“Now he walks in quite solitude the forest and the streams, seeking grace in every step he takes; his sight has turned inside himself to try and understand, the serenity of a clear blue mountain lake” John Denver (Rocky Mountain High)
When I was 11 years old my parents took our family to Rocky Mountain National Park with our tent trailer. The trip had a lasting impression on this young girl. I remember venturing off on my own and stopping at a spot that overlooked the river. The glistening sunlight on the water sent something through me that I have never been able to explain. It was a defining moment. At that time, I knew I was not alone, and never would be…that something greater than myself created all of this beauty, and that I would spend my life being a seeker. The hike to Blue Canyon Lake takes me back to that time. It is my favorite hike in the high Sierra and I have done it several times. However, it is not without its’ challenges….
I highly recommend this hike, but know that even though it is fairly short, it is also straight uphill with some tricky sections to get past. It also starts at 8,820 feet and climbs to 10, 040 feet. It is important to be careful when hiking at high altitudes as the air is thin. Keeping yourself hydrated is important, as well as having a good pair of hiking shoes. The trailhead begins at the shoulder of the road just before the 9,000 foot elevation sign on hwy. 108. There are spaces for about 4-5 cars, so getting an early start is recommended, although I have never seen it too crowded. The trail can be tough to find as you have to go down the hillside, cross the creek and then head up the opposite hillside. GPS will help with this, but don’t forget to bring a map and compass as well. Overall, this hike is 3.6 miles round trip and is rated as difficult.
Since last winter was long and brought a lot of snow to the mountains, I knew that it would be later in the summer season to be able to have access and also catch the beautiful show of wildflowers. This hike I did the first week of August and the flower display did not disappoint! I also had a suspicion that the creek would be running strong and could create some problems….and it did.
I had been on this hike 12 years before, and vowed I would be back. The reason for this, is that I was too late for the wildflowers when I went. I could see at the time, that they were everywhere, but were past their prime. This time, I was sure that I timed it right for the flowers, but didn’t anticipate some other roadblocks. One of which was the high and fast moving creek that requires to be crossed at various spots, as well as the amount of snow that was still there that had to be climbed and crossed. The trek takes you up the deep canyon which the creek runs down. Along the way, I was taken by the incredible views.
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To even begin this hike, I had to cross the creek which was running pretty strong, and I had to figure out how to negotiate. There was a log I could walk on, but it was wet and I was concerned that it might be slippery. I always carry my water shoes in my pack, so I decided to put those one and actually walk across the creek while using the log for extra balance against the current. Fortunately, the water was only about 2-3 feet deep. That worked out well and I changed back into my hiking shoes and forged up the hillside. As I walked among the flowers and the stream, I came across the next obstacle, a large hill side covered in snow that I had to get across. I didn’t have any snow clamps, so it meant careful walking across. I was able to hold on to the large rocks and make my way, feeling accomplished. This was until I arrived at the next obstacle…the raging creek. I looked and looked and couldn’t find a place to cross. And I was only about a half mile from the lake!
I walked around looking for a spot to cross further up the canyon and creek, but there was more snow. I could see a rock duck to cross the canyon on the snow, but it looked completely unsafe and I was actually surprised the rock duck was there. As I was looking, I came across a husband and wife team and we had a nice chat. They agreed that the creek was too much to cross, even their dog wouldn’t venture across! This couple was delightful as they had to be in their 80’s and told me they had done this hike many times before and were retired, living in Twain Harte. I was in awe of two people at their age doing such a difficult hike. But they were taking their time and seemed to know the terrain. I chatted with them for about ten minutes, and then made the tough decision that I wouldn’t make it to the lake on this day. The couple had decided to explore off trail. Thus, I would have to be content with taking in the views and the wildflowers. And I did just that. But in my head, I vowed once again, to be back.
I took my time heading back down the canyon, making sure to seek out all of the wildflowers and views that I could. The thunder clouds were rolling in, and I knew that my time was limited before I would get washed in summer rain. Nevertheless, I eased on down the canyon taking in the sights and smells and marveling at the variety of wildflowers. By the time I got back to my car, the rain was starting to fall. Eleven years ago I got to see the beautiful little turquoise lake. All this time later, I finally was able to experience the wildflowers. What will the third time bring? It wasn’t long before I took another trip to this magical place.
“Open up your hands and feel the rain come on down; taste the wind and smell the flowers sweet perfume; open up your mind and let the light shine in; the earth has been reborn and life goes on.” John Denver (Season Suite: Spring)
