More Steamboat...

Act Two - continued
... a few more photos from Rabbit Ears Pass to start.

Wildflowers - we've never seen so many so late in the summer. Spectacular!

The trails roll in and out of forest and meadow along the trails we ran. This is looking back from a ridge - the trail is in the center of the photo.
Singletrack and wildflowers! Notice the reinforcements that have been placed along the trail - this is somewhat of a bog area - that's why the flowers are so happy!
This is on the monument at the top of the pass. The trails we ran rolled between 9,600 and 10,200 feet elevation.

*************************************

Thursday we headed UP the Spring Creek Trail in Steamboat Springs. This trail follows the creek all the way up the drainage to Buffalo Pass Road. This is one of the more unique places we go in the mountains because of the lush foliage along the creek. Those are ferns up to my shoulders along the trail - it's almost like an alpine jungle!!!
The ascent is steep in spots and the climb is about 5.5 miles. Kathleen is cruising one of the smooth sections here.

Sweet trail winding through the aspen forest!

Pictures are so deceiving - this is about 15% grade but the photos just don't show it.
Nearing the top of Spring Creek, the drainage opens up as we are almost to Buffalo Pass road. Now it is mostly downhill back to the trailhead - oh yeah! We've biked this many times but there is a whole new feel to it on foot and it was a great run.

The stats: 11 miles, 2200' elevation
Shoes: K Asics Trabuco S Saucony Xodus

Friday - off to Snowmass / Aspen area! Act Three coming soon!