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

Sunrise - We had already been hiking 3+ hours

At the "Y" - Trail to Chasm Lake or to Boulder Field

Beautiful forest trail up to treeline

Llama's are used by the park service to carry the waste from the "privy".

Hike #35 - Jim Thompson Trail, Sedona, AZ

Paul and I hiked the Jim Thompson trail on a warm day in July, 2013.  We started early in the morning in order to beat the heat after having our omelette at the Coffeepot restaurant.  This was a surprisingly wonderful hike, clearly marked and easy to find, just follow the signs off of Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona.  The trail is wider than most having been used as a wagon road in the 1880's by Jim Thompson. He built the road himself to connect his home in Oak Creek Canyon with his Sedona homestead.  
This is a popular trail for mountain bikers. The vegetation is mostly pine trees and manzanita.  We passed a few drop off areas that I am sure turn into waterfalls after a good rain. Around the half way point you arrive at the base of the sheer walls of Steamboat Rock. The trail is 2.65 miles one way with an elevation gain of 235'.  It took approx. 2 hrs 30 mins round trip.  Around the 2 mile mark, we saw a sign for Wilson Canyon and Wilson Mountain.  We hiked into the canyon until we came to a sign indicating the end of the trail.

Hike #34 - Teacup Trail, Sedona, AZ

The Teacup Trail in Sedona is a 3.2 mile round trip, moderate hike with an elevation change of only 150' .  It passes under Coffeepot Rock and connects with Soldier's Pass Trail by the Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole. A herd of javelina crossed the trail a few yards in front of us.  We also hiked the Sugarloaf Trail and Summit Trail which had a beautiful panoramic view of Sedona.  We always have an omelette at the Coffeepot restaurant in West Sedona which is right in front of Coffeepot Rock on 89A.

Hike #33 - The Subway, Zion National Park, UT

The Subway

Paul and I learned about The Subway hike while visiting Zion National Park in 2012.  After researching this semi-technical hike that goes into a slot canyon, we decided to get additional training in canyoneering and rappelling to be better prepared and safe. We acquired a permit several weeks in advance. There are two routes to reach the Subway.  One starts at the Left Fork Trailhead, 8.1 miles above Virgin, hiking a steep descent into the canyon and then 4 1/2 miles upstream boulder hopping. We hiked from the top starting at Wildcat Trailhead, on the Kolob Reservoir Road about 15.3 miles above the town of Virgin.  We reserved a shuttle that dropped us off at the top (Wildcat) and we left our car at the bottom (West Fork).  To complete the hike you wade/swim/scramble/climb/rappel down the Left Fork of North Creek.  The water was cold in July but not cold enough that I needed a wet suit.  We were happy to have rented helmets, harness, rope, and belay devices and to have practiced using these items a few times prior to doing this hike.  There were good anchors set at each place requiring ropes.  The hike took a full 8 hours and 15 mins and we took few breaks.  The last 4 1/2 miles of scrambling over boulders seemed like it would never end and used up a lot of energy. Someone with good upper body strength could do this hike with only ropes but I felt much safer and more comfortable rappelling.  The drops were from approx. 8' to 20'.  As with any slot canyon, the weather is a big factor so that you do not encounter flash floods.

Steep descent into canyon.

The first drop. Awkward angle.

The final rappel approx. 20'