Today I hiked the Niwot Ridge trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. At the top, my hiking partners and I were greeted by one of the local marmot residents.
While the original plan was to hike the Arapahoe Glacier trail, it turns out that trail is closed till next year because of trail maintenance concerns (please, please don’t raise our taxes – the nation’s infrastructure and resources really don’t need maintaining….).
While not the original plan, this hike was great. Ambling over rolling alpine terrain we eventually made our way to a narrow ridgeline that led west to the Divide. Given gathering stormclouds, we didn’t make it the whole way up the ridge. That said, the old wise marmot (attested by his silver fur) encouraged me to return – and suggested that some of my eastern readership might appreciate coming along for a walk. I guarantee that you’ll enjoy the hike as much as my hiking buddy (although you’ll have to bring your own smokes!)
In addition to the spectacular scenery endemic to Indian Peaks, there were two highlights to this trip. Niwot Ridge is home to many of the research facilities of the University of Colorado-Boulder’s Mountain Research Station. This field-based interdisciplinary research center facilitates the advancement of understanding regarding alpine physical and biological systems. It was very cool to be in such a rigorous and wild environment, while seeing research facilities and equipment. I can only imagine how inspiring it must be for CU undergraduate and graduate students to have the opportunity to work and study at a place like this. Immediately to the south of Niwot Ridge is a closed area that provides the drainage for the source of Boulder’s water supplies. Looking east, the string of mountain lakes untrammeled by humans was very pristine.
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