A pause in Winter Park to enjoy the summer solitude on and below the surrounding peaks.
Rising relatively early and gazing out upon one of the goals for the day, we quickly ventured down to the village along the Village Cabriolet for a quick breakfast. The offerings were just as scant as the previous night. Sustenance soon appeared, after a little exploration, and our expedition to Colorado Mines Peak began.
The journey started at the base of the peak at Berthoud Pass, zig-zagging to the summit in long, manageable switchbacks through the treeline. A short conversation with others on the trail suggested a diversion towards Mount Flora and so it happened. Reaching neither summit made no real difference. The view from any angle proved astounding.
With a storm similar to the prior afternoon threatening, we passed back down into Winter Park to take a look around. A late lunch in town enabled conversation about the remainder of day. It never did rain and with the evening coming on, another destination offered a good way to ends things.
The best angle of attack appeared to be from the very southern end of Winter Park, where it cuts back into the forest along the river. Walking through town did not seem all that appealing and led to the discovery that it connected with accommodations at The Vintage Hotel in just under 3 kilometres. Transportation remained parked at the point of beginning, requiring a return trip. It was of no consequence. The early evening could not have brought more perfect conditions this high up in July.
Acquiring further sustenance for the evening, a a brief walkabout Winter Park Village enabled a view of the associated amusements. One could imagine potential crowds milling about the different options amidst snow all around in the winter. Milling about, talking and walking, time slipped away. The moon rose over the mountain tops without warning. Coupled with the effort to reach early elevations of 4,006 meters, it signaled the end of the evening. A more perfect day of wandering ended quietly at 2,780 meters, give or take a couple.
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Further Reading
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland
US Department of Agriculture - Forest Service
Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park Resort
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