Gunnison, CO
July 15, 2016
If you are interested in a short hike with lots of punch, try the hike to Green Lake. It is a 5.5 mile round trip in-out hike with an elevation gain of 1,365. The trailhead is located on Kebler Pass Road. Once you pass Irwin Lake/Campground there is a parking lot at the solar panel shed. If you have a 4X4 vehicle you can continue driving .9 of a mile on the service road through private property. Joe and I chose the latter option.
Our hike began on the service road.
The climb was steady as we snaked around the base of Ruby Range.
Corydalis grow in thick bunches up to 5 feet tall. The pink and white flowers smell sweet like lilacs.
We came to a sharp bend in the road and stopped to take a break.
From here we made a steady climb on a more narrow trail.
Looking left we could see the road we had traversed (left top quadrant).
...then slippery and steep like this...
...then scree...
...and finally like this.
One side of Green Lake was lined with wildflowers. I walked a narrow path along the water. Looking towards the lake...
and away from the lake...
The water was crystal clear and very cold. I love my new waterproof Merrell hiking boots !
Two sides of the lake was scree. A very steep side that I did not choose to conquer this day,
but the opposing side was flat and easy to traverse...
...with hidden gems.
It was a glorious day. A hike Joe and I highly recommend.
Until next time, happy days and...
happy...
HAPPY TRAILS!
Wildflower information from Wild About Wildflowers by Katherine Darrow
