Monarch Days

The Collegiate Peaks from Buena Vista

Mt. Yale is the tallest mountain

Selfie at Monarch Pass

Monarch Park is a lightly used campground tucked back off the highway just below the summit of Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet of elevation.  We discovered it last year and were so enchanted with its seclusion that we wanted to return.  After a gorgeous sunrise in Buena Vista with views of the morning sun on the Collegiate Peaks from our RV, we had a short drive to Monarch Pass.  As it was not a weekend, we weren’t really expecting a problem finding a campsite.  But this has been an odd year with the fires, forest closures and hot temperatures.  For all we knew, most of Denver might be trying to escape the 100-degree temperatures and be heading for the forest this week.  

A group of women hikers we met on the trail

They called themselves the 'Huff n Puffs' and you had to be at leas  55 to join.

David was an honorary member, for a few minutes anyway.

Some of the best columbines I've seen this year in Colorado

Last year the columbines were so profuse, but not so this year

As it turned out, we were in luck and found a campsite with great views of the peaceful valley and its small lake nestled in the closely surrounding Rocky Mountains.  We heard rumbles of thunder as we were setting up camp and settled in for a rainy afternoon of reading and relaxing.  I was glad I had left over black bean chili in the refrigerator.  It cooled off so much that we were happy to have chili for dinner.

View of Monarch Park from our RV

Our beautiful campsite, the valley and lake view is on the other side of Silver

The next morning we took the trail to Waterdog Lakes.  We hiked this trail last year during the last week in June.  Then there was a lot of snow on the ground in late June and we couldn't reach the Upper Waterdog Lake.  Being a few weeks later in the season, we didn't expect much if any snow, and we were able to reach the upper lake.  Both lakes were at lower water levels this year.  The light snow and lack of rain plus the hot weather made a difference.  Still, it was a nice hike and wild flowers were in bloom.  The recent rains have really helped.

Relaxing after lunch at Upper Waterdog Lake

Notice David still has on his fleece jacket.  It was cool by the lake.

We spent the rest of the week hiking different sections of the Continental Divide Trail, much of it above timberline.  We had a great time!  The next blog will be all about that.  We have very slow internet right now and I am having a hard time getting this post published.  Look forward to many more photos and stories about the CDT in a few more days.

Lower Waterdog Lake

Lots of dead spruce along the shores.

The spruce bark beetle is doing a lot of damage in this area of Colorado.

Tansy Aster