We were planning on hiking Saturday, since it was to be the last nice day before a four day stretch with snow and highs in the 20’s. This was a huge compromise since Longmont’s Halloween parade was Saturday morning as well. Hiking won, and this was the snowy wonderland that greeted us.
Thankfully, we usually come to the trailhead prepared with gear for all types of situations. Microspikes, check. Winter hat and gloves, check. Poles and gaiters, check and check.
The first mile or two were quite icy – we were happy for those spikes. Fibs wasn’t concerned. Four paw drive gets through nearly everything. Plus, he loves the snow!
After that, the trail became less and less traveled until we were basically breaking trail after a very long legged snowshoer.
Breaking trail is very exhausting and slow for all of you novices out there. We intended to go all the way to King Lake which is 6.1 miles up from the trailhead. With all of that extra work, we were never going to make it.
We still had loads of fun, and the temperature was quite nice. It was warm despite the snow and no jackets were needed. Of course that translates into sticky, heavy snow as the day wore on.
