Avalanche Creek - great early season hike

Once skiing is done, we in Colorado refer the next few weeks as "mud season."  Like the name implies, the retreating snows leave behind a lot of muddy trails.  One of my favorite early season hikes is Avalanche Creek.  It works well for a few reasons.  The first is its elevation.  The trailhead starts at 7,400 feet, which isn't too high.  By mid-April, that area is usually snow-free.  The east-west orientation of the valley also works toward its favor, as it gets sun all day long by then, and dried out quickly.

Because of the seasonal closure of the Avalanche Creek road (to protect the bighorn sheep), you might need to park at the gate and walk a couple miles to the trailhead.  The walk itself is pleasant enough.  Crossing Bulldog Creek is easy, and the first mile of the trail past the campground ought to be dry. 

In May, when higher elevation and northern-facing trails are still holding much snow, you can hike all the way past Duley Park (but not too much farther).

Snowshoeing is the way to go

Snowshoeing was much easier this weekend, as we enjoyed the warmest weather since November.  The snow was much more settled, and we didn't have to wear nearly as much clothing. 

A friend took us to visit some friends of his.  Their house is accesible only by snowshoe and snowmobile in the winter.  We parked by the road and hiked about a third of a mile uphill.  Then we went farther up with our hosts, exploring the landscape high above the river.

Snowshoeing in the Raggeds Wilderness

Starting at Erickson Springs, we snowshoed up Anthracite Creek into the Raggeds Wilderness Area.  This trail is called Dark Canyon, probably because the steep sides prevent the winter sun from reaching the bottom.  The photo above was taken after we came out of the canyon, and is looking westward, or downstream.

Erickson Springs is between Kebler Pass and the Paonia Dam, in western Colorado.

Your day pack contents - what to carry on every hike in the mountains

 

It may sound like a cliche, but the weather in the mountains is very unpredictable.  It can snow any month of the year, and afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the summer.  Being prepared, by bringing the right things in your pack, can make the difference between a pleasant backcountry outing and a very uncomfortable - or dangerous - day in the wilderness.

• A day pack should be large enough to hold your things, and have a hip-belt for both support and stability.  Pockets and loops for strapping on additional items are helpful.
• Water - I bring two liters for every hike, and a water filter for long days.  It's easy to get dehydrated in the upper elevations, especially on strenuous hikes.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and sun hat - the high altitude sun is laser-like, and can scorch your skin in little time
• Rain jacket and rain pants - the waterproof and breathable materials are well worth the extra cost; they're much more comfortable and keep you drier because they allow your body's moisture to evaporate
• Fleece jacket and pants - there have been days in June and August when I was glad to have the added warmth of a fleece layer under my rain gear; if you have room, throw in a fleece hat and gloves
• First aid kit, LED flashlight, butane lighter, pocketknife, and some nylon cord - you probably won't use them, but they take up little space, and you'll be damn glad you have them should the need arise
• Food - you know what your body needs, so adjust accordingly; I tend to favor fruit (dried and fresh), nuts, cheese, and crackers, because they pack a lot of calories in a small amount of space and are very satisfying
• A good topographic map - so many of the trails are easy to follow, and as you gain experience you'll be more confident in your ability to find your way around, but maps are helpful in identifying surrounding landmarks and knowing your elevation
• Camera - whether it's a lightweight point-and-shoot or a fancy DSLR, you'll want to capture the scenery to share with friends and family
• OPTIONAL (items that aren't necessary, but make things more comfortable if you're willing to carry them) - toilet paper, camp chair, light tarp (with grommets), camera tripod, spare socks
• CLOTHING - the new wickable fabrics make life outside so much more comfortable, as they pull moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and warm; whether you wear boots or sturdy shoes is your choice, but respect your feet in your choice of both footwear and socks - your feet are your way back to the trailhead