This past weekend I was down in Buena Vista for a dear friends wedding. Sunday morning was free, so I decided to catch the sunrise on Hancock Pass. It’s been a little while since I’ve been down in the area, so it was nice to get out on the trail, even if for a little bit. After the sunrise, I planned to hike to the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel via the Palisades but realized I forgot my backpack once there. So instead hiked to a nice Alpine Lake between Tomichi and Hancock passes. It was nice to have the place to myself for a few hours, especially on a busy holiday weekend. While leaving St. Elmo to get back to Buena Vista and the wedding festive’s, I watched a solid line of cars head up the road to St. Elmo….
Sunrise- Hancock Pass.
Dropping down Hancock Pass on the Pitkin side.
Tomichi Pass in the distance.
Sherrod Loop. So named for the big curve that helped keep the train on the sunnier, southern portion of the mountain to help keep the tracks clear of winter snow.
Along the old grade of the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad.
Morning Aspens.
Old inscriptions on one of the water tanks used by the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad.
Hiked up to a fine Alpine Lake between Tomichi and Hancock Pass. Believe this to be the headwaters of Middle Quartz Creek. A wonderful spot to enjoy a quiet morning before the crowds came.
Checking out an old mine near the start of Tomichi Pass.
St. Elmo was a busy place that morning!!
The close up of the aspen leaves is great. I love it.
Loved the way the morning sun was hitting the Aspen Leaves.