Lake Katherine Trail, Mt Zirkel Wilderness, CO July 8, 2005

This is a pullout just west of Walden, CO on county road 12W. I stopped to get a good view of the Zirkel Wilderness area in the distance.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:20:25 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
This is a pullout just west of Walden, CO on county road 12W. I stopped to get a good view of the Zirkel Wilderness area in the distance.

Looking at the southern end of the Zirkel wilderness area. Somewhere there is Rabbit Ears pass where the Hwy 40 crosses over the continental divide heading west to drop into Steamboat Sprin ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:14:19 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Looking at the southern end of the Zirkel wilderness area. Somewhere there is Rabbit Ears pass where the Hwy 40 crosses over the continental divide heading west to drop into Steamboat Sprin ...

Looking at the mid-secion of the Zirkels.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:16:20 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Looking at the mid-secion of the Zirkels.

The very northern section of the Zirkels. This photo also captures a good chunk of North Park which is surrounded on all sides by mountains. A very neat place (ummmm, well, it does get a l ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:18:24 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
The very northern section of the Zirkels. This photo also captures a good chunk of North Park which is surrounded on all sides by mountains. A very neat place (ummmm, well, it does get a l ...

OK. I took the prior 3 photos and created a panaroma photo. Not too bad considering I've only been shooting my first digital camera for only a week or so.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:12:20 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
OK. I took the prior 3 photos and created a panaroma photo. Not too bad considering I've only been shooting my first digital camera for only a week or so.

Looking back east towards Walden, CO. An extremely small, but very friendly, town. When you pass through, please top up your gas tank and take advantage of the local eating establishments. ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:22:30 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Looking back east towards Walden, CO. An extremely small, but very friendly, town. When you pass through, please top up your gas tank and take advantage of the local eating establishments. ...

OK. I'm getting closer to the mountains. I "think" that the area I'm heading for is right in the middle of this photo. Looks good to me : )

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:24:23 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
OK. I'm getting closer to the mountains. I "think" that the area I'm heading for is right in the middle of this photo. Looks good to me : )

That's where I'm headed. The ranch is called the "Lone Pine Ranch" and, interestingly enough the trail I hike up the next day is called the Lone Pine Trail. Fascinating.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:26:28 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
That's where I'm headed. The ranch is called the "Lone Pine Ranch" and, interestingly enough the trail I hike up the next day is called the Lone Pine Trail. Fascinating.

Hawk I passed on the way. Giving me the evil eye.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:28:31 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Hawk I passed on the way. Giving me the evil eye.

Hawk going to find a place with fewer people taking photos. Also, my first BIF photo. BIF means Bird In Flight.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:30:02 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Hawk going to find a place with fewer people taking photos. Also, my first BIF photo. BIF means Bird In Flight.

Looking back down the road (notice it has turned to gravel). You pass through a lot of private land that has worked with the National Forest Service to allow access, so please watch out for ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:33:42 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Looking back down the road (notice it has turned to gravel). You pass through a lot of private land that has worked with the National Forest Service to allow access, so please watch out for ...

Looking up the road. Finally starting to see some trees : )

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:31:47 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Looking up the road. Finally starting to see some trees : )

So, this is the entrance to Routt National Forest. Had to go through some private ranch land (Lone Pine Ranch) to get here. If you get here after dark, this would be a very good place to p ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:35:52 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
So, this is the entrance to Routt National Forest. Had to go through some private ranch land (Lone Pine Ranch) to get here. If you get here after dark, this would be a very good place to p ...

Sun is getting pretty low as I head back to my camp.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:49:26 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Sun is getting pretty low as I head back to my camp.

Camp : ) This was at the end of the road. There was lots of room for me to choose from.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:38:32 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Camp : ) This was at the end of the road. There was lots of room for me to choose from.

After I got my camper set up, I took a hike around the area. Walked down the road a ways also to look at the nice beaver ponds. Pretty area around there. Lots of beaver ponds, trees, and ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:47:03 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
After I got my camper set up, I took a hike around the area. Walked down the road a ways also to look at the nice beaver ponds. Pretty area around there. Lots of beaver ponds, trees, and ...

Next morning, headed up into the Wilderness for a little hike. Around 8-9 miles round trip. Much of the trail was like this. Quite nice.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:41:42 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Next morning, headed up into the Wilderness for a little hike. Around 8-9 miles round trip. Much of the trail was like this. Quite nice.

The lower section of the trail goes through some boggy areas.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:15:17 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
The lower section of the trail goes through some boggy areas.

The entire trail was a sequence of small to medium meadows. There were sections where you had to gain altitude, but you always came back to intervals of nice meadows.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:44:46 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
The entire trail was a sequence of small to medium meadows. There were sections where you had to gain altitude, but you always came back to intervals of nice meadows.

Some Indian Paintbrush (and you thought I didn't know my flowers? : ) OK. It's also known as the "red Colorado mountain flower" to some ignorant types of people.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:06:24 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Some Indian Paintbrush (and you thought I didn't know my flowers? : ) OK. It's also known as the "red Colorado mountain flower" to some ignorant types of people.

Close up.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:08:25 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Close up.

The "official" wilderness entrance sign. The first mile or so of the trail is through regular national forest.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:11:53 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
The "official" wilderness entrance sign. The first mile or so of the trail is through regular national forest.

After around 4 miles, finally hit the high country. This was a high bowl right before the last steep pitch. Little bit of snow left.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:18:24 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
After around 4 miles, finally hit the high country. This was a high bowl right before the last steep pitch. Little bit of snow left.

Wasn't too long ago this was all snow covered.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:21:40 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Wasn't too long ago this was all snow covered.

And there are still a few interesting patches of snow around.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:24:26 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
And there are still a few interesting patches of snow around.

And, of course, I have to take a "flowers against the waterfall" picture : )

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:04:04 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
And, of course, I have to take a "flowers against the waterfall" picture : )

Upper meadows and some intriguing mountains in the distance.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:53:39 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Upper meadows and some intriguing mountains in the distance.

Looking back down.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:42:18 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Looking back down.

Last really "steep" pitch of the trail. Nothing tricky, but steep enough to get the ol heart going : )

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:45:35 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Last really "steep" pitch of the trail. Nothing tricky, but steep enough to get the ol heart going : )

Ran into a Forest service trail-clearing group. The lead ranger stated they only get to each trail every 2-3 years. Lots of trails to cover. Two were actual Forest Service employees. Th ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:48:25 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Ran into a Forest service trail-clearing group. The lead ranger stated they only get to each trail every 2-3 years. Lots of trails to cover. Two were actual Forest Service employees. Th ...

Snow bridge.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:51:00 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Snow bridge.

Hmmmm. Somewhere down there is my truck. I think I have to walk back to it. I try not to consider that issue at this point.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:53:13 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Hmmmm. Somewhere down there is my truck. I think I have to walk back to it. I try not to consider that issue at this point.

Finally over the steep section, but still gradually gaining elevation towards the continental divide. It's so gradual, and pretty, that I don't care. It's a good thing that there are rock ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:55:29 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Finally over the steep section, but still gradually gaining elevation towards the continental divide. It's so gradual, and pretty, that I don't care. It's a good thing that there are rock ...

Another look back towards North Park (and my truck : )

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:55:55 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Another look back towards North Park (and my truck : )

The forest service trail crew finally overtakes me ( I'm spending all my time taking photos; that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it : )

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:58:18 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
The forest service trail crew finally overtakes me ( I'm spending all my time taking photos; that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it : )

There are an astounding amount of flowers everywhere. Much more, and prettier, than my pictures can show. I couldn't decide what were the best photos, so I just took a lot in hopes I could ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:01:08 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
There are an astounding amount of flowers everywhere. Much more, and prettier, than my pictures can show. I couldn't decide what were the best photos, so I just took a lot in hopes I could ...

Here is a close up of one of the flowers. I think it's called the "white Colorado mountain flower", or something like that : )

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:03:18 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Here is a close up of one of the flowers. I think it's called the "white Colorado mountain flower", or something like that : )

Ah yes. Nice view. Except for those stupid Forest service people getting in my picture. Don't see them?

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:05:59 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Ah yes. Nice view. Except for those stupid Forest service people getting in my picture. Don't see them?

Here you go. They have waaaayy too much energy.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:08:32 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Here you go. They have waaaayy too much energy.

Ah, yes. Enjoying the view. Ate some lunch. Was extremely nice weather. Looking sort of "northesh". Mount Zirkel is somewhere in that direction, but I'm not sure that is what that tall ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:10:59 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Ah, yes. Enjoying the view. Ate some lunch. Was extremely nice weather. Looking sort of "northesh". Mount Zirkel is somewhere in that direction, but I'm not sure that is what that tall ...

There were some flowers that had a little color other than white. These are "yellow Colorado mountain flowers". The pack in the back is blocking the wind (slight breeze, actually) from mov ...

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:02:01 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
There were some flowers that had a little color other than white. These are "yellow Colorado mountain flowers". The pack in the back is blocking the wind (slight breeze, actually) from mov ...

Another gorgeous view.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:51:42 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Another gorgeous view.

Lone Pine Trail No. 1129 intersection with the Wyoming Trail No. 1101 (this may be renamed the CDT now; as part of the Continental Divide Trail system).

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:00:18 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Lone Pine Trail No. 1129 intersection with the Wyoming Trail No. 1101 (this may be renamed the CDT now; as part of the Continental Divide Trail system).

Close up.

nobody@smugmug.com (Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:57:49 -0800

Geoff Weatherford (geoffw)
Close up.