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.

Mint Spring and Aspen Trails – 2013/12/29

1312 Near the start of the Mint Spring Trail
Snow near the start of the Mint Spring Trail. December 2013.

Mint Spring was a joy with snow on the trail – continued up to the top of the mountain via the Aspen Trail – past the running ski lift – the Summit Parking covered in snow – the top emptier than usual – surprised to see the Turkeys, assumed they would be lower.