Sunday, September 14, 2025

Lovell Gulch to White Gulch Loop

Wildflower season is over, and foliage season hasn't started yet.  But I still needed to get out to hike and shoot some pictures.  The Woodland Park area has been a favorite of mine of late, and that's where I found the Lovell Gulch to White Gulch Loop on AllTrails.

Bristly Beard Lichen, Lovell Gulch Trail
Bristly Beard Lichen adorned some of the trees.

Aspen Leaf, Lovell Gulch TrailAspen Leaf, Lovell Gulch Trail

Aspen Leaf, Lovell Gulch TrailAspen Leaf, Lovell Gulch Trail
The first few turning aspen leaves of the season had fallen, decorated with water droplets.

Fremont's Squirrel, Lovell Gulch Trail
No wildlife to speak of other than a Fremont's Squirrel who just wanted to be eat in peace.

Woods' Rose, White Gulch Trail
With still a week left in summer, some vegetation like this Woods' Rose were getting a head start on their fall wardrobes.

Prickly Wild Rose, White Gulch Trail
I didn't realize that wild roses put out fruit like this.

Common Toadflax, White Gulch Trail
Most wildflowers had long since past blooming, but not this Common Toadflax.

White Gulch Trail
The trail doesn't have much elevation gain.  But it's always nice when the roots provide steps on the ascents.

White Gulch Trail
Not much in the way of sweeping vistas other than this one quick peak peek to the west.

White Gulch Trail
The highlight of the hike was chatting with a local who advised a nearby location for "spectacular foliage" in a couple of weeks.  Until then, this preview from an aspen grove that just can't wait for the change of season will have to do.

Roughly 6.3 miles in about 2:40.  A decent pace without too many photo stops in comfortable conditions.  Now, bring on fall!

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