Crested Butte - Day 1

On our first day in Crested Butte we decided to take a long hike over Storm Pass (12,460 feet) and down Castle Creek.  We started at the Mill Creek Trailhead and ended and Wilderness Streams, where my aunt and uncle Gail and Ralph Rash live along with their friends and cousins Jim and Kay Hibbetts.

It was a long 17 mile hike that took us about 10 hours.  But we were rewarded with a home cooked meal at the end.

Jim, Ralph, and Bob near the start of the hike.  Late season snows made for magnificent waterfalls throughout the hike.

Bob climbing a snowbank on the final push to the top of Storm Pass as Jim looks on.

I figured this would be my only chance to practice using my ice axe!

Bob and Jim at the top of Storm Pass looking down on the Castles with the Maroon Peaks in the background.

Good cell coverage at the top of the pass, so Bob took the opportunity to send a few text messages.

On the descent with the Castles in the background.  We spotted a herd of about 300 elk on the other side of the valley and watched them as we hiked down.

Jim, Bob, and Ralph hike below the Castles on the way down from Storm Pass.

The aspens and wildflowers were blooming everywhere.

Jim stands next to some 6 foot tall bluebonnets on the hike down.

Finally we got home to Wilderness Streams.  This is the view from Jim and Kay's house, standing on their front porch.

Dinner with the whole team.  Thanks to Kay for the wonderful meal.