Bald Mountain Res

Ever since Gary and I got together, he has wanted to take me to a place where he worked as a guide with pack mules.  While we there, Gary told me some Louis Lamore like tales from his time working here.

This is where we camped, which is at the end of the road.  We slept in the back of the car and all had a fitful night, but we enjoyed watching the meteor show, listening to the coyotes, and watching the crescent moon rise with some planets before dawn.  When we left Grand Junction, it was in the 90s.  When we arrived at our camp, it was 54 degrees. 

There was an older man at the reservoir the next morning with an altimeter, who told us the elevation was 11,030 feet.

This is the trailhead for our hike.  It was 3 miles there to Curecanti Creek and 3 miles back to camp.  The first mile was steep and not too bad.  The next 2 miles were all downhill to the creek.  Those were the hardest 2 miles.  Not only was the elevation killer, which is why I wanted to spend the night before the hike to try to get used to the elevation, but I sprained my ankle pretty bad a couple of weeks ago.  By the time we got to the creek, I was wondering if I would make it back, but I put my feet and ankles in the creek and we had a nice rest.  The way back, the first 2 miles were uphill, the last part of which was extreme uphill, a real bun burner.  The last mile was okay and downhill.  For some reason, it was easier to go uphill then downhill with my sprained ankle.  Now, 2 days later, the only pain I have is my right sprained ankle more swollen than ever and my left calf really sore from overcompensating for the right sprained ankle.

Bald Mountain Res from the other side.

Sign 1 mile in.

When we crossed the ridge, the view was breathtaking.  I tried to capture the view with my phone camera, but really can't see the background of mountain range, only the foreground of trees.  It was also very hazy from fires burning all over the west.   I will have to go back to get a better picture.  As Gary says, this place is very isolated and is in the "heart of the Rockies."

Finally the creek!

The final hill climb.  Even though it was difficult, it was way worth it!