For the second day in a row, temperatures in RMNP were downright hot! Unlike July 22 when I enjoyed the cooler high-altitude temperatures and breezes that made Highest Lake a perfect hike with perfect weather, this time I was stuck at low altitude for much of the day – the result: one of the hottest hikes I can ever remember, at least for the final 2—3 hours. Luckily, I had only two hikers, both of them quite capable, wonderful hiking companions, and well-prepared for the sweltering conditions and able to hike quite well in the oppressive conditions. Overall, actually, I greatly enjoyed this hike. It passed directly through the area burned by the Fern Lake Fire of 2012—2013, most noticeably on the 1.2 mile stretch between Cub Lake and the Pool. This is a “must-see” and is very impressive. It can be done via a short and mostly easy 5.2 -mile loop from the Cub Lake trailhead to the Fern Lake trailhead via Cub Lake and the Pool. The upper lakes, Helene, Odessa, and Fern, were wonderful as well. All in all, this is an excellent hike….just don’t do it on a hot day! [We finished the hike at the Cub Lake trailhead at 2:45 PM but didn’t get back to the YMCA until 4:20 PM because of the delays, construction, heavy traffic, shuttle bus requirement, etc. on Bear Lake Road. This takes some patience at the end of a hot day of hiking!]
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 23:21:55 +0000
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