50 Hikes for 2012-13: September 2013

Hike #41 - Jerome Hill Climb, Jerome, AZ

This unique event is a 4.5 mile uphill run on paved and dirt roads that begins at the Jerome Historical Museum and passes through historic downtown Jerome, past the Gold King Mine before finishing on a nearby mountain top with gorgeous views of Sedona.
This was a challenging run/hike but a lot of fun. Most people walk a good portion of this due to the steep hills. Approx. 250 people attended, September 1, 2013.

Hike #40 - Long Canyon, Sedona, AZ

We hiked this trail the end of August, the day after a downpour in Sedona. The forest was damp with the fragrant scent of pine everywhere. The ground was soft as we walked on a carpet of leaves and pine needles. The low hanging clouds hugged Maroon Mountain to our right and we couldn't stop taking photos every few steps. We followed the old jeep road for the first mile. In the distance we could hear a flute. As we drew closer, the gentleman playing the flute called to us from a rock above the trail and invited us up to see the view and feel the cool breeze. We were glad we accepted his invitation as he was quite knowledgeable about the area. Another forest volunteer recommended a side hike from there to a slick rock area where we found several cave like areas that looked like Indian ruins. The Long Canyon trail is approx. 7 miles RT with an elevation gain of 828'.

Hike #39 - Alberta Falls Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Alberta Falls

The moderate level trail to Alberta Falls is 1.4 miles out and back. There are semi-steep hills but the total elevation gain is only 160'. It is one of the most popular and crowded trails in the park. We hiked this trail after hiking around Bear Lake. The waterfall roars through a granite chute with huge rock slabs scattered around to sit and enjoy the beauty and sound of the water. The trail passes through aspen groves then into pine forest.

Bull Elk - Near entrance to RMNP

Hike #38 - Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Long's Peak in the background. We hiked there the day prior.

Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in the park. The half mile trail around the perimeter of the lake is easy and enjoyable for families. The lake sits at 9,450' and was formed from a glacier. There were endless photo opportunities around this lake. We arrived early before the crowds and had no trouble finding a parking place.

Hike #37 - Chasm Lake Trail - Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

The 8.4 RT trail to Chasm Lake starts at the Long's Peak trail head near Estes Park Colorado. Paul and I hiked to Chasm Lake on our way down from hiking to the Keyhole of Long's Peak in late July, 2013. This trail is open year round and is open for snow shoeing in the winter. Chasm Lake trail is a great day hike passing through lush green forest, crossing streams, views of waterfalls, Peacock Lake, finally ending with a steep ascent over boulders to get up to the lake. There is an elevation gain of 2,489'. There are at least (2) "privy" (open air latrines) along the way. The lake is beautiful, clear and peaceful with Long's Peak towering above. We thoroughly enjoyed this hike!

Peacock Lake

Privy

Llama

Hike #36 - Long's Peak, Keyhole Route - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Keyhole

Long's Peak is one of the 54 mountains with summits over 14,000' in Colorado. It was named after an explorer named Stephen Long who explored the area in the 1820's. The most popular trail is called the Keyhole route. It is one of the most difficult fourteeners in Colorado. The last mile requires some technical climbing and it is recommended to hike during the summer season which is mid July through early September. One person I spoke to along the hike said it is recommended to hike before August 12th for the best weather conditions.
The best advice for the Long's Peak Keyhole route is to come prepared for all conditions; cold, rain, hail, sleet, snow, lightening and all other imaginable weather conditions. See http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/longs_peak_conditions_report.htm for current weather conditions.

Paul and I hiked this trail on August 23, 2013 and experienced frigid cold temps and strong wind near the keyhole. We started the trail at 3:00 a.m. as recommended to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and lightening. We were surprised to see the parking lot at the trail head already full at this hour! The trail was easy to follow, even in the dark and well maintained. The starting elevation is around 9,400' and the summit is 14,259'. The total RT distance is approx. 15 miles. Unfortunately, we had to turn back near the keyhole due to the cold and wind since we did not have proper clothing and didn't feel safe to continue. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/upload/keyhole_route_2011.pdf