Aldous and Hancock Lake Hike

Last weekend, we joined some friends for a hike about 2 hours NE of town. I think we missed a turn because we had to open/close at least 6 gates, 2 of which were labeled as 'no trespassing', but we ventured on through the tire tracks until we reached the gravel forest service road. Phew!

And we finally made it with no major snafus! (Just don't tell anyone about the sage grouse that may have exploded under our car on the highway.) Interesting to note that the lake trail is also part of the Continental Divide Trail.

There was plenty of shade on the hike, and it was near a creek most of the way, so it was quite pleasant. There were several sections of boardwalk over greenery or tiny trickles of water. Unfortunately, we discovered many bug bites when we got home. I guess that's the trade-off for shade. Next time, we'll remember to pack our bug spray. Shows how spoiled we are with our unfamiliarity with bugs up here.

Aldous Lake was a little scummy for my taste, but there were a few groups that passed us wearing life jackets and going for a swim. It was about 1.3 miles in to the first lake, so that must be the reward for them!

Once we started to the next lake (a mile further and no other travelers), we noticed a bunch of huckleberries by the trailside. This became a new motivator for our traveling companions and Hadley, our resident berry-lover.

The wildflowers were also on full display in the mountain meadows. The picture below really doesn't do it justice, but there were probably a dozen different kinds of flowers all vibrant and delicate and thriving in their little patch of sun. I felt like I was channeling my dad who used to bore us with his many pictures of wildflowers on family trips!

Hancock Lake was very serene and untouched. We were the only people there after a steep and rocky mile hike to get there. We all took off our hiking shoes and dipped our toes in the cool water. It was perfect until someone said they saw leeches! And then we noted the time. Time to go!

It seems like after a steep, uphill hike, a return trip down would be a welcome change. But, hiking down is actually more treacherous, especially for little feet. This young lady must have fallen down ten times on the hike back, but she kept picking herself up with an "I'm okay" and moving on! Owen and Dad were the trailblazers in front, our friends were berry-picking in the middle, and Hadley and I brought up the rear. We also took turns hiding up the trail and scaring the rest of the group as they approached on the way back, which made the repeat scenery a little more interesting. It was supposed to be a 4.3-mile hike roundtrip, but our step trackers reported closer to 6. So proud of our little hikers!