Storm Mountain
We didn't have a lot of time to hike this weekend. Katie and I were going over to a friend's house for dinner, so we needed to hike and be home no later than 3 to get ready for dinner. Because of that, we planned for a hike that's a little closer to home. With cooler temperatures, staying a little bit lower (instead of going far into the high mountains) was our plan. Hiking Storm Mountain seemed like a good option.
I always enjoy hiking Storm Mountain because of it's healing landscape from when the area was decimated in 2020 by the Cameron Peak fire. Since then, the ecology has drastically changed each year. The first year it was all black charred trees, the second year some of those trees had fallen, then shrubbery started growing, and now there is a small aspen presence. The aspens are very short, but they're starting to take over now that there isn't any competition for light from the trees that once were there. Several years from now, this area will be a fantastic hike for fall color hunting. I hope it stays a quiet, lesser-known trail.
4.68 mi
3.3 hrs
9,228 ft
1,421 ft
Leaves are Dropping
It's past fall colors season here, and may of the taller trees had already dropped their leaves. The smaller and shorter trees still had some color let on them.
Golden Trail
We came to a section along the trail that was golden from short young aspens.
Late Lupine
We found some wild lupine. October isn't the time that we were expecting to find wildflowers.
Unexpected Fall Colors Hike
Fall colors were over in most parts of the state last weekend. But somehow we managed to find some great orange colors.
Patch of Reds
This aspen grove had a few vibrantly red leaves at the tip of the trees, contrasting well with the purple mountains.
Lunch Time
We had an early lunch around 11 at the summit of Storm Mountain.
Burn Scar
I've captured this burn scar many times from the summit of Storm Mountain. Each time it's just as devastatingly beautiful as the last. But each time there's a little more green.
Regrowth Started
It's been 4 years since this area burned down in the Cameron Peak fire. The brush and aspens are starting to grow back.
Late Paintbrush
We were shocked to find some late blooming paintbrush among the aspens. Little bit of spring and fall in one photo.
Parking Spot
The gate was open for us (unlike in years past) which allowed us to drive a little ways up the trail before starting the hike.
