My close friend, Mitch, and I took off for a morning hike Saturday at the well-known flatirons. We started at Chautauqua Park base and headed up Ski Jump Trail, crossing over at its peak to Bluebell/Baird Trail where we then began our off-trail excursion up the slope between the 2nd and 3rd flatirons...
Here's a view of the 3rd Flatiron from our ascent through dense pines and boulder scrambles...
On our way up, we encountered fresh cougar tracks which led directly into this den...we decided we were a little stupid for hanging around this spot too long, but it was a rush. September brings multiple sightings of bear and mountain lions and there have been sightings on this path earlier in the week. Department of Wildlife had some of this park closed just 2 days prior due to both bear and lion activity...
Good example of the terrain we encountered. I love scrambling rock and getting into the off-trail experience. It allows you to be away from people and be challenged to try new things...
Here, Mitch shows off his studly rock-climbing skills as he ascends the base of the 1st flatiron early in our hike. We decided he should promptly exit to the west, as the slope gets much steeper right above where he is in this photo. That was good, too, as it led us off-trail and a route between the 2nd and 3rd slabs...
And the reward. We sat atop the 2nd Flatiron for stunning views of Boulder, Front Range valley, and Indian Peaks Wilderness to the west. Longs and Meeker Peaks were in full view also. It's always worth the pain when you hit the peak and can sit back and take it all in. God is certainly creative and his skills are displayed quite nicely in our great state of Colorado. Good times.