- Joined
- Dec 5, 2017
- Messages
- 1,161
We wanted to do a summer trip with our young adult sons, but they didn't want to backpack so we stayed at condos first in Ouray and then in Telluride. Sometimes we hiked together, sometimes they hiked separately from us (I am way too slow for them), and they enjoyed some running and mountain biking as well. When planning hikes, we made great use of @Diane Greer's advice and excellent book and website. Thank you, Diane!!!
The scenery was stunning, and the wildflowers were incredible - so many all over the place, so many different types, and so many different colors. In the Wildflowers thread, I posted a bunch of different Indian paintbrush pictures; I couldn't believe how many different varieties we saw.
We did these hikes and thoroughly enjoyed them:
Ice Lake & Island Lake
Columbine Lake & Pass
Blue Lakes & Pass
Ouray Perimeter Trail
Sneffels Highline Loop
Lake Hope & Pass
Lizard Head Loop
Day 1 - Island Lake was gorgeous.
![IMG_0575.jpg IMG_0575.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132995-51e7219a130bf2fd2d6b83adc6dcefe6.jpg)
![IMG_0582.jpg IMG_0582.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132998-f0c6a4177204de54c440e3385cad65a0.jpg)
![IMG_0602.jpg IMG_0602.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132996-1370ca0eb9000df716539dfaedcdcc39.jpg)
![IMG_0609.jpg IMG_0609.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132997-1405185cdeded355f81b3db36da4a101.jpg)
Here are a few of the many flowers on the way to Island Lake.
![IMG_0465.jpg IMG_0465.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133002-93fc67c8e2a8c7807e2b6b39ac7048a2.jpg)
![IMG_0501.jpg IMG_0501.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133003-0b6071b1c27be027b8fffef02013b576.jpg)
![IMG_0723.jpg IMG_0723.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133005-7a42be9592774f8b28369cafd8275701.jpg)
![IMG_0506.jpg IMG_0506.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133001-2212469c3af37e3084bc4d2307a2da66.jpg)
![IMG_0511.jpg IMG_0511.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133000-f3527faf97c460cd78afeff51fa8689b.jpg)
These Twinberry Honeysuckles were so interesting.
![IMG_0750.jpg IMG_0750.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133004-f1346708a1101dc3638d910a330486bf.jpg)
Ice Lake was also stunning. We walked all the way around it but didn't have time to go up to Fuller Lake because dark clouds were rolling in and we could hear thunder off in the distance.
![IMG_0628.jpg IMG_0628.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133012-915c058eb0ddc63b0252886dd370c579.jpg)
![IMG_0642.jpg IMG_0642.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133011-218762da774efac0a6aec593a553872f.jpg)
![IMG_0656.jpg IMG_0656.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133009-b37987bccb1f32957f9b291df44a761d.jpg)
![IMG_0657.jpg IMG_0657.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133010-47379c2426a942717edad46bb50d74ea.jpg)
![IMG_0663.jpg IMG_0663.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133006-46072fa6ae417eb9727283350efabab8.jpg)
![IMG_0673.jpg IMG_0673.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133008-a1eff584db27db6b370c3dc7b83434be.jpg)
![IMG_0710.jpg IMG_0710.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133007-76b1249dacaa6720a69e5c11b0501c6c.jpg)
Day 2 - Columbine Lake & Pass
We started the morning with a double rainbow as we were leaving Ouray.
![IMG_0793.jpg IMG_0793.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133013-053db4dae756d433c21330a541af6003.jpg)
As expected, the trail up to Columbine Lake started with lots of switchbacks, but then we got out of the woods the scenery was spectacular for hours.
![IMG_0807.jpg IMG_0807.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133019-a0206e54219652756446390a5fd006df.jpg)
![IMG_0806.jpg IMG_0806.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133018-08097ed152503713a52c9dadfa47ad21.jpg)
![IMG_0853.jpg IMG_0853.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133017-fd7d7e22c4bd7edcde3f77909ec3bcac.jpg)
![IMG_0883.jpg IMG_0883.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133016-21580e646536b9be3b33a45d9b0b7635.jpg)
![IMG_0885.jpg IMG_0885.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133014-773061a89dc03100d84f0c8e3810f324.jpg)
I love the PeakFinder app. This shows the mountains behind us (to the east) as we were ascending toward Columbine Lake.
![IMG_2302.jpg IMG_2302.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133015-225cd31a554c7b87a04eb0d7f069e559.jpg)
The lake was beautiful. But interestingly enough, there were no columbine!
![Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.28.01 PM.png Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.28.01 PM.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133020-6db2517e07a53af57530871867f50b7c.jpg)
We went up to the pass and enjoyed the views down into Lewis Lake and Bridal Veil Basin, as well as the mountains in that direction (to the west).
![IMG_0950.jpg IMG_0950.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133021-77d9ec39abefd4a70296e739a8711acb.jpg)
![IMG_2298.jpg IMG_2298.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133022-5153beae077c4a1aef90ad937a987469.jpg)
On the way down, the skies were threatening, but we only had a few drops. Yay!
![IMG_0986.jpg IMG_0986.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133024-eaf5aca9275ce37e6a414931c386bb17.jpg)
![IMG_0997.jpg IMG_0997.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133023-73bbcb844f13c7e6311f7b71c5832e3e.jpg)
Day 3 - Blue Lakes
We got an early start, and our kids got an even earlier start, as their goal was to summit Sneffels from the Blue Lakes side. They did!
![IMG_7591.jpg IMG_7591.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133025-f95376c1191a56483c6e6716540f70c0.jpg)
We were happy and relieved to cross paths with them when we were going up the pass and they were on their way down. Here are a few of my pictures before getting to the pass.
Lower Blue Lake - If I had done the picture horizontally, it would have been almost the exact same as the front cover of @Diane's book!
![IMG_1104.jpg IMG_1104.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133033-625ae6d03b797c8f43a4ec7dc85e5422.jpg)
Delphinium/Larkspur above Lower Blue Lake
![IMG_1111.jpg IMG_1111.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133032-2845c6788add61be84d8c54b4d45f805.jpg)
Columbine above Middle Blue Lake (there were sooooo many clumps of gorgeous columbine all over the place)
![IMG_1131.jpg IMG_1131.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133035-717177405509b9fe56c8af3aec191649.jpg)
I was fascinated by the bluebells. Their leaves are darker and more blue-green than other plants, so I could always tell where bluebells were, even if I couldn't see their delicate flowers. In this picture, they're lining the stream leading into Middle Blue Lake.
Upper Blue Lake
![IMG_1137.jpg IMG_1137.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133031-4557b564b6b3776f41f82cb8cedfe123.jpg)
The switchbacks to the pass go up that green part in the middle of the photo
![IMG_1286.jpg IMG_1286.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133038-c693290a70bbe221b5f791ae3c486923.jpg)
Reflection of Upper Blue Lake as we started heading up
![IMG_1145.jpg IMG_1145.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133030-f083122f8202e7e52f289e37a4451fb3.jpg)
Can you spot my husband in this photo? The switchbacks heading up the pass are not very noticeable, but they were there alright!![IMG_1168.jpg IMG_1168.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133029-d2ffbbe12bd7108412d14b617f5c8d72.jpg)
The hillside was covered with flowers. So beautiful!
![IMG_1272.jpg IMG_1272.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133026-e92c1a991cf16d666da3efbb6b292432.jpg)
Looking down at Upper and Middle Blue Lakes
![IMG_1190.jpg IMG_1190.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133028-b52c4107f600a03676790e0a15bb1884.jpg)
Getting up near the pass
![IMG_1208.jpg IMG_1208.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133027-77b51e14b2dc33a31f9e415b9cda04fc.jpg)
So many interesting things to see - this hummingbird moth was on our way back down
![IMG_1313.jpg IMG_1313.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133036-973269159d5f948ea6d09de4dbc2697a.jpg)
I don't know much about mushrooms, but I do know this bright orange one would NOT be safe to eat!
![IMG_1360.jpg IMG_1360.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133039-d670f905406c970423d8406aa9d86777.jpg)
On our way back down, we decided to spend time exploring Lower Blue Lake. We had passed it fairly quickly on the way up, knowing we needed to get down from the pass early enough to beat the afternoon storms.
![Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.55.35 PM.png Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.55.35 PM.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133040-aeb71f99a389004cc4515cf65248b768.jpg)
Later on, we got hailed on, but only for a minute. We got back to our car right as it started to pour, and the drive was a bit exciting with water flooding the dirt road. We made it back safe and sound and had a fabulous day!
Day 4 - Ouray Perimeter Trail
This was our day to transition between Ouray and Telluride, and we ended up on the perimeter trail for awhile. We enjoyed it more than we expected to! A few scenes:
![IMG_1372.jpg IMG_1372.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133044-16549eed5054045a304d030883699a9f.jpg)
![IMG_1431.jpg IMG_1431.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133043-f9e95f6a5c95651db0fa8676b695162b.jpg)
![IMG_1384.jpg IMG_1384.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133042-4f75f1ec4e701ef04da3a77e9a219a7d.jpg)
![IMG_1401.jpg IMG_1401.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133041-e37c3f518efa4005250d9c5c940d2aff.jpg)
En route to Telluride, we stopped at Orvis Hot Springs. So relaxing!!!
What a great first half of our trip this was.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
The scenery was stunning, and the wildflowers were incredible - so many all over the place, so many different types, and so many different colors. In the Wildflowers thread, I posted a bunch of different Indian paintbrush pictures; I couldn't believe how many different varieties we saw.
We did these hikes and thoroughly enjoyed them:
Ice Lake & Island Lake
Columbine Lake & Pass
Blue Lakes & Pass
Ouray Perimeter Trail
Sneffels Highline Loop
Lake Hope & Pass
Lizard Head Loop
Day 1 - Island Lake was gorgeous.
![IMG_0575.jpg IMG_0575.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132995-51e7219a130bf2fd2d6b83adc6dcefe6.jpg)
![IMG_0582.jpg IMG_0582.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132998-f0c6a4177204de54c440e3385cad65a0.jpg)
![IMG_0602.jpg IMG_0602.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132996-1370ca0eb9000df716539dfaedcdcc39.jpg)
![IMG_0609.jpg IMG_0609.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/132/132997-1405185cdeded355f81b3db36da4a101.jpg)
Here are a few of the many flowers on the way to Island Lake.
![IMG_0465.jpg IMG_0465.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133002-93fc67c8e2a8c7807e2b6b39ac7048a2.jpg)
![IMG_0501.jpg IMG_0501.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133003-0b6071b1c27be027b8fffef02013b576.jpg)
![IMG_0723.jpg IMG_0723.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133005-7a42be9592774f8b28369cafd8275701.jpg)
![IMG_0506.jpg IMG_0506.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133001-2212469c3af37e3084bc4d2307a2da66.jpg)
![IMG_0511.jpg IMG_0511.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133000-f3527faf97c460cd78afeff51fa8689b.jpg)
These Twinberry Honeysuckles were so interesting.
![IMG_0750.jpg IMG_0750.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133004-f1346708a1101dc3638d910a330486bf.jpg)
Ice Lake was also stunning. We walked all the way around it but didn't have time to go up to Fuller Lake because dark clouds were rolling in and we could hear thunder off in the distance.
![IMG_0628.jpg IMG_0628.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133012-915c058eb0ddc63b0252886dd370c579.jpg)
![IMG_0642.jpg IMG_0642.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133011-218762da774efac0a6aec593a553872f.jpg)
![IMG_0656.jpg IMG_0656.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133009-b37987bccb1f32957f9b291df44a761d.jpg)
![IMG_0657.jpg IMG_0657.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133010-47379c2426a942717edad46bb50d74ea.jpg)
![IMG_0663.jpg IMG_0663.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133006-46072fa6ae417eb9727283350efabab8.jpg)
![IMG_0673.jpg IMG_0673.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133008-a1eff584db27db6b370c3dc7b83434be.jpg)
![IMG_0710.jpg IMG_0710.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133007-76b1249dacaa6720a69e5c11b0501c6c.jpg)
Day 2 - Columbine Lake & Pass
We started the morning with a double rainbow as we were leaving Ouray.
![IMG_0793.jpg IMG_0793.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133013-053db4dae756d433c21330a541af6003.jpg)
As expected, the trail up to Columbine Lake started with lots of switchbacks, but then we got out of the woods the scenery was spectacular for hours.
![IMG_0807.jpg IMG_0807.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133019-a0206e54219652756446390a5fd006df.jpg)
![IMG_0806.jpg IMG_0806.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133018-08097ed152503713a52c9dadfa47ad21.jpg)
![IMG_0853.jpg IMG_0853.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133017-fd7d7e22c4bd7edcde3f77909ec3bcac.jpg)
![IMG_0883.jpg IMG_0883.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133016-21580e646536b9be3b33a45d9b0b7635.jpg)
![IMG_0885.jpg IMG_0885.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133014-773061a89dc03100d84f0c8e3810f324.jpg)
I love the PeakFinder app. This shows the mountains behind us (to the east) as we were ascending toward Columbine Lake.
![IMG_2302.jpg IMG_2302.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133015-225cd31a554c7b87a04eb0d7f069e559.jpg)
The lake was beautiful. But interestingly enough, there were no columbine!
![Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.28.01 PM.png Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.28.01 PM.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133020-6db2517e07a53af57530871867f50b7c.jpg)
We went up to the pass and enjoyed the views down into Lewis Lake and Bridal Veil Basin, as well as the mountains in that direction (to the west).
![IMG_0950.jpg IMG_0950.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133021-77d9ec39abefd4a70296e739a8711acb.jpg)
![IMG_2298.jpg IMG_2298.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133022-5153beae077c4a1aef90ad937a987469.jpg)
On the way down, the skies were threatening, but we only had a few drops. Yay!
![IMG_0986.jpg IMG_0986.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133024-eaf5aca9275ce37e6a414931c386bb17.jpg)
![IMG_0997.jpg IMG_0997.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133023-73bbcb844f13c7e6311f7b71c5832e3e.jpg)
Day 3 - Blue Lakes
We got an early start, and our kids got an even earlier start, as their goal was to summit Sneffels from the Blue Lakes side. They did!
![IMG_7591.jpg IMG_7591.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133025-f95376c1191a56483c6e6716540f70c0.jpg)
We were happy and relieved to cross paths with them when we were going up the pass and they were on their way down. Here are a few of my pictures before getting to the pass.
Lower Blue Lake - If I had done the picture horizontally, it would have been almost the exact same as the front cover of @Diane's book!
![IMG_1104.jpg IMG_1104.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133033-625ae6d03b797c8f43a4ec7dc85e5422.jpg)
Delphinium/Larkspur above Lower Blue Lake
![IMG_1111.jpg IMG_1111.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133032-2845c6788add61be84d8c54b4d45f805.jpg)
Columbine above Middle Blue Lake (there were sooooo many clumps of gorgeous columbine all over the place)
![IMG_1131.jpg IMG_1131.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133035-717177405509b9fe56c8af3aec191649.jpg)
I was fascinated by the bluebells. Their leaves are darker and more blue-green than other plants, so I could always tell where bluebells were, even if I couldn't see their delicate flowers. In this picture, they're lining the stream leading into Middle Blue Lake.
![IMG_1298.jpg IMG_1298.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133037-2c3566f868fbf024cc0ef6637d4900fd.jpg)
Upper Blue Lake
![IMG_1137.jpg IMG_1137.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133031-4557b564b6b3776f41f82cb8cedfe123.jpg)
The switchbacks to the pass go up that green part in the middle of the photo
![IMG_1286.jpg IMG_1286.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133038-c693290a70bbe221b5f791ae3c486923.jpg)
Reflection of Upper Blue Lake as we started heading up
![IMG_1145.jpg IMG_1145.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133030-f083122f8202e7e52f289e37a4451fb3.jpg)
Can you spot my husband in this photo? The switchbacks heading up the pass are not very noticeable, but they were there alright!
![IMG_1168.jpg IMG_1168.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133029-d2ffbbe12bd7108412d14b617f5c8d72.jpg)
The hillside was covered with flowers. So beautiful!
![IMG_1272.jpg IMG_1272.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133026-e92c1a991cf16d666da3efbb6b292432.jpg)
Looking down at Upper and Middle Blue Lakes
![IMG_1190.jpg IMG_1190.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133028-b52c4107f600a03676790e0a15bb1884.jpg)
Getting up near the pass
![IMG_1208.jpg IMG_1208.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133027-77b51e14b2dc33a31f9e415b9cda04fc.jpg)
So many interesting things to see - this hummingbird moth was on our way back down
![IMG_1313.jpg IMG_1313.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133036-973269159d5f948ea6d09de4dbc2697a.jpg)
I don't know much about mushrooms, but I do know this bright orange one would NOT be safe to eat!
![IMG_1360.jpg IMG_1360.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133039-d670f905406c970423d8406aa9d86777.jpg)
On our way back down, we decided to spend time exploring Lower Blue Lake. We had passed it fairly quickly on the way up, knowing we needed to get down from the pass early enough to beat the afternoon storms.
![Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.55.35 PM.png Screen Shot 2024-07-24 at 11.55.35 PM.png](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133040-aeb71f99a389004cc4515cf65248b768.jpg)
Later on, we got hailed on, but only for a minute. We got back to our car right as it started to pour, and the drive was a bit exciting with water flooding the dirt road. We made it back safe and sound and had a fabulous day!
Day 4 - Ouray Perimeter Trail
This was our day to transition between Ouray and Telluride, and we ended up on the perimeter trail for awhile. We enjoyed it more than we expected to! A few scenes:
![IMG_1372.jpg IMG_1372.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133044-16549eed5054045a304d030883699a9f.jpg)
![IMG_1431.jpg IMG_1431.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133043-f9e95f6a5c95651db0fa8676b695162b.jpg)
![IMG_1384.jpg IMG_1384.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133042-4f75f1ec4e701ef04da3a77e9a219a7d.jpg)
![IMG_1401.jpg IMG_1401.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/133/133041-e37c3f518efa4005250d9c5c940d2aff.jpg)
En route to Telluride, we stopped at Orvis Hot Springs. So relaxing!!!
What a great first half of our trip this was.