Monday, September 21, 2026

Autumn Hike - Black Lake & Beyond

 


COME! Take a hike with Rick and I and enjoy the Fall Colors!

On Saturday, September 19, Rick and I headed up to Anthony Lakes basin to take a hike up the Elkhorn Crest Trail past Black Lake and toward Angel Pass.  We stopped just before the pass, as our stomachs were growling and it was the last weekend for Starbottle Saloon at the ski area.  Rick promised me a meal!  The colors were AMAZING!!  It had rained/hailed the night before so everything was damp and moist, yet the sun was out amidst the puffy clouds.  Perfect hiking weather!  

Heading up the trail as we leave Anthony Lake.

We THINK all the red we saw was huckleberry leaves.

Rick stops to search for his favorite fall flower, gentians.


The backside of Gunsight Mt pokes through the trees.

We found a few patches of snow hidden in the shadows.

A rocky ridge on the far side of the valley

Pearly Everlasting...only not ever lasting!


Rick on the trail

The trail as it winds up toward the pass.

Looking down on the beautiful golden meadow 



Outlet meadow of Black Lake


Black Lake

Color variations of old and new growth

Black Lake

Black Lake and Gunsight Peak

We called this wood mitosis

Sumac beauty


Rick at the outlet of Black Lake


All these gopher/mole mounds were not there earlier when we went up the trail!

Lily Pad Lake

Classic Anthony Lake photo with the 'island'


Had to put together a little God-Art from the trail.  

And yes, 6 miles later and nearly 1000 feet elevation gain, we got our lunch at the ski area restaurant!!