed up camp and then hit the road. After a brief stop in Idaho Springs to grab a coffee, I drove on to the small town of Silver Plume and parked downtown to start my hike up the 7:30 Mine Trail. 

Right at the start of the trail there is some old mining infrastructure, including what appears to be some type of flume.

The trail climbs steadily right from the start. Luckily the grades are not too steep. Soon a view opens up over the town of Silver Plume.

The trail continues to ascend, passing more mining relics.

Occasionally, the trail passes through stands of attractive aspen trees.

Moving on, I passed an old, rotting mining shack.

Then I found an old mine adit. 

Since it wasn't sealed, I went in a short distance and looked out.

Further up the trail were more mines, these were grated off.

Soon, I arrived at the Clifford Griffin Memorial, the final resting place of a man who had been born in England. 

The views from the memorial were pretty spectacular. I could look down onto traffic on Interstate 70 far below.

There was also a view of a tall, slender waterfall trickling down the mountain nearby.

I continued on the trail past the memorial and found more evidence of mining activity.

I could also look back to the Griffin Memorial looming over Clear Creek far below.

I made my way back towards the trailhead enjoying the occasional view.

I even caught a glimpse of the Georgetown Loop Railroad which Noelle, Sierra, and I had ridden a few years ago.

Piedmont, Wyoming Charcoal Kilns and Ghost Town

 After our hike of Waterfall Canyon in Ogden, we made our way east through Weber and Echo Canyons and into Wyoming. Near the town of Evanston, we took a detour off the interstate to the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns. The kilns are very photogenic and very interesting. 

They were once located right on the railroad route. However, once the railroad was rerouted, the kilns and nearby community of Piedmont were virtually abandoned. We made the drive from the kilns to the remains of the town and I had a quick look at the buildings there.