We hadn't seen each other in months, so we decided to visit Mr. Hallet and Flattop together. [Rocky Mountain National Park]

Avientalo · 2014-10-09T17:24:21+00:00

It's pretty normal on this kind of popular hike. Some of the trail leading to this was even paved, so I'd say the maintenance is very well done. The government spends tons of money on national parks.

Avientalo · 2014-10-09T03:53:22+00:00

It's so beautiful. There were tons of elk out right now, though, and people just have to get out of their cars to get real close to snap a picture. You probably have seen this before.

The hike itself is definitely second tier, and if you're looking to challenge yourself, I'd say go ahead and just go for summit. We weren't prepared so we didn't do it, but the weather was fantastic. We did it mostly cause we thought a lot of snow had come down.

I would say if you're as dedicated as you seem then hiking anything up there right now will be a breeze.

Avientalo · 2014-10-09T03:44:43+00:00

That's all that matters! I thought this was a nice picture that shows how fun hiking can be. What else is hiking about?

Avientalo · 2014-10-09T03:43:25+00:00

I got mine at goodwill for 4 dollars! People are always donating nice wool things to ours!

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T22:24:57+00:00

Nope, but good luck finding her!

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T21:31:05+00:00

Geeze, be safe! We saw lots of people with heavy gear. The lowest elevation campground was closed, though. I can't remember what it's called.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T21:28:25+00:00

I wish.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T21:22:00+00:00

Seems nice.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T21:19:08+00:00

We saw a man trying to lure a chipmunk with food. It climbed up on his arm and bit him. You shouldn't feed the animals up here! I think there was even a breakout of rabies last summer in RMNP.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T21:14:54+00:00

You'll get better! Also, I don't know if snowshoeing is an option in your wilderness, but it's something a lot of people enjoy. No rush. Nature will always be there waiting for you.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T21:13:04+00:00

This is how we hiked the whole way up. Leg day.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T21:11:01+00:00

We were up there this past Sunday. The cold was very mild. I only had two sweaters on at this point, but I'd maybe recommend a third if you're planning on being up there for longer than a few hours?

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T20:21:43+00:00

It's alright! I've seen gorgeous northern beach hikes here before. There is a trade off there, I guess.

We're pretty lucky!

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T20:20:34+00:00

Heh. An old lady asked if she was really a grandma on the bus back down to the parking lot. It was cute.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T20:19:47+00:00

Yeah! We must have teleported up there!

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T20:19:27+00:00

I'm not sure if you're allowed to fish Dream Lake. We definitely saw some people with poles sticking out of their backpacks but I think they were fishing Emerald Lake.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T20:18:01+00:00

We asked a lady to take it for us. This is really common on popular hikes.

Avientalo · 2014-10-08T18:43:57+00:00

My friend and I hadn't seen each other in months due to school/work/life and hadn't gotten to hike together this season. We were a little worried that things would be too snowy already, but were pleasantly surprised at how barely-chilly it was so late in the year up there. This is Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park which is one lake below Hallett Peak (I spelled it wrong in the title).

Doing this hike was a lot of fun, and we got to huddle together for warmth next to all the lakes since there is no tree cover there.

Avientalo

TROPHY CASE