Day 19: Watrous Gulch & Keystone

I've seen this signpost before, although this time I'm headed off to the East up Watrous Gulch. Other than looking at the map, I'm totally unfamiliar with this hike, although it seems doable.

I got an early start by myself and hit the trailhead by 8am. I stayed on foot for a while, however a series of 6 ice falls over the trail forced me to shoe-up so I could use the crampons.

View Herman Gulch in a larger map

The initial climb is long, loud, boring, and relatively steep. You gain almost 1000ft in the first mile, and until you round the corner into the gulch you can hear I70 very loudly.

I found a nice rock to perch on for breakfast about 45 mins into my hike. It wasn't too far up the gulch but it was out of earshot of the highway. I felt very alone up here, and put some Car Talk on the iPod for some company while I munched my sandwich. I took these pics while resting.

Got down from Watrous and moved the party over to Keystone where I delighted in a handful of LONG groomer bombs. Got on the hill by 10ish, and there was still plenty of good snow. Good exercise, great sun, fun turns. Overall a great morning in the mountains.

Rounded out the day with a Ranger IPA and some time sunning myself at the New Moon Cafe. woOt!