Bill Moore Lake
For some of us, it had been a long time since we had been on Bill Moore Lake. For others, it was their first time on the trail. We were all really looking forward to it so we headed up without stopping for a break. We didn't even stop at the Conqueror Mine.
When we got to the Chutes we all elected to go up that way. No one had any issues and we all had a great time climbing up them. They seemed to be a little less rocky then they used to be, but there is still a big rock sticking out of the side.
After the Chutes it was pretty mellow. When we got to the intersection with Red Elephant Hill we turned to the hill of whoopdeedoos but no one played in them. We took the easy lines.
Then it got rocky and it stayed rocky for a while. When we got to the hill with two options for climbing it we all picked a different side. Chris really enjoyed the left, high side.
We stopped at the high spot where you can see the basin for the first time. A few vehicles drove by on their way out but otherwise we didn't see anyone. It was actually pretty chilly and it was nice after the heat in Denver. Hoa took a few pictures and then we were off.
For those of us who had been going to Bill Moore Lake for years it was weird to see how much the "mud pits" had changed. We remembered the original pit and it was now actually a small bump of dirt, completely filled in. We remembered the flat rock in the middle that was fun to drive over. It was really dug out and next to a fence so you couldn't play on it much anymore. Besides, it was pretty steep and we weren't feeling it. There was no mud anywhere. It was kind of a bummer to see how much things change.
After that it wasn't much farther to the lake. We parked with quite a few other vehicles and walked out to the lake. It was the only time we had lots of mosquitoes with us so we all put on some bug spray. It was really gorgeous this year with lots of thick, green brush. There was still snow on the high mountains though there wasn't any on the trail anymore. It really is one of the most scenic places near Denver.
Hoa's friend Rich had his dog with him and she really liked running in the water. When we first got up to the lake she snatched a sandwich from some strangers. Luckily they thought it was funny!
Naturally, we all had to get up on Poser Rock. It just wouldn't be a trip to Bill Moore Lake without it. It seems like it would be difficult to get up on it but it's actually pretty easy. And it makes for some cool pictures.
Once we had all of the posing out of the way the sun was getting pretty low in the sky. We headed out without taking a break and it wasn't long before we were at the trailhead. We aired up there and we were in Idaho Springs before the sun went down. We had some pizza and it wrapped up a fantastic day quite nicely. This trail will always be a favorite.
Reports from Other Days: 10
Use the arrows or dots to flip through the previews of the other reports for Bill Moore Lake. Click one of them to read more and see all of the photos from that day.
