return to alta ridge run

 I knew it had been a while but I'm surprised that it has been since 2021 that I've done an Alta ridge run (note: no running).  Things haven't changed that much although that trail is definitely busier than when we first did it.  H didn't come with me this time, opting for a road ride, but the cold front that had rolled through had cleared and chilled the air, making it too nice to not get out for a hike. 

Fireweed says summer is

almost over

It was a brisk 46F at the Albion upper lot, when I pulled in at 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning.  There were not that many cars yet, likely as folks were waiting for it to warm up a touch.  I had long sleeves and my gloves on (which made it exciting to eat my bagel).  As I walked up the Summer Road towards the Albion meadow trail, a car pulled up next to me and the young women inside asked if I wanted a ride.  I thanked them, saying that it was my plan to kick H's butt in steps today; they laughed, gave me a thumbs-up and drove on.

View of Sunset Peak

from Catherine's Pass

It was two miles of climbing before my hands warmed up enough to take off my gloves.  Still cool in the shade, though, and I didn't take off my long sleeve layer until I reached Catherine's Pass at 9:06 a.m. (running total: 3.1 miles).  I ate a fig bar and put on some sunscreen, then tackled Tuscarora, passing a couple of hikers on the way up.  That climb to the top of Tuscarora is short but steep (3.4 miles, 9:28 a.m.).

View of Brighton from Tuscarora

There were a couple of young women having a snack at Tuscarora.  I asked if they were the ones who'd offered me a ride and their jaws dropped: "How'd you get here already? Did you run?" I laughed, saying I'd just walked, but slow and steady.  One of them rolled her eyes: "Fast and steady, more like it."  [H says he doesn't believe any of this and that no one has ever called me fast.]

Woohoo Wolverine

The next peak is Wolverine, which I had to myself (slow and steady) (3.66 miles, 9:43 a.m.), and then it was time to go around Wolverine Cirque.  This was the busiest part of the whole hike, with multiple parties of multiple hikers, a number of trail runners and a busy little pika.  Some sections of the trail have been rerouted to the Alta side of the ridge, which is safer and less exposed than the cirque side.

Pikas look sooooo soft

I texted H when I finished the cirque (4.1 miles, 10:11 a.m.) and headed down.  That part of the trail, down off the ridge towards Twin Lakes pass, is my least favorite part: it is very steep and rocky, without the benefit of switchbacks.  But soon enough you're off the rocks and onto packed dirt - packed dust, actually, as it is very dry right now), which all the trail runners must appreciate.

On the far side of the cirque

From Twin Lakes pass (4.57 miles, 10:34 a.m.), all that was left was traipsing down the old mining roads through Grizzly Gulch.  Because it is so dry, the footing is slippery and loose; I was grateful to have my hiking poles a couple of times.  There were a lot of folks heading up in this stretch - hikers, runners and even a couple of MTBers - but no one passed me going down.

Some switchbacks would be helpful

Back at the car for a beer at 11:21 a.m., with a grand total of 6.4 miles.  I always think that trail is going to be longer than it actually is - I guess that last out through Grizzly Gulch just seems long.  Now in the sun, it had warmed up to 64F, with a light breeze, and it was just about as pleasant as you could ask for.  It was a good day to take a good hike.

Blue skies above Grizzly Gulch