04 August 2015

Stardate 2015.592

Julie Andrews and Tiny Tim like this!

Searle Pass

The forecast was for high and dry conditions in the high country. This meant a break in the monsoonal moisture that was keeping everything green and wildflowers prolific. Better yet, the sun would be abundant! In a nutshell, there would be tundra riding at elevation, with a minimal risk of being electrocuted by Zeus.

I chose to ride the northern part of Segment 8 of the Colorado Trail (CT). On this route, the CT traverses the lower slopes of Copper Mountain Ski Area to Guller Creek on the west side of the resort. The trail then leaves civilization and ascends beautiful Guller Creek to treeline, where it climbs up to Searle Pass. From where I started, the day would be an out-and-back of about 20 miles with a high point of 12,050 feet. The ride would be approximately 95 percent trail – single track.

Tenmile Range, Summit County, Colorado

Bring on the alpine!


Copper Mountain ski runs are awash in color.

Copper Mountain ski runs were awash in color.


Copper Mountain Ski Area color

Ski area color up close


The Guller Creek Trail (Colorado Trail) with 12,545-foot Sugarloaf Peak rising in the background.

The Guller Creek Trail (Colorado Trail) ascends to broad basins below 12,545-foot Sugarloaf Peak.


Treeline above Guller Creek Trail (Colorado Trail)

At treeline the hill slope was awash in red and orange Indian paintbrush.


The alpine tundra is one of my favorite places to visit.

My favorite ecosystem! I even had tea with Julie Andrews. You're jealous, I can tell!


Looking north from Searle Pass

Looking north from 12,050-foot Searle Pass


Looking southeast at the Tenmile Range from  12,050-foot Searle Pass.

Looking southeast at the Tenmile Range from Searle Pass.



Looking north at the Gore Range from Searle Pass.


Westerly view from below Searle Pass

Westerly view from below Searle Pass


View across Tenmile Creek at several Tenmile Range Peaks from the south side of Searle Pass.  Left to right: Pacific Peak (13,950 ft, state rank # 61), Atlantic Peak (13,841 ft, rank # 86), Quandary Peak (14,265 ft, rank # 13) and Fletcher Mountain (13,951 ft, rank # 59).

View across Tenmile Creek of several Tenmile Range Peaks from the south side of Searle Pass. Left to right: Pacific Peak (13,950 ft, state rank # 61), Atlantic Peak (13,841 ft, rank # 86), Quandary Peak (14,265 ft, rank # 13) and Fletcher Mountain (13,951 ft, rank # 59). Quandary Peak is the background peak between Atlantic Peak and Fletcher Mountain.


Janet's Cabin, part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association rentals (backcountry ski hut).  The cabin was built in 1990.  The World War II 10th Mountain Division winter trained throughout this area.

Janet's Cabin, part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association rentals (backcountry ski hut). The cabin was built in 1990. The rather nice shelter sleeps 20, has solar power and a wood sauna. The fee is $38 per head per night. On the other hand, it's a bit too social for my liking.

Years ago, the World War II 10th Mountain Division winter trained throughout this area prior to being deployed to Italy and mountain warfare during World War II.


Searle Pass

The north side of Searle Pass


Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja miniata
Figwort family


The end!

Back to civilization, the ski area, evening hikers and the drive home.

Thanks for reading! I'm not sure what's next, keep in-tune.

Adios

1 comment:

  1. Gosh... the lupine! We've had such a spectacular wildflower year! I'm so glad you were able to finally ride this pass. I hope many more CT passes are in your future!

    ReplyDelete

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