DAY HIKES!!

[ezzpete]

anyone interested in going on some hikes during the week? i was thinking for a first hike we could do the devils punchbowl hike. i think it's about 7-8 miles RT. i haven't been getting much hiking in, so the pace will be moderate. how about next wednesday?

[Matt]

Sounds fun ezzepete -
where does the trail start for Devil's Punchbowl, anyway?  7 -8 shouldn't be too bad.

[ForestGal]

[ezzpete]

Are you talking about the hike from the park headquarters out to Devil's Chair and back?  That's a good one, about 7 miles RT.  My friend and I did that one yesterday.  The snow and ice are gone off the trail, which is excellent since I'm a real weenie about slipping and sliding.  There is some bad erosion right near the approach to the chair, which creeped me out, but my friend is more sure-footed than I am so she gave me a hand, and there is such a fabulous view from out there!  The only other minor obstacle is the creek crossing about a mile into the hike, but that was easy to get across.

We also tacked on the 1-mile loop trail into the bowl and back out.  Some beautiful views there too.  Made me realize how out-of-shape I've gotten, but we did it!  This a good hike right now, since our trails are inaccessable.

yeah, that's the hike i was thinking about. i went there around Christmas with my mom, and we only did the little 1 mile loop. i really want to do the 7 mile hike, ready to go again?

i also noticed that there is a trail from the Big Rock area going to the DPB.

[ForestGal]

[TableMtn]

There is also the Burkhart trail up to Burkhart Saddle from park headquarters.  I haven't been to the saddle from that side but my friend has - I think that's close to 14 miles RT. 

I heard a rumor that the Burkhart trail may have recieved some storm damage.  Heck--probably ALL the trails out there that weren't under snow got some damage!

[ezzpete]

[LasPulgas]

I'm now up to 4 miles a day so perhaps I will be able to do some hiking soon.

My New Year's Resolution:  START walking and STOP crabbing. 

[ForestGal]

[ezzpete]

I heard a rumor that the Burkhart trail may have recieved some storm damage. Heck--probably ALL the trails out there that weren't under snow got some damage!

Unfortunately, I'm sure you're right about that!  The Burkhart Trail (from Hwy 2 to the saddle) had one really "iffy" spot in it under the BEST of conditions.  If they don't open H2 past Vincent Gap this summer, our hiking choices are going to be severely limited, never mind the condition of the trails.

 

i haven't heard anything about not opening hwy. 2, did you? that would not be good!

[ForestGal]

[Nolena]

If they don't open H2 past Vincent Gap this summer, our hiking choices are going to be severely limited, never mind the condition of the trails.

But it would be GREAT for the wildlife! 
We just have to hike a tad  farther. Just think of how much better shape we'll be in  , and how much better of a chance we'll have to see wildlife! 
A road closure will also keep out the people who trash the area.

[ezzpete]

If they don't open H2 past Vincent Gap this summer, our hiking choices are going to be severely limited, never mind the condition of the trails.

But it would be GREAT for the wildlife!
We just have to hike a tad farther. Just think of how much better shape we'll be in , and how much better of a chance we'll have to see wildlife!
A road closure will also keep out the people who trash the area.

true dat! but going camping at any of the great campgrounds like Buckhorn, will become a real hassel, use more gas and cause more pollution.

[CanyonComputer]

We just have to hike a tad farther. Just think of how much better shape we'll be in , and how much better of a chance we'll have to see wildlife!
A road closure will also keep out the people who trash the area.

Is it possible (or legal) to walk hwy 2 if it's closed?  I'm thinking it would be a nice walk for those of us trying to get into hiking shape.

[ForestGal]

[ForestGal]

[Nolena]

Yeah, there's that. Lots of stuff to consider. 

[Hillbillies]

I just breezed through this topic.

I would be up for some day hikes.
Has anyone gone up to Buckhorn and down to Cooper Falls.  It should be running great late spring! 

[ezzpete]

isn't SR2 still closed to Buckhorn? there should still be lots of snow up that way. i'd still like to go on some day hikes too. maybe on sat. or sun. mornings.

right now, though, i think most of the hiking will be at lower elevations.

[WWRebecca]

I am definitely an amatuer hiker (a.k.a big weinie when it comes to steep inclines) but I really like to get out and enjoy the area we call home.

Any suggestions besides blue ridge and inspiration point for a good hike local that is not to much of the ups and downs?  I really like the idea of hiking HWY 2 if it stays closed.

Thanks for any ideas!