Hike Review: Cub Lake to Fern Lake Loop

Cub Lake

Cub Lake Trail-head

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park; Cub Lake Trail-head out at Fern Lake Trail-head in Moraine Park
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 8,000 feet at trail-head to 8,700 (700 foot elevation gain)
Time of year best to hike: Late June to early October
Recommended Maps: Rocky Mountain National Park

Mother Deer and Fawn

Summary: This fairly easy trail starts heading south along the western edge of Moraine Park, but soon turns west and heads slightly up in elevation into a very tame and seldom rocky canyon.  The trail is very well worn.  I got a 6:30 AM start and was all alone; at later hours this can be a very busy path.  2.3 miles after meandering along meadows, aspen groves, beaver ponds, and Rocky Mountain splendor, the lily pond Cub Lake presents itself.

The Pool on the Big Thompson

I continued northwest past the lake to the Pool section of the Big Thompson River, another 1.0 mile beyond Cub Lake.  I like hiking loops.  At the pool, I change my direction to east on the Fern Lake trail and head 1.7 miles to the trail-head.  From here, I have a one mile walk back to the Cub Lake Trail-head on a dirt road overgrown and covered by noisy aspen.  Upon my exit, both Fern Lake and Cub Lake Trail-head parking lots were full.  It was Thursday, first week in August.

Highlights: herd of elk, otter, deer and her fawn, Cub Lake, roaring Big Thompson River, Arch Rocks, The Pool

Arch Rocks

Bridge Crossing - Big Thompson

Beaver Evidence

Big Thompson River

Exit - Fern Lake Trail-head

Hike Review: Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route

Longs Peak from the North

2:30 AM

 Longs Peak Sunrise Glow

5.9 Miles and a 3,500 foot climb: The Boulderfield

Above the Boulderfield:  The Keyhole

After the Keyhole: The Ledges

The Keyhole Hut

Looking up at the Trough

Looking down the Trough

The Trough is a half mile climb up a steep chute of stone, boulders, and loose rock.  First impression  is sheer awe.  Everything that everyone had told me and all the pictures that I had seen of the trough did not do it justice.  Go see for yourself.

At the top of the Trough

After the Trough: The Narrows

After the trough, the daunting narrows of Longs Peak. 

After the Narrows: The Homestretch

From the Top

Looking West from Longs Peak

Chasm Lake with Longs Peak in Background

Completed: 3 PM

RMNP Over Night: North Inlet to Bear Lake

Longs Peak from Flattop Peak

I was dropped off at North Inlet Trail-head (near Lake Granby) at 13:00 and hiked 1,000 feet and 7.5 miles to North Inlet Junction Camp, where I spent the night.









En route to camp, I spotted a moose in the brush lying down chewing his cud.  Despite their size, a moose is a master of disguise.



The North Inlet Trail follows the North Inlet River for 8 miles before heading up into the high country. Along the river, there were a lot of very cool features, pools, waterfalls, and rock formations.  This is Cascade Falls:

After breaking camp and climbing above the North Inlet River looking down.













After leaving the North Inlet River, the trail climbs, 3,000 feet out of the tree line and over the Continental Divide.

Once up the Continental Divide, I hiked down the eastern side with my final destination to be Bear Lake, 10.1 miles from camp. On the way down there was an overlook of Emerald Lake with Longs Peak in the background.

Rocky Mountain National Park Day One - Travel

Somewhere, Utah

This was happening in the hotel room: 3 to 6 AM

A sixteen hour drive with two kids and three adults with no room to spare sounds nightmarish, but it didn't go so bad.  There were some moments, but I can't fault anybody for being stuck inside a metal box that long without going a little crazy; especially a two year old made from my DNA.

Somewhere in Nevada

 

Landon Montgomery

Overall it went very well.

Sleep for the weary

Rocky Mountain National Park: Beaver Mountain Fire

Currently there is a fire in the Rocky Mountain National Park.  As of this writing (July 19, 2012), the fire is nearing containment: Story 1.  Lightening was suspected to be the cause: Story 2.

The Ute Trail that I summarized in the Select Trails section of the blog, was closed and has recently been opened:

RMNPforums ‏@RMNP4MS

The Ute Trail has reopened #RMNP Beaver Mountain Fire http://bit.ly/MJJwlG

This fire in no way should impact any of our plans.

Longs Peak Prep: Current Condition

I found a recent post on twitter with a picture of Jacob on top of Long's Peak:

Jacob Duncan ‏@jacobgandalf

Enjoying the view from Longs Peak Summit. Elevation 14,259 ft. http://twitpic.com/a7w01u

So I asked him:
fliphopkins ‏@hopbros

@jacobgandalf sweet. much snow? crampons? what time u start? finish?

And he answered:

Jacob Duncan ‏@jacobgandalf

@hopbros no snow on the path.. started at 4:30 and driving away at 3... helluva day :) 

fliphopkins ‏@hopbros

@jacobgandalf thanks, that is what i wanted to hear, glad it went well

I informed him that I used his picture:
fliphopkins ‏@hopbros

@jacobgandalf i am gearin up to climb longs with a group of guys, hope u dont mind but i used ur photo in my blog: http://hikes-n-books.blogspot.com/2012/07/longs- …

He left me with this warning:

Jacob Duncan ‏@jacobgandalf

@hopbros it was a really nice hike... a bit more than I bargained for after the key hole, but a lot of fun. Glad you can use the photo

For the most current Longs Peak weather condition, CLICK HERE.

 

Longs Peak Prep: Altitude Sickness

On July 22, 2011, a 26 year old man from Wichita, KA experienced life threatening high altitude sickness while attempting to climb Longs Peak.  The man fell ill on July 21 and descended from his summit attempt to the Boulderfield where he spent the night.  On the morning of the 22nd, when it was apparent his symptoms of an altered consciousness were not lessening, an emergency call was made which resulted in a helicopter rescue.  It was speculated that without the emergency rescue, the man may have died.

What is altitude sickness?

At an increased elevation, the air pressure decreases resulting in less oxygen per breath.  A lack of oxygen to the muscles and brain can cause altitude sickness.    Symptoms can be felt as low as 6,500', but usually minor effects will be experienced at 10,000' when climbing rapidy without acclimating; more serious symptoms at 12,000'.  Altitude sickness if severe enough and not treated can result in death.  Some common symptoms:

• headaches
• fatigue
• stomach ache
• dizziness
• nosebleed
• swelling of hands/feet   

How to acclimate?

• ascend slowly
• spend time at high altitudes
• aspirin to thin the blood
• water
• caffeine (mountain dew)

How to react?

If a climber begins to experience some of the symptoms and is below 15,000', it is best to stop and rest, drink water and assess the symptoms.  Is it persistent?  Is it getting worse?  If so, it is be best to get to a lower elevation.  In many cases, assessing your own symptoms is not recommended.  Altitude sickness can weaken good judgement and analysis of reality.  In my own experience, thinking and senses become foggy. 

Good preparation and good judgement will greatly decrease someone in the climbing party from suffereing altitude sickness.