To start the new year off right, Don, Kirk and I hiked the bottom portion of Cripple Creek on Saturday. We opted to go on the route from the bottom of the canyon, on what appears to be the original trail (or at least parts of it).
The weather was rather cold, and we had less sun that I expected, but it was an awesome day. We alternated between being cold and hot, but there was less snow than expected. We got almost to the point where the trail crosses the first spur road before having to turn back. It was odd - there wasn't too much snow (no more than 6", but it was very fluffy and powdery, so it was easy to walk in) until we got to the clearcut, and then very quickly the snow got to be about a foot deep, with lots of stuff overhanging the trail. That is where we opted to turn around and head back. It was still a great hike - we did almost 6 miles, and the route was pretty cool....
A photo of the winter wonderland we got to experience:
Pretty picture.
Good thing it was cold enough to keep the powder in the trees.
Is the bridge at the begining still there?
D.
The bridge is still there, mostly. It's broken and deteriorating. We crossed it with no problem. The snow and subfreezing temperatures may have provided better footing than if it was wet and slippery. It's hard to say how much longer it will last.
We were wondering what the bridge was previously used for. We thought there may have been a campground with several sites on the flat area above the river?
I always figured that was the old road.
D.
Looks like you could hike down into the Three Lynx or Elvis, if you know what I mean.