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| Hiking | 12.74 Miles |
3,320 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.74 Miles | 5 Hrs 41 Mns | | 2.65 mph |
| 3,320 ft AEG | 53 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Headed down to the chookas for my first visit up the Carr Canyon Road since 2015. The road was in sedan shape up to the winter gate at the perimeter trailhead. From there it gets a little dicey and even a subi-type vehicle might have trouble in a couple of spots.
I like this range in September, but this year was significantly drier than it was 9 years ago; less green, fewer flowers, and much less flowing water. And it was still great. It was surprising to see a grove of aspens along the Carr Peak Trail have begun their autumn transition.
Temps stayed in the 60s all day, except for the brief visit to Carr Peak where it dropped into the 50s. A light southwest breeze was perfect accompaniment to the day, only reaching irritable levels funneling up and over Bear Saddle.
Got to see another twin-spotted rattlesnake on the Crest Trail (my 3rd ever, after seeing 2 on a trip here three years ago. These guys are tiny, and might have the highest range of any rattlesnake species - up to 11,000 feet. Always a treat to see one.)
We opted against the trip out to Ramsey and instead headed down Pat Scott. The climb up Comfort Springs was as miserable as I remember. I had forgotten about the bonus field of poison ivy to negotiate in the last mile, but managed to wade through it mostly unscathed.
All in all, an enjoyable day in the chookas. |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
It was apparent that there has been one short night of frost damaging some of the most sensitive flowers. Still a bunch hanging on, but the season will end fast. |
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Comfort Spring |
Dry |
Dry |
| | | Springbox was dry. There's a use path leading uphill toward the point on the topo map that indicates the spring source. I did not hike up to check for water at the source. |
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Pat Scott Canyon |
Pools to trickle |
Pools to trickle |
| | | A small pool at 8325, which I've always found to have some water. Consistent flow and pools at the 7580 contour and below with a few stretches where it flows underground again, but reliable for a mile or so below that point. | | _____________________
| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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