Day 2- A River Runs Through It

The day started in the best way- an easy hike down to water. Bear Creek is a popular first campsite on the trail, but with our late start on Day 1- we didn’t quite make it. We even had friends who rolled in at 10 pm, squeezing into the last two flat spots near the bench.

Down to the river

As we hiked toward the South Platte River, the temperature started to rise. By the time we made it about lunchtime I was seriously thinking about jumping in.

Just after we finished lunch the first storm rolled in. Hanging out became hiding. Just as we packed up the thunder rolled in again. From the river you hike up up up and there is no tree cover. So back under the bridge we went hide like trolls

Our goal once the skies cleared was 3 miles into the exposed section. It was so much cooler this time, so we could actually enjoy the views.

This whole section is still recovering from a fire so it’s all exposed.

While we found a beautiful space for our campsite, it was also on a small ridge and totally exposed. Another storm rolled through and we spent 45 minutes huddled in the wash below. Not much time spent hiking, but not time spent hanging out either. Just hiding from the storms. Thankfully the rest of the night was clear and beautiful.