Gunnison, CO
July 18, 2016
Hasley Pass is a great hike that takes you off the beaten path and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Elk Mountains. But to get to the trail we first had to traverse the very popular West Maroon Trail for just under 2 miles. (West Maroon trail is a 12 mile hike to Aspen.)
Hasley Pass is rated as a moderate 5.5 mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,816 feet. Max elevation is 12,120 feet.
West Maroon trail had the prettiest display of wildflowers we have seen here.
The Columbine were especially pretty.
At just under 2 miles, we went left at the fork. From here, the slope kicks in for a steep climb to the alpine basin.
The pass offers striking views.
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| Yikes...notice the dark clouds ! |
Well, as you might have guessed, that didn't happen. We were lost with dark skies and thunder looming. Joe surveyed the area and we slowly made our way down heading in the right direction. In hindsight, we should have turned around and returned using the trail we had just hiked. But all along, we kept thinking we could see the trail and every time it turned out to be a dud.
We carefully trudged our way down steep sloping meadows, over/through fast running creeks, and the forest thick with downed trees all the while batting at the flies attacking us.
This is just one of the false alarms. In-between the meadow and forest is a fast running wide creek we had to cross. This trail went nowhere.
The forest was dark as we climbed over, under, and around the huge fallen dead trees.
This is the only picture I took before I got spooked. I realized we were in bear country !
Finally we saw a cabin hidden in the trees.
WHEW...what an adventure !
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| Scarlet Paintbrush |
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| Tall Chiming Bells |
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| Aspen Sunflowers |
HAPPY TRAILS !
What another wonderful hike and love your pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks George and Susie.
DeleteIt's a little freaky to get "lost" in bear country, isn't it? We use the Runkeeper app...it makes a map as you walk so you can find your way back to your vehicle if you lose your way (as long as you remember to start it a your vehicle in the first place). That's some gorgeous country and long distance views!
ReplyDeleteWe definitely need to be better prepared Lisa. We have made wrong turns before, but never have we been lost with no trail. We knew the general direction thank goodness.
DeleteIt's a beautiful hike and if we do it again, we will do an in and out...
I would say you were a little exposed up there above timberline with those dark clouds. Adrenalin is a cool drug, eh?
ReplyDeleteBox Canyon Mark
Yes it is Mark. Between the dark skies and biting flies, we were definitely motivated !
DeleteIt's like hiking through a garden but with breathtaking scenery too. Losing one's direction in unfamiliar territory can be unsettling I know, been there, done that. Glad all turned out well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gayle... It was a beautiful hike, but I was sure glad to see Pearl and head home!
DeleteI can totally sympathize with your situation. Turning around is the best route but having a wonderful hiking partner with a great sense of direction can make getting back to the car VERY interesting when one loses the trail! We have been in this situation too many times. And wandering around in bear country is a little spooky. Hope you had your bear spray along:) But it was a gorgeous hike!! Those mountains views with all the wildflowers are magnificent! Wow! So glad to hear Joe led you out safely. I love your new header!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam...and no, we did not have bear spray! It's in the bag now though along with bug spray! The flies were horrible and my legs are covered in bites.
DeleteThe pictures are definitely gorgeous. Glad you made it back safely. You sure are daring folks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeri. Getting lost was alittle over the top for us....
DeleteBreathtaking views - thanks for making the hike and sharing the pics
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure....one of the prettiest hikes ever!
DeleteAwesome hike with breathtaking views and thanks for naming the flowers, I found them here too :)
ReplyDeleteYour welcome MonaLiza....enjoy East Glacier!
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