Panorama Point

Today’s hike: Bear Creek Canyon to Panorama Point.

By the numbers:

 

Other hikers on the trail:         8

Dogs (off-leash)                          3

Mule deer (also off-leash)      5

Squirrel (totally nuts)                 1

Miles (to the top and back)    5

Floors (per my phone app)   15

Mountain bikers                          0 – as in ZIP, NADA, ZILCH.

 

YAHOOOOO!

 

A word on hikers, bikers, and sharing trails: When my wife and I walk the flat paved paths along the South Platte or on top of Chatfield dam, we are continuously assaulted by spandex-clad road-bikers zipping past calling out “ON YOUR LEFT!” Don’t get me wrong, they have every bit as much right to be there as we do, and announcing their immanent approach from behind is just common courtesy. BUT, it interferes with my chi. I always startle. And usually I involuntarily hop about half a step into their path. I’m sorry, it’s just the way I’m wired. If you’re a biker, please don’t take it personally. But I hate you all – I really do – so sue me.

When I say there were zero mountain bikers on today’s hike up to Panorama Point, this is actually something in their favor, at least in terms of survivability. The only bikers who should be braving a sheet of solid ice on a 16-degree slope are those with a death wish – or maybe those with a burning desire to vie for one of those coveted Darwin Awards. Anyway, I consider the zero-biker metric of today’s hike a sign of God’s grace. Also, my chi (sans bikers) was at or near an all-time high – Allah be praised.

 

Beyond the numbers

 

A few quick photos to whet your appetite for this hike should you ever be in the area and find yourself desirous of a steep but rewarding climb. In summertime it’s always waaay too crowded, so winter is (IMHO) the perfect time for this one. Of course you’ll need micro-spikes if you don’t wish to become a statistic.

To get there, exit C-470 at Morrison Road and go west on State Highway 74 past Red Rocks.  This takes you straight through the quaint little downtown of Morrison, CO.  Once you get higher up in Bear Creek Canyon, go past Lair ‘O The Bear Park, also through the aptly named hamlet of Idledale. If you make it as far as Kittredge you’ve overshot by about 4 miles. Turn left across a rickety wooden bridge into the dirt lot at Corwina Park. There are only 9 spaces, so come early.

 

The Alltrails review is here.

 

What was I listening to? In honor of Women’s History Month it was Diana Krall’s smooth jazz on the way up, and foot-stomping Dixie Chicks on the way down. The moral of the story? It’s OK to increase your pace on the downhills just so long as you also shorten your stride. But on ice, a lengthened stride is a sure recipe for disaster – even with micro-spikes. How do I know? Don’t ask. Just trust me on this one folks.

Although the trails are well marked, I got turned around on the way down and ended up having to backtrack a bit. I will say this much for “Panorama Point:”  It’s spectacular enough that it doesn’t even need a sign. And once you’re there, everything is all downhill on the way back. One small point of orienteering: Snow fields are found on north-facing slopes, while bare ground is only on south-facing ones. Other than that? You’re on your own.

 

Happy trails, y’all!