Mount Evans hike

On a gorgeous July day, the charm of the mountains beckoned, urging us to go on an adventure. We wanted to hike to the top of Mount Evans. Sure we could have just driven all the way up there, but... we decided to have a more exciting experience.  After parking our car at the Summit Lake lot, we embraced the decision to tread the final leg by foot. Our journey began with a leisurely stroll around the lake, giving us spectacular views of Chicago Lakes below (for a closer look at this hike, click here - Where the hell are you going?).

 

Ascending took less than an hour, reaching a point where all the lakes revealed themselves — the Chicago Lakes on the left, located at around 11,750 feet, and Summit Lake on the right, elevated over 1,000 feet higher at 12,800 feet.

Venturing further, we enjoyed the rugged charm of the terrain surrounding the trail.

 

Another turn, another 30 minutes, and Chicago Lakes disappeared from view, leaving only the serene gray waters of Summit Lake glistening below.

 

Gray rocks and verdant grass surrounded us as we navigated the trail, where the interplay of strong winds and warm sun added both challenge and charm to our hike.

 

Amidst this, the high-altitude tundra adorned itself with vibrant blooms, painting the trail with a tapestry of bright flowers — a truly breathtaking sight.

As we climbed, leaving numerous rugged ridges below, the unfolding vistas became more and more breathtaking.

 

Admittedly, the trail was far from flat and easy. It forced us to climb steep slopes, hop from rock to rock, and demanded our attention.

 

Yet, every effort was rewarded by panoramic views that justified the challenge. Taking our time, we marveled at the scenery, absorbing the grandeur of our surroundings.

Can you see the trail? That's right... there are no trail there ;) The best thing you can do is follow the direction and climb higher and higher...

A 180-degree turn revealed another valley with Abyss Lake resting below, mirroring the elevation of Summit Lake.

Approximately three hours into our journey, with Mount Evans tantalizingly close, we only had a couple of hundred feet of climb.

It wasn't the first marmot we encountered that day ;) But, probably, the laziest one :)

Mountain goats, our constant companions, accompanied us all the way up to the top.

At the peak, standing at 14,258 feet, a 360-degree panorama unfolded before us, a visual feast of unparalleled beauty.

As we retraced our steps, encounters with playful goats and friendly marmots continued, enriching our descent with delightful moments.

The memory of this extraordinary hike lingers, a testament to the magnificence found in the embrace of nature's heights — a journey that transcends time and continues to captivate our hearts.

Thanks ChatGPT for helping me with this story ;)

Pictures were taken on July 12, 2009 and July 20, 2014.