Light morning hike

Last year I discovered a hidden gem for hiking, especially during the summer, but, regrettably,  didn't find a time to return there. And since last Saturday I was looking for something really light, I decided to revisit this enchanting place. I was also secretly hoping to catch some vibrant fall colors if I was lucky (uh... not really, but I did spot a few hints of color here and there).

The trail starts in a dense, shadowy forest and ascends rapidly from the very start.  It's a rather steep beginning, to be honest... 

 

If you kick off your hike early, brace yourself for a journey through these dimly lit woods, with only sporadic rays of light breaking through. It's not overly daunting, but it does cast a touch of sadness. So, come prepared, or opt for a later start when the sun bathes the trail in its golden embrace ;)

 

The previous night had been chilly, leaving the ground dusted with a delicate frost. Yet, with the first rays of sun, it melted away, transforming into glistening droplets...

However, where the sun hadn't yet reached, the frost had conjured some magical, intricate patterns...

  

Once I climbed up on the top of the first hill and the trail turned around, the warm sun began to cast its welcoming glow, brightened everything. Nothing looked dark and gloomy anymore and I finally felt that life was good ;)

It was a delightful surprise to find both frost-covered plants and blossoming flowers side by side. Their coexistence felt somewhat surreal...

  

The first time I hiked there I appreciated the trail's shadowiness, especially during the scorching summer. It didn't mean that much in fall, but look how dense and dark the forest is there. And this is not even the thickest part... And I guess it'll lighten up in just a couple hours.

And I still enjoyed some thawed leaves alongside those still kissed by frost ;)

I made a wide ark and returned back to the stream. It was shallow and cold and provided some water for small bushes and trees. And for flowers too!

Following the winding course of the stream I found a picturesque cleaning, where the daisies covered the entire area and the sun was warming up one bush after another bringing them to life...

Some of the flowers still bore traces of frost and created quite a mesmerizing sight...

Finally I made my way to the waterfall. Yep, I guess it's less impressive than you'd imagine when you hear 'Maxwell Falls' ;) The stream is not fast and the water just flows over the rocks, but I think I need to try this hike in the spring, when the creek is high and the water is roaring and falling down with much greater force...

At this point I had already turned around and headed back, stopping here and there to see the fall colors (less than I hoped to see but still enough to uplift my spirit)...

 And then, on my way back to the trailhead, the sun generously graced me with its presence, providing warmth and radiance.

  

Blue sky and yellow aspen leaves... some flowers still brought joy... and sadness of leaving such a nice trail ;)

It was a nice and short hike, just what I needed that Saturday ;) By the way, click here if you are interested to see my previous adventure there, which looked quite different in July - Maxwell Falls hike on Saturday

 

Just under 3 hours and almost 5 miles... a 1000 feet of elevation gain (interesting, previous time it was almost twice as much) and tons of fun. Highly recommend this hike if you want something closer to Denver ;) But be aware that there is not much parking, so get there early or you risk parking far away from the trailhead.

ChatGPT helped me with some passages today.

Pictures were taken on October 07, 2023.