14 replies to this topic

[B-Jay]

With fall colors pretty much at their peak, it was a good time to take the Bierstadt Lake Trail, which never disappoints when it comes to autumn splendor. We parked the car at the trailhead for Bierstadt Lake, but took the bus up to Bear Lake to begin the hike. This morning was one of the few days on our trip where there were clouds in the sky.

Bear Lake



As we started going uphill, I turned around and saw the mist/clouds surrounding the mountain framed by the aspen.



When we got to the lake the sun was shining and we found a spot to take a break.



Before long we were surrounded by gray jays looking for food. While I snacked on an energy bar, John took some pictures of the jays.



One of the little robbers thought he could steal away my energy bar. No luck.



We left the lake and started down the 12 switchbacks. This is the part of the trail which literally takes my breath away with fall colors. I'm glad the trail wasn't crowded because I would often just stop in the middle of the trail and admire the views.



A little lower down, the views were still gorgeous.



We finished our hike in time for lunch at the Baldpate, where the salad bar was in an old bathtub.



It was just another great day in the mountains!

B-Jay

[DrCloud]

That's one of my favorite walks -- there's just enough up at the start to get your blood pumping, and then it's all downhill.

That shot up the side of the valley toward (what's left of) the glacier is lovely -- this looks like it was one of the best aspen seasons in years. HPH

[Rhonda]

What a beautiful day and hike! Made one of your fall color photos my background on my laptop.

[Monica]

I can sure see why it was another great day in the mountains.
What a great report.
I love the picture of the mountains framed by the aspens.

Do you recommend the Baldpate?

[DeeCeeM]

That's some beautiful fall foliage. Thanks for sharing.

[John]

Those shots with the aspens are amazing!

[dianeh85]

Your pictures are gorgeous!! Still just a few of those leaves hanging on for dear life!

[Joyce]

All good pictures, but the mtns. thru the aspens with mist/clouds is really nice, then the fall colors are great. Thanks

[Scrapinator]

The aspen are beautiful. I also love this hike. Thanks for sharing.

[NWA395]

Love the first photo with the yellowing aspen patch..

[Marvman]

I love walking down from Bierstadt and watching all the poor folks trudging up the switchbacks..... not a clue that they had a fantastic option to the route that they chose.

Marvman

[mwilson]

I've always thought that would be an awesome fall hike. Someday, but in the meantime, I loved seeing it through your report and beautiful photos!

[B-Jay]

Monica, on 18 October 2011 - 12:36 PM, said:

Do you recommend the Baldpate?

Monica, yes I do recommend the Baldpate for a unique experience. It is basically a soup and salad bar buffet with the option of having a slice of homemade pie for an additional charge for dessert. They have a choice of 2 soups with one being either a stew or chili. The day were were there, they had pumpkin curry soup and red chili. The salad bar has lettuce and spinach with a whole bunch of toppings and dressings to add to your salad. There are also a couple of ready made salads, like a fruit salad or Waldorf salad. In addition, they have a selection of homemade breads, muffins and rolls. Beer and wine are also available. I really like the atmosphere of the room and the view of the mountains.

Reservations are a good idea even for lunch during the week. If you want to know what soup they're having for the day, you can check out their daily blog at their website.

Now I'm hungry...

B-Jay

[iceberg]

Baldpate = Yummmmm!

[rcw]

iceberg, on 26 October 2011 - 11:42 AM, said:

Baldpate = Yummmmm!

I thought "Red Robin" was yummmm.