Tag: lake

Levsa Canyon Trail–A Pygmy Forest Experience

Posted on by Joy

There is so much to explore around Trinidad Lake State Park. Let’s start by taking a noon-time walk on Levsa Canyon Trail not far from the Visitor Center. This mile-long loop trail is designed to help us explore the Piñon-Juniper forest, one of Colorado’s most dynamic ecosystems. Often called the Pygmy forest, this ecosystem is known for short, drought-tolerant trees; coarse, well-drained soils; only 10-20 inches of precipitation a year; and wildlife specially adapted for dry, sometimes harsh conditions. Speaking of harsh conditions, the wind is beginning to seriously pick up speed, so let’s go and enjoy while we can!

Hold onto your hat!

Amazing 99 Mile View from Clearwater Lake

Posted on by Joy

The Swan Mountains are dead ahead as we travel up the loop road for seven miles to Clearwater Lake. Our hike today takes us around the 120-acre lake through old growth forests. With autumn just beginning, we should get color on the smaller shrubs and plants. What really piqued my interest about this adventure is the chance to see loons. Clearwater Lake serves as the summer home for many ducks and Common Loons. Although late in the season, let’s hope for the best. There is nothing quite like the call of loons!

swan mountains

This is exciting, let’s go . . .

Holland Lake Falls–Seeing It At Last!

Posted on by Joy

Third time is a charm. Today we WILL get to the base of the falls on Holland Creek which connects Upper Holland Lake and the much larger 416-acre Holland Lake. The hike to the upper lake is about 12 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,600 feet. The hike to Holland Lake Falls is 3.3 miles round trip with a 750 foot elevation gain. Guess which one we are doing–remembering I’m wimpy.

I’ve walked this trail before but could never find access to the base of the falls. Today I will not be denied, and although it is mostly cloudy, rain is not forecast, the sun peaks through here and there, the smoke from fires north and west has subsided, and it is only in the upper 60s. What a day for a pleasant late morning hike. Sitting at the base of Carmine Peak in the Swan Mountains, welcome to Holland Lake!

Grab your gear, let’s go . . .

Early Spring at Trout Lake

Posted on by Joy

Early spring in the Rocky Mountains is a roller coaster ride–nights below freezing then days in the 70’s followed by days in the 40’s. We start with a beautiful sunrise followed by rain, sleet, hail, then snow before we again watch the sun as it sets. A time when winter will not give up its grip but summer will not be denied. Snow is receding and green is winning the day, so let’s head to Trout Lake in the Northern Range of Yellowstone and search for signs that summer is on the way.

Trail to lake

Up to the lake we go . . .