The Journey of 7 bridges... Hiking Hanging Lake in the Winter

This is where my wife and I were married and we revisit it every year. I've done two other posts on this exact hike so if there is something here missing you might find it in this post or perhaps this one. It's a moderate to difficult hike in the winter time but it's definitely worth it. You'll definitely need some yak tracks and hiking poles but the poles are optional. We saw some wearing snow shoes but it didn't look necessary and appeared to be way too much work. Of course bring a drink and a snack for when you get to the top. There are seven bridges that you must cross before you get to the final stretch which is also the most difficult part of the hike. If you're overweight or scared of heights then this might be too much for you. This part can be treacherous. Make sure to hold on to the railing and have proper footing (see photos below). Once you get to the top you can walk around the lake and under the falls and depending on the temperature you'll see if the water is actually flowing or frozen. After you have explored the lake, you can hike up a little further and see spouting rock. Like I said, if it's been a cold winter you might not see any water flowing and it'll be frozen shut. Nonetheless you should see breathtaking icicles and you should get more than one good photo. Here are each of the seven bridges and what you can expect of them around the winter time. It took us about 2 hours and 20 minutes for the trailhead then up to the top and down with ample time to explore and mess around. In that time we went 3.7 miles. If you're planning on being up there awhile bundle up. With that said, practically anyone can do this hike with a little inspiration. Good luck! Be safe & enjoy the photos! 

 

Loveland Ski Area, Loveland Basin, Colorado 1/9/2014

Lift Hours: 9am 4pm (M-F), 8:30am - 4pm (weekends)

Elevation Base - 10,800 ft (3292 m)

Summit - 13,010 ft (3965 m)

Lift-served - 12,700 ft

Vertical - 2,210 ft (674 m)

Ski Area: 1,570 acres

Hikeable Area: 100 acres

Average Snowfall: 422 in (10.7 m)

Made my first trip to Loveland Ski Area a few weeks ago to check out how it is. If you're coming from I-70 East/Denver it it the first skiing area you will come to during your beautiful drive on the nation's highest interstate. This is my review and I hope most can find it helpful!

The trip: Driving on I-70 can be a complete nightmare in the winter. Rock slides, ice, heavy snowfall, and ridiculous wind gusts are all possible when heading through the high-country. Even if you plan your trip accordingly you can still hit a snag in traffic which can easily ruin a nice day on the slopes. Make sure to leave enough time for you to properly park your vehicle, get into your gear, use the restroom, etc. After you've planned your route check the weather and road reports. If they're calling for multiple inches of snow, leave early. Also make sure you have plenty of snacks if you get stuck on the road and of course, make sure you have the proper equipment should you have a break down. You do not want to be unprepared in the high country. As you very well know, shit happens. 

Rentals: As the early bird gets the worm, this philosophy should be your plan of attack should you need rental gear. The process went pretty smoothly. You fill out your info on a computer then take a space in the line where they will look up what info you just typed in under your name. The staff was pretty friendly, my friend and I were suited up in no time, however, my wife had some issues with the staff telling her she did not need two pairs of socks. She insisted that it was cold as shit and she did but the gentleman told her she was a specific boot size and that two pair of socks would not be appropriate. I have never heard this before but it bothered my spouse as her feet were frozen 2 runs in. So all in all helpful and friendly, but I did find the sock issue quite odd.

Slopes: As a novice, I enjoyed what Loveland Ski Area had to offer, especially when compared with Eldora Ski Resort in Nederland, CO (About 20 miles up Boulder Canyon). There were an ample amount of runs/lifts opened and their groomed runs felt just fine to me. I don't do anything more difficult than a Black Diamond, so I can't speak for some of the more extreme runs. There are plenty of variations in terrain and plenty of my personal favorite, trees!

Cons: A lot of the runs were in the shade all throughout the day which turned to ice very quickly. This is exacerbated by some of the grueling winds. The lifts were a little slow/dated and the slopes were a little crowded towards midday, but what can you really expect during a Friday in the middle of peak season? 

Overall: All-in-all don't let any of the cons deter you. Loveland Ski Area is a great place to visit from Denver and it's relatively affordable. If you are debating visiting Eldora or this place, definitely take the trip to Loveland Basin. You won't get bored as there will be plenty of runs for those of all skill levels. If you're a novice like me, or are just on the Front Range for a few days and want to experience high country skiing then this is the place for you. 

Getting excited yet? 

"The Ridge" on the Continental Divide.