The sun flashed through the rustling aspens as we quietly hiked a short downhill section of the trail. Reaching the bottom, the sky appeared a dazzling blue above the ridgeline on the short uphill slope in front of us. We anticipated an amazing view as a little spring in our step pushed us up the last 50 feet of the slope.
True to form, the Alamosa Canyon appeared in all its grandeur for our viewing pleasure. The prominent feature in our view, Cornwall Mountain projecting its nose for all to see, topped the slopes of the south side of the canyon. Farther back, Conejos Peak displayed her snow speckled slopes, a subtle reminder of where we live. Instantly in awe, we abruptly halted our forward progress to stand and appreciate what was ours for the taking.
Phones quickly took photos as our mouths eventually closed and we regained our composure. I wondered if that entire trail was designed for that single location.
We started the hike from the Comstock Campground in the Rock Creek drainage just south of Monte Vista. Seemingly following an old jeep road, the Alamosa River/Rock Creek Trail #703 quickly gains elevation through the cool forest as you pass over loose rocks and rutted sections, often making you pay more attention to your steps than you care to.
The views from the trail alternate from a dark forest to a more open aspen forest with better light, to open meadows then back into the darker forest. The lush green vegetation, fueled by the ample precipitation from this early summer, was a pleasing sight to most westerners. Not too much fire risk to distract us here.
Probably not quite at their peak, the wildflowers proudly displayed their brilliant colors and unique character. I’m not a flower expert by any means but the commonly known species were all there for us to enjoy. The mountain asters and fire weed mixed in well with the wild rose.
My favorites, Indian paintbrush and columbine were abundant and simply beautiful as they seemingly waved to me in the light breeze. We even saw monkshood and, of course, several species I can’t identify.
After a while, the trail became less steep and more flowing-like as it guided us over the casual undulations of the mountain. More time for looking around while we hiked was welcomed. We eventually arrived at that amazing vista point I described earlier. A short pause for better appreciation of the view and we pushed on. I had to see some of my much “older friends.”
Not too much farther towards the Silver Mountain Trail #704 junction they appeared, just as they always have. Most of them massive in girth and some of them towering well above the rest of the forest. The numerous old Douglas fir trees are a magnificent feature of this trail.
As you approach the large trees that are next to the trail you must take note of the size and grandeur of those farther away. It will give you a better appreciation for the ones you are compelled to stand under and take photos with.
They don’t mind and their expression rarely changes so they are a safe bet to be photographed with. My wife took a photo of me standing next to a large tree with a trunk that reminded me of the bell bottom pants from the 1970’s. It’s pretty evident that this tree did, in fact, live through the 70’s. My timber specialist estimates it at around 300 years old!
The decision point happened when we reached the trail junction. Do we head down the really cool but consistently steep trail to the bottom of the Alamosa Canyon, or head back for the truck? I had visions of me grumbling about the long uphill trek, and while I love that section of trail, brighter minds prevailed and we turned back for the truck.
It was a glorious Southern Colorado day, and the hike was wonderful, as expected. We never saw another human until after we got back to the truck. And, to my absolute surprise, my heart was warmed by the fact that we never saw even one tiny speck of litter. It makes me proud to be in an area where all the trail users take the extra care to not leave litter from their forest experience. I sincerely hope that this will be the case for everyone this summer!
Gregg Goodland is the Public Affairs Officer for the Rio Grande National Forest. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, he encourages individual stewardship and responsible use of our public lands.
