Saturday, August 17, 2019

Chapin Pass Hike

Time for another walk in the Rockies, this time Chapin Pass from : 40.4348, -105.7305 another stunning hike.


The pass and back is about 3.5Miles, not so far, but at 11,200ft the thin air makes it a good work out.

We started pretty early, and off season, I imagine parking gets difficult.

And even though it was 88F in the valley, it was bitter cold with the wind chill.

I think we got some sleet at some point. There's a reason these hills stay green ;)

As we left the shelter of the trees the wind was gusting about 45mph.

That made taking a steady picture a challenge. Chapin pass is a scooch over 12,000ft, from there facing south east you can see Estes Park, and the plains on a clear day. 


On the way back down I took the lower more sheltered route.


Above the Alpine visitors center anchored into the mountain. To the right Ypsilon Mountain and the Mummy range.

back down to tree line.

Beautiful meadows.

stunning.

Elephant flowers.

Well nourished Elk, winter is not far away.


Down the west side of the park are some more different formations. Poudre Lake and Milner rocks.

Fly catcher (I think)

At lake Irene.

Milner rocks again.


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