See linked document for full description of this hike. Hike Overview: From the parking area, we cross to the east side of US 285 and begin the gradual ascent to the east on the trail in the Foothills vegetation zone. At around a half-mile while ascending the ridge on the east side of the highway, the transition to Montane forest zone begins. Here, the trail begins to pick up more elevation with repeated steeper and more gradual sections up to the first ridge crossing at 1.25 miles and 9100 feet elevation with some outstanding views, especially of the southern Sawatch Range, including Mount Ouray. Continuing east, we now drop in elevation, about 100 feet, in more dense forest and aspen forest at 1.6 miles. We turn more north and at about 2 miles reach a long meadow where the trail begins to pick up elevation gain intensity as we enjoy great views. At about 2.25 miles we cross the spine of a second ridge and drop back into forest for the final ascent to the top of the ridge at 2.52 miles and 9520 feet. At this point, we climb around the south and west sides of the long outcrop to its north end at 2.75 miles and 9540 feet, where we will stop for lunch and enjoy beautiful views. We will return to the cars via the same route. On the return, we get to again enjoy the views through the meadow descent and at the top of the first ridge crossing before dropping into the lower forest on the return to the vehicles.
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