16 replies to this topic

[druwdowns]

7.24.2005 Sunday

G'pa Downs, Mountain Tiger and Druw

We left the Lily Mountain trailhead, which is close to the southern edge of Estes Park on Hwy 7, at about 9:30. We had selected this hike because it sounded like a nice moderate hike after the previous day spent in the car. The hike is just a little less than two miles from trailhead to summit with about a 1200 feet elevation gain.

[druwdowns]

While the trail may not end at a lake or follow a mountain stream, the hike does have some great views to offer. There were a half dozen overlooks on the way to the summit that give a different perspective of the Estes valley. Most of the overlooks were available by making 10 to 25 foot scrambles to gain the top of rock formations. These were quite fun for MT.

[druwdowns]

We reached the summit at about 11:15.

Edited by druwdowns, 03 August 2005 - 08:01 PM.

[SandyP]

Those are beautiful pictures! A beautiful girl and a beautiful mountain scene

They sure are having stunning skies these days up there, aren't they????

Thanks for sharing that with us! I always love vicarously experiencing hiking trips with people.

[druwdowns]

There are many great views from this little summit.

Here is the Estes Park valley.

[druwdowns]

A view of our last year's home - the Y of the Rockies.

[druwdowns]

This is a real surprising hike. I would recommend it for the summit views alone. We were playing around quite a bit, but I'm guessing that it could be done in two hours with little effort.

We best not forget to pick a photo bouquet for momma to take back down the mountain.



~Druw~

[druwdowns]

Those are beautiful pictures!  A beautiful girl and a beautiful mountain scene     

They sure are having stunning skies these days up there, aren't they????

Thanks for sharing that with us!    I always love vicarously experiencing hiking trips with people.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, Sandy. I'm glad you liked it.

~Druw~

[Allie]

Great pictures - it is amazing how little you have to hike to see a beautiful site. Liked all of them, and the flowers were pretty. Thank you.

[Dolenz]

Very much enjoyed the pictures. I think Lily Mtn is going to be one of my sister and I's early hikes. Looking forward to it more now!

[Melanie]

Ditto on the beautiful girl, beautiful pictures. Glad you had such a great trip.
Thanks for letting us "Left Behinders" feel like we are there!


Melanie<><

[druwdowns]

Allie, Dolenz and Melanie,

Thanks for the kind words.

The reports are fun to do. I like going through all the pictures and determining the hightlights of the days events. It is just too bad the pictures can't grasp the pine smell, the breeze blowing up the canyons and the dry cool air. I'll buy that camera as soon as it comes out.

~Druw~

[michiganhiker]

Druw, good point on the "pine smell" you get from the trail. Sometimes we get so focused on racking up the miles or achieving that distant destination that we forget to enjoy the journey. I love the smell of the woods and enjoy hiking slow enough to take in the wildflowers, the critters, the mountain breezes and the sunshine on my face.

[druwdowns]

Well said, MH!

[Hike WI]

I've got Lily Mountain on one of my planned hikes. Thanks for the information. This will help us out.