14 miles of hiking • 4000' elevation gain •
(Follow dosage instructions carefully. Ask your doctor for more information.)
Decided to do the Hamilton-phlox point loop before the discover pass kicks in (though I'm still scheming to find a place to park outside of the state park - tried to be all buddy-buddy with a ranger directing parking (it was busy today), and see if she knew of any secret spots, but she wouldn't play along). Hat tip to awildman - phlox is a great spot.
The hoards were on their way down Hamilton as I was on my way up. Went down Don's trail (Don Nelsen's trail?) and back to some trail that has had some real recent and elaborate maintenance. I saw only one person between the intersection with the old road and Hamilton loop. Took the old decommissioned trail back down at the "more difficult/most difficult" intersection - I'm going to call this one "Pool of the Winds Jr." (in honor of our other favorite).
Also saw the first snakes of summer (like the first snowflakes of winter?). 4 garters - it seems there is a large garter colony in the park - I always see so many snakes around Hardy.
