We were guided by the Forest Devas to beautiful forests and meadows, countless streamlets, a gorgeous river. All within easy hiking distance. Breathtaking views of mountains closeby. We parked at the Christmas Meadows Trailhead and found access to great horse and people trails. I think it's prettier than China Meadows and nearly 2 hours closer to home.
Our overnight campground right on the Stillwater Fork River. Wonderful River lullaby sounds. Riverfront beaches and sand piles. Wildflowers. Not too bad for getting a campsite on a Friday night at 5 pm.
Butterfly Lake on the way out the next morning. This photo was taken from one of the camp sites that was not being used on a Saturday morning. I kept asking, where are the crowds??. (We found them later at the Trial lake trail head)
Trailblazer taking a GPS reading on a snow bank. (There were only a few.)
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| Unamed frog pond between Butterfly and Castle Lakes. |
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| Looking East from Castle Lake. |
No need to hike or ride a horse 11 miles to get a glimpse of a Red Castle Lake. Yes, there is a Castle Lake that is breathtaking and is only a half mile from the road. It is a kid-friendly hike. (But, no trail). No, it's not Red, but has Solitude and beauty....(at least until the boy scouts from Camp Steiner find it for the season).
We were guided by the Forest Devas to beautiful forests and meadows, countless streamlets, a gorgeous river. All within easy hiking distance. Breathtaking views of mountains closeby. We parked at the Christmas Meadows Trailhead and found access to great horse and people trails. I think it's prettier than China Meadows and nearly 2 hours closer to home.
Our overnight campground right on the Stillwater Fork River. Wonderful River lullaby sounds. Riverfront beaches and sand piles. Wildflowers. Not too bad for getting a campsite on a Friday night at 5 pm.
Butterfly Lake on the way out the next morning. This photo was taken from one of the camp sites that was not being used on a Saturday morning. I kept asking, where are the crowds??. (We found them later at the Trial lake trail head)
Trailblazer taking a GPS reading on a snow bank. (There were only a few.)
Desert Evening Primrose, Iceberg Canyon
