Letters to a friend...: Fast falling water... waterfall!

With the really hot days here in Denver, everyone is looking for a way to escape it... at least on the weekends. So, a couple of weeks ago, we decided to do the same and searched for a place to go. The Lost Lake hike came to mind, and we settled on it. I did this hike a few years ago (click here to see it - Lost Lake hike) and really liked it. I didn't remember it being especially hard, but this time we decided to do only a part of it. The goal was just to get to the waterfalls and relax there for a while...

Actually, the Lost Lake hike is just one of many that start at the same trailhead. And the shortest one... And, I'd guess, the easiest one too :) With so many trails snaking out of the parking area and it being quite a popular spot, you have to arrive really early if you want to park close to the starting point. Otherwise, you’ll need to park a few miles away and take a shuttle to the trailhead. That’s what we did, and once we were on the trail, I was once again stunned by the perfect reflection in the still water...

I believe I remember this curvy tree from the last time I was here... Still standing, still looking oddly out of place ;)

Well... What I didn’t remember was how rocky the trail is. And yes, a bit more challenging than I recalled.

Still, the surroundings were just beautiful… wildflowers everywhere...

...aspen trees on the side of the trail...

Ten minutes later, we crossed the creek and began our ascent toward our destination...

The waterfalls are not really far, roughly 1.5 miles from the trailhead, with moderate elevation gain. But once there, you’re rewarded with the sound of the creek tumbling over granite boulders before it drops into a gorgeous waterfall.

We spent some time there, lounging in hammocks and listening to the water roar just a few feet away. The cool mist in the air added some welcome relief. At that moment, it was clear - coming here and leaving the heat behind was absolutely the right decision.