Goose Creek Trail, Part I

It had been far too long since I'd done a serious hike with double-digit mileage. I've been intrigued with the Lost Creek Wilderness since learning about its National Natural Landmark status at the RMNP BioBlitz last August, and after a little research of the area discovered the Goose Creek Trail. Eleven miles out and back sounded like just what the doctor ordered. So this past Saturday Ginny and I headed out.

Even the vestiges of the Hayman Fire from 11 years ago at the trailhead can't diminish the view and the promise that you're about to embark on something pretty cool.

The trail follows the creek it's named after for less than a mile, and only crosses it once.  This time of year between the foliage on shore and the algae in the water it's probably as green as it ever gets.

During the only lengthy ascent of the hike a boulder uniquely shaped like a seat is placed right at the spot where someone could use a rest.  Someone like me, for instance.

Bird nest?  Beehive?  Tree tumor?  I'm really not sure what this growth on a tree is. But it definitely stood out.  Probably just a big ball of sap.

Fairly certain these are some kind of daisy.  I'm going with Oxeye, but there are only about a zillion wildflowers in Colorado with white petals and yellow centers.  So the odds are somewhat against me.

I have no idea why Ginny felt the need to totally dominate this rock.  But she sure showed it who was boss.

No, Richard Roundtree does not live out here.  Thought that would have made this the most badass hike ever.

As the sun climbed in the sky and the colors of the landscape became more washed out, I started taking black-and-white shots to emphasize the textures and contrasts instead.

Thanks to the clouds in the sky and the variety of rock formations, there was plenty of texture to work with.

The payoff for the hike is technically this hundred-year-old steam engine that had been used in a futile attempt to dam the creek and create a reservoir.  It was a pretty good workout just carrying my camera bag.  I can't even imagine what it took to get this hunk of machinery out here.

It's like some ancient steampunk shrine.  There should have been piles of goggles and clock gears lying around the base as offerings.

I said the steam engine was technically the payoff.  But pressing on past it put you in a terrific jumble of granite boulders.  Unfortunately, my progress was stymied at this little slot canyon.  Couldn't get down the log, up the other side and back again with Ginny.

Click here for Part II.