Hiking Between Hunting Seasons

Steve & Jack the Jack Russel Terrier at the edge of an Aspen stand

Over the river and through the woods.....

Okay, maybe not. More like around the cattle pond and through the Aspen but not to Grandmother's house either. Fall hiking is a beautiful thing in our area but beware of the hunters. Steve is a friend of ours who is extremely knowledgeable on the local trails, mountains and hunting season dates. We planned this hike yesterday because it falls on the off days between two hunting seasons. Here in Colorado, the hunting seasons are short (only a week or two) and there are off days in between them. This is nice for hikers and mountain bikers who would also like to enjoy the fall colors without getting shot at or sporting the blaze orange attire. We tried to go for a hike at Molas Pass (10,000 ft), only to find it too snowy for our dress. We backtracked down the road to Cascade Creek. Parking at the Forest Service parking area we had the choice of following the lower trail along Cascade creek or heading north up the Engineer trail. While the trail does eventually go all the way to Engineer Mountain, it is the long way. The more popular trail for Engineer is the trail head at the top of Coalbank pass. We chose to go high and head north, giving us more sun exposure and better views.

Me & Doug

Nice Doug butt. While I was able to smile and show my good side for the camera, Doug apparently thought his butt was his good side. We hiked a single track that switch backed up the mountain side. It went in and out of aspen stands and across hillside meadows. The air was crisp and the warm sun felt good.

Steve with the snowcapped Twilight Peaks

Keeping a watchful eye out for elk, Steve scanned the edges of the trees for movement. We never did see any that day, for we had set out too late and they were all bedded down in the cool shade. However, we did find fresh chew marks on some of the tress and hear a calf squeal off in a thicket of dense pine. We continued our climb until our bellies rumbled and the view was too good to pass up.

Looking south towards the Animas River Valley with Electra Lake shimmering in the distance

After dining on chicken salad pitas, apples and cheese; we shared some chocolate and "Cowboy Lube" for dessert. "Cowboy Lube" is a concoction of cherry liquor and some sort of brandy that Steve mixes up and puts in little packable squeeze bottles. Smooth and not harsh on the tongue, it has a way of loosening things up and making the afternoon run smoother, hence the name. With a full belly and sunshine on my shoulders, it was time for a short siesta.

Jack the Jack Russel Terrier, stood guard while Steve and I lay back to let our food settle.

We hiked down the mountain, back to the truck and called it a day. What a peaceful way to enjoy the afternoon with a good friend and a bunch of dogs.

Get Outside!!