Aspen Trail – 2014/4/28

I often avoid the Marshall Gulch Trailhead – often uncomfortably jammed with cars and sometimes an inspiring but overwhelming number of people – but it does quickly take you to an amazing area of the mountain – Aspen Trail up and back today.

1404 Horned Lizard
A horned Lizard along the Aspen Trail. April 2014.

 

1404 Antennas on the Ridge from the Aspen Trail
Antennas on Radio Ridge from the Aspen Trail. April 2014.

 

1404 Snow Hiding under a Pine Tree high on the Aspen Trail
High on the trail there was snow hiding under some of the young pines – the storm the previous weekend had dropped the snow, I was surprised to still see it on the mountain. April 2014.

Mint Spring, Marshall Gulch, Blackett’s Ridge – 2014/4/19

1404 Mint at Mint Spring
A small mint growing near Mint Spring. April 2014.

The gray overcast sky was a surprise and a delight when we looked outside – the temperatures have started to soar, reminding us of summer, but today was quite cool. Summerhaven was not as crowded as I expected for a holiday weekend and we were alone at the Mint Spring Trailhead. We hiked slowly – our friend was testing out a new pack and had it loaded with his overnight gear – savoring the views, watching birds and enjoying the clouds. We turned onto the Marshall Gulch Trail – plenty of water here – and eventually took the road back to the car.

1404 Alison and Bill on the Mint Spring Trail
Arriving at the Mint Spring, Aspen, Wilderness of Rocks, Marshall Gulch junction. April 2014.

In the evening I met a friend and we ran/hiked up Blackett’s Ridge catching a great sun set from the ridge – a lovely trail with superb conversation – a perfect way to end the day!

1404 Ending the Day on Blackett's Ridge
End of the day on Blackett’s Ridge – the clouds kept the day cool and created an incredible sunset! April 2014.

Mint Spring, Marshall Gulch, Aspen Trail – 2014/4/10

1404 Running on the Aspen Trail
Running on the (well named!) Aspen Trail. April 2014.

Great weather – Mint Spring (water at the spring!), Marshall Gulch (plenty of water, other friendly hikers), Aspen Trail (great views and new Pines along the trail) and back on the Mint Spring Trail – great weather, but maybe a touch warmer than I thought it would be…

1404 Thimble and Brinkley from the Aspen Trail
A great view from the Aspen Trail – Thimble Peak on the left, Brinkley Point on the right, Mount Wrightson in the background! April 2014.