A fall hike

It wasn’t much of a hike, although the terrain would qualify. My destination was the lunch at the end. It was an hour or so drive north through the mountains to the little town of Nederland. The Nepali restaurant there was worth a visit, however infrequent. It had been a while. I used to have a friend who lived up that way, who moved a few years ago. So where was a good place to stop along the way? Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

I pulled into the road by the sign and followed the twisty route to another sign towards trails. There was no Visitor Center. I realized later that there was another entrance further up the road to the north that would have more information. Maybe next time. I didn’t do my homework ahead of time, but just stopped at the first trailhead sign with a stand of brilliant gold aspen trees, leaves backlit by the sun, nearby. The Mule Deer Trail marker said it was a nine mile loop. I knew I wouldn’t go that far, but it looked like a lovely place for a mountain hike for an hour or two.

The aspen trees were glowing gold. Up at this altitude in the Rocky Mountains, oranges and reds of deciduous trees are rare, but the contrast of the aspens against the deep forest green evergreens is stunning.

The trail traversed the mountainside, gradually higher. The aspens didn’t grow up there. As the trail climbed it became narrower and rockier. I didn’t want to go as far as cresting the hill, and found a comfy rock to sit on and enjoy the view before heading back down.

By the time I walked down and drove up to Nederland, it was lunch time. The buffet at Kathmandu restaurant was my reward. Namaste!

Around town

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