Monday, August 15, 2016

8-10-16


The amazing Maroon Bells! This is how they looked around noon today. 
South Maroon Peak is on the left & North Maroon Peak on the right.
This is how the Maroon Bells looked at 6:30am when 7 of us set out to hike South Maroon Peak.
Around 3 miles the trail became VERY steep but pretty with wildflowers! This is Kaylee. She & Brian (Phoenix friends who now live in Boise, Idaho) joined us. They are vacationing in the Aspen area this week.
Rich taking a short break to admire the view.
Part way up the trail we put on our helmets; safety for any slips or rock fall.
Just before we reached the ridge at 13,200 ft we spotted dark clouds in the distance. We all agreed to turn around. None of us are interested in unstable weather on the top of any peak.
Well below the peak & out of anything bad we strolled down the trail.
We got some rain but nothing crazy.
Bob, Kaylee & Brian in a rock field with the Maroon Peaks covered in clouds.
By the time we reached the trailhead at Maroon Lake the skies were clear blue above The Bells. Even so...no regrets for turning around. We still ended up with a 6 hour hike; 10 miles and 3,000 feet of climbing. We were all tired!
On our way to the car we passed several artists painting the majestic mountains.
They were beautiful paintings! I think Karen & Charlie need to meet us in Aspen so Charlie can paint these famous peaks!

2 comments:

  1. This is one of our favorite spots in Co. and we found it by accident...we didn't know about this beautiful site before, but so glad we got to enjoy this beautiful view...you just can't capture the beauty in a photo...want to see this again! Your pics brought back many memories!

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  2. Love that you guys were here too! The Maroon Bells are two spectacular peaks especially with Maroon Lake in the picture as well.

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