TrektheWorld
Mike
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2014
- Messages
- 103
I made it out for a solo trip this past Saturday up to Vail, CO to access the west side of the Gore Range. It seems like every time I venture out into these parts I end up with some epiphany that may be the most beautiful spot in our rectangular state. (Shhh, don't spread the word). The trails on the west side are a bit more accessible than the east side, and none the less spectacular. I had wanted to do a lollipop loop where I ascended a pass between Booth and Pitkin lake drainages and the circled around to hit up West Booth Pass and see some more terrain. But I was adamant about carrying my huge bear canister that I purchased last year and haven't used yet. I didn't need all that for one night, but I knew I'd be near tree line, and bears would be hungry this time of year (but probably lower down than these high basins). So the extra weight had me rethink my options once I put in some solid elevation gain and made it to Booth Lake. I figured fishing the lake and hiking up the nearby ridges for views down would suffice. I could read a book and just take in the splendor that is the Gore Range on the 1st day of Fall 2018. I had to be out. I made it out. It was glorious.
