20 replies to this topic

[zzcoop]

Well, thanks to this year's Snowmageddon, I had to rejigger my "To-Hike" list more or less on the fly this time around in order to keep myself on trails with conditions I was familiar with. A few of them were probably doable, while a few others (like Mills and beyond) were completely impossible, according to the trail condition reports. So rather than take any chances, I opted to just stay "low" and tackle trails I knew would be relatively dry and snow-free.

[pause for Ed's derisive laughter]

Now in a way, this was advantageous because it would allow me to see and do some things that I wouldn't ordinarily have chosen as readily as some of the more "obvious" hikes on my list. So after a bit of research, I determined that Steep Mountain would be a perfect candidate. And to add a bit of flavor, I decided that because of our cabin's location, I would simply start out from there. Basically, the route I chose was to hike into the park via a short stroll down highway 66 and into Moraine Park, where I could hook up with the Tuxedo-Hollowell trail and make my way from there. Worked out great. Not necessarily the most grand or scenic hike I've ever been on, but it was definitely an enjoyable one.

Shortly after squeezing through the locked gate and entering the park, I stopped to adjust my camera strap. A quick *snap* of a twig alerted me to this fella, who kept me company for a while.



We visited for a bit (with me doing most of the talking for a change) and he made his way across the trail and down to the river for an afternoon drink.



Heading into Moraine Park.



Tuxedo-Hollowell trail climbing along Bear Lake Road.





Looking back.



Storms firing over Longs, right on schedule.



Taking a break in the shade, looking back down the trail near Hollowell Park.



Clouds lifting and condensing above South Lateral Moraine.



Steep Mountain on the right. From this vantage point, it sure doesn't appear to be nearly 500 ft higher than that little knob on the left.



Although there's no trail to the summit, the route makes itself obvious by way of the gully that skirts to the right of the large aspen grove (as confirmed by ScottO in my "Wish List" thread.)

Continued in the next post…

[zzcoop]

Looking back towards Hollowell Park after starting the climb up the gully. And I think now would be a good time to say that I don't know who names these things, but "Steep Mountain" is about as apt a moniker for this modest peak as any. It's a deceiving little climb for sure.



The aspen grove. I love this spot, and it's definitely somewhere I want to revisit when the fall color is in full swing.



A look over towards the divide as I continue to rapidly gain elevation up the slope towards the forested approach to the summit.



Another thing Scott mentioned was the double summit. Of course, I emerged from the trees at the "wrong" one. I scrambled across the ridge a fair distance to the true summit, or at least what I guesstimated to be the summit since it appeared to (finally) be the highest point around.

It was windy up there.



Really windy.



In between gusts, I practiced my blocking skills. Shown here is the Longs Peak Knee Block.



This is an unsuccessful block, but no summit would be complete without the Swadley "Touchdown" victory pose.



I don't know what this is. But I don't see Longs, do you? That's a block in my book.



I think I need a lot more practice.



Enjoying a spectacular view of Longs from the summit.



After having a snack and taking a few useful pics, I made my way back down. I know Bill and Diane had mentioned the possibility of doing this hike today, but I never did see them. It's quite possible they saw me, but were too frightened by my asinine antics to attempt approaching me. Nevertheless, it was an awesome hike and one that I probably wouldn't have thought about if the conditions had been more "normal" for this time of year. Just goes to show you that there's always something awesome awaiting you no matter when or where you find yourself in the park.

Edited by zzcoop, 26 June 2011 - 02:42 PM.

[Rhonda]

Spectacular report! Pictures were fantastic, and blocking skills are to be envied!

[iceberg]

Awesome! When you mentioned Bill & Diane not wanting to approach you due to your antics I was already thinking that while looking at all of your blocking poses. I could see myself doing something wacky & have some unsuspecting hikers stumble upon me only to think I was a complete nut job, but then again frolicking knows no limits in my book so I say bravo! I love the block pose you couldn't think of a name for. How about the "one legged crunch with optional use of hands." (Which you appear to have utilized since it looks like you're hanging on for dear life.) Well done!

[Allie]

You are so much fun, Coop. Love the photos and your commentary.

[zzcoop]

Thanks! And what the heck, here are a few more pics. I didn't see a whole lot of critters along the way, save for the elk at the beginning of the hike, a horse and rider on the way back, and this guy hovering above me the whole time I was making my way up to the summit. Not exactly the least ominous of sights…



My stuff, scattered about the summit.



Looking east, across Moraine park from the summit area.



Saw this ruggedly handsome shadow as I was making my way back through Moraine Park. Striking in its masculinity.

[Monica]

What a fantastic report. I would expect nothing less. Looks like John is getting a run for his money when it comes to blocking skills. Way to go!

[zzcoop]

iceberg, on 26 June 2011 - 04:07 PM, said:

I could see myself doing something wacky & have some unsuspecting hikers stumble upon me only to think I was a complete nut job, but then again frolicking knows no limits in my book so I say bravo!

Thanks, Kristin. And I agree with you completely. It's all about having fun. And flopping around like a jackass seems to be my way of doing so. I'm just glad most of you seem to enjoy (or at the very least tolerate) my goofy approach to this stuff. A little bit goes a long way. One thing I try to do with all of my solo hikes is come home with plenty of stuff to not only show the girls the beauty of the park, but hopefully make them laugh as well. Be it at my expense or otherwise.

[ScottO]

Coop, nice job on the report and photography. I'm glad you enjoyed Steep Mountain.

ScottO

[mwilson]

Hmmm....wonder if steep mountain is something an old lady could do. Of course, I will not post any reports this year because they would be so boring compared to yours. Glad you had fun and enjoyed your report and pics. Keep them coming.

[zzcoop]

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if I can do it, then an old lady can do it in half the time.

[Becky J.]

Loved your report and humor.

Becky J.

[iceberg]

zzcoop, on 26 June 2011 - 07:28 PM, said:

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if I can do it, then an old lady can do it in half the time.

Marsha, I say go for it. The distance from the base to the top is very short & you can stop as often as you need to & look at the great views.

[Mark Zemmin]

This is good report. You have some nice pictures and your commentary is always entertaining. Well done.

[DeeCeeM]

Fabulous report and pictures! Bravo!