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| Never Summer Wilderness, Arapaho National Forest |
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| And it begins..... |
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| Two Bros |
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| My Backpacking Buddies |
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| The trip started at the at the Bowen-Baker Access Trail-head just off of the Trail Ridge Road (HWY 34) in the Rocky Mountain National Park. |
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| Parika here we come! |
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| We set up camp just inside the Never Summer Wilderness the evening prior as we waited for the rest of our group to arrive the following morning. Headed for Parika Lake, for our second night camping, about seven miles up the trail. |
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| Parika Lake |
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| Trail up Parika Peak |
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| Parika Peak (12,343') |
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| The hike from Parika Lake to Parika Peak proved to be a tough haul. The afternoon thunder-snowstorm that blew through did not help matters any, but we managed to make it up! |
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| Parika Lake Trail |
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| Parika & Bowen Trail Merger |
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| A look down Parika Lake Trail on our way to meet up with the Bowen Pass Trail and the Continental Divide. Destination: Bowen Lake. |
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| Break #1 |
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| Break #2 |
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| Break #2,690 |
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| We traveled with quite a large group which equated to quite a few rest stops. No complaints here. |
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| Spot The Moose? |
*** She is much easier to see HERE in this video clip ***
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| We walked along with a moose between Parika Lake and Bowen Lake on a portion of the trail that resembled nothing more than a rock-slide on the side of a mountain. The rock squirrels were sure to let everyone know we were there. Seemed the moose could care less as she went along on ahead of us with a consistent slow pace. |
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| Columbine growing along the trail |
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| Some of the August Flora along the trail. I am pretty sure I can identify the Columbine in the first photo. Can you identify any other the others? Email me on the Contact Section located on the top-left side of any of this blog's pages. Thanks! |
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| Power hats....errr, somethin' |
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| Trailblazers |
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| ameobas-a-plenty |
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| Leadin' the way |
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Throughout the Gorge you will find MANY caves and overhangs. Do take caution in and around these areas.
Also, be aware that campfires are not permitted within 100 feet of any cave, overhang or rock-shelter.
Note: Be aware of current policy on cave entrance. The last time I was there, entering caves was not permitted due to efforts in preventing the spread of white-nose syndrome in the bat population.
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| Bowen Bros |
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| My dudes! |
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| Camp #3, Bowen Lake: Worth It....! |
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| Light jacket, in August |
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| Pondering |
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| Have you seen this guy? |
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| A few random shots from along the trail. Cannot wait to do it again! |
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