jvs
08-11-2007, 11:30 AM
My journey began on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, one day late but much better weather. After much internal debate and a lot of advice from this forum I decided to do the trail in a clockwise direction starting in from the Leach trail. A couple of reasons for this approach. First of all I was concerned about the lack of water availability until I hit the Gill Brook trail, next I knew I would be exhausted at the end of the day so I wanted an easy walk out and I do not like steep, steep ascents, which I feel the Elk Pass brings.
My day started at 6:30 AM in the parking area at St. Huberts where I met two young men, probably in their late teens. I really am impressed with young adults who adventure into the high peaks. I think it is healthy and rewarding for them. They were hiking Armstrong and the Wolf Jaws.
I made the trip up to the gate and the short hike into where the Leach Trail starts in no time. I was greeted by 3 deer right at the gate bright and early. Then the real adventure started on the Leach Trail where the hike began its slow, moderate and continuous climb. To me I wanted the steepness over in the beginning where I was full of energy. Well my energy dissolved very quickly but I slowly kept trudging along. My first true break came when I saw Noonmark off to my left and then continued on to Bear Den. Before I hit Bear den I enjoyed the many views that the burn area offers of the Great Range.
When I got to Bear Den I wondered why they called it that, are their bears in this location?? Well I continued on and finally hit the summit of Dial where I thought the views were tremendous. I made it to Dial in about 4 hours. I enjoyed the moment and had a quick snack. Next stop was South Dial where the marker on the rock had the number 20 hammered into it. No views but an achievement. When traveling in to this peak from Elk Pass many people think this is the summit of Dial but not. The trip over to Nippletop was uneventful and I finally hit the intersection and made the short trek up to the summit. It is only 2.5/10 of a mile up the hill. Unfortunately the summit was bogged in by fog as the humidity was very high that day. The only thing I did at the summit was to take a picture of the u-bolt on the peak. Then the adventure started, the very steep descent down the Elk pass. i really didn't think it would be that steep but I felt it was. As I walked down I could not keep myself from looking back and saying that I sure as heck didn't want to climb this section. My instincts were right in choosing the Leach Trail. My descent was slow as I took my time. About a half a mile from the intersection where Colvin is I met a older gentleman and by no means do I meen older in a negative way as he was a person who made me look like an amateur hiker. This was his second time around on the 46's and he was 3 peaks shy of 100. That day he already finished Colvin and Blake, was well on his way to Nippletop and then off to Dial where he intended to bushwhack down to the lake road, AMAZING. I was in envy. T kept my downward movement and finally caught a break at the the camping area where the ponds were. The ground was wet but I stayed dry. Finally I hit the Gill Brook trail where I topped off my water in the brook, took the by-pass trail out to the Lake Road. I wanted to enjoy the falls and water but I was intent on making it back to St. Huberts. I engaged in conversation with a couple who took the time to swim at the flume, met another couple who enjoyed the water near Fish Hawk Cliffs and saw some youngsters attempting to fish. I was intent to walk out, clean up and get home. Ironically I met up with the two young men on their way out. I finally hit the parking area 9 hours and 40 minutes from my initial start. What a rewarding day.
Next trip is Colvin and Blake. I think it may be a little bit easier.
My day started at 6:30 AM in the parking area at St. Huberts where I met two young men, probably in their late teens. I really am impressed with young adults who adventure into the high peaks. I think it is healthy and rewarding for them. They were hiking Armstrong and the Wolf Jaws.
I made the trip up to the gate and the short hike into where the Leach Trail starts in no time. I was greeted by 3 deer right at the gate bright and early. Then the real adventure started on the Leach Trail where the hike began its slow, moderate and continuous climb. To me I wanted the steepness over in the beginning where I was full of energy. Well my energy dissolved very quickly but I slowly kept trudging along. My first true break came when I saw Noonmark off to my left and then continued on to Bear Den. Before I hit Bear den I enjoyed the many views that the burn area offers of the Great Range.
When I got to Bear Den I wondered why they called it that, are their bears in this location?? Well I continued on and finally hit the summit of Dial where I thought the views were tremendous. I made it to Dial in about 4 hours. I enjoyed the moment and had a quick snack. Next stop was South Dial where the marker on the rock had the number 20 hammered into it. No views but an achievement. When traveling in to this peak from Elk Pass many people think this is the summit of Dial but not. The trip over to Nippletop was uneventful and I finally hit the intersection and made the short trek up to the summit. It is only 2.5/10 of a mile up the hill. Unfortunately the summit was bogged in by fog as the humidity was very high that day. The only thing I did at the summit was to take a picture of the u-bolt on the peak. Then the adventure started, the very steep descent down the Elk pass. i really didn't think it would be that steep but I felt it was. As I walked down I could not keep myself from looking back and saying that I sure as heck didn't want to climb this section. My instincts were right in choosing the Leach Trail. My descent was slow as I took my time. About a half a mile from the intersection where Colvin is I met a older gentleman and by no means do I meen older in a negative way as he was a person who made me look like an amateur hiker. This was his second time around on the 46's and he was 3 peaks shy of 100. That day he already finished Colvin and Blake, was well on his way to Nippletop and then off to Dial where he intended to bushwhack down to the lake road, AMAZING. I was in envy. T kept my downward movement and finally caught a break at the the camping area where the ponds were. The ground was wet but I stayed dry. Finally I hit the Gill Brook trail where I topped off my water in the brook, took the by-pass trail out to the Lake Road. I wanted to enjoy the falls and water but I was intent on making it back to St. Huberts. I engaged in conversation with a couple who took the time to swim at the flume, met another couple who enjoyed the water near Fish Hawk Cliffs and saw some youngsters attempting to fish. I was intent to walk out, clean up and get home. Ironically I met up with the two young men on their way out. I finally hit the parking area 9 hours and 40 minutes from my initial start. What a rewarding day.
Next trip is Colvin and Blake. I think it may be a little bit easier.