| Date |
Distance |
Time |
Elevation Gain |
Average Moving Time |
Year to Date Miles |
| 1/21/2026 |
6.3 miles |
5 hours 30 minutes |
1,476' |
1.4 mph |
9.9 |
Parking: Map:- Hike southbound towards Bluff Mountain. Turn around at some point past Big Rock Spring. Return the same way.
I still have cold symptoms (4+ weeks now) but feel much better. We had 2 reports of a tree blocking the trail, so we went out to see what we could do. I have an upcoming surgery, so unfortunately, they require me to be off the pain drugs I take for my hips. The timing was best to do it today though, otherwise we might not get out there until March. We've had a lot of cold weather recently and today was forecasted to be slightly warmer. Our thermometer said it was 20 degrees when we left the house. Still cold.
We were thrilled as we approached the trailhead that the USFS has regraded the gravel road before Garenflo Gap. Before it was undrivable, so we'd have to walk an extra quarter mile in to reach the trailhead. The road looks beautiful. We hope it lasts! We were told the big blowdown was by Big Rock Spring. We did find a single tree 1.3 miles in which looked like a high priority issue. It is at a piped spring which has an unnamed mini waterfall. We have nicknamed the waterfall Krummholz Falls. Anyways, you have to crawl on your hands and knees under the tree and its rather awkward, especially wearing a backpack. We continued on to Big Rock Spring and past it, finding no big blowdown. There were a few trees down, but they were all easy to navigate over. We decided the location was mis-reported. There was 3 inches of snow at higher elevations. Also, lots of ice heaves. Glen removed 2 trees and I removed 1. But the high priority tree will need a sawyer (someone who is certified to use a chainsaw). At least we have identified its correct location so that a sawyer can find it more easily. There are 5 down trees left after our work - we ran out of time. On the way down, Krumm and I stopped at the lower woods road for a sandwich & tea. This is something we often do. I love just sitting with him enjoying being outdoors. The last mile out was very painful for one of my hips, so I was grimacing and limping. Looking forward to being back on pain meds soon.
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| The high priority tree |
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| The cave |
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| Tea time at the lower woods road |
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| He's lying down to indicate a stick he wants me to throw |
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| Gorgeous graded road! It had 1-2 foot ruts before! Thank you USFS! |
.HEIC)
