Hike near Button Rock Reservoir, 1/21/2006
We started out the day looking for an access point to climb Blue Mountain in Larimer County. Driving up the road that goes by Rabbit Mountain, and then Apple Valley Road just west of Lyons, we couldn't find any access point; fences and "no trespassing" signs everywhere!
Finally we decided we had enough driving and headed for the Button Rock Reservoir parking area, but instead stopped before this parking area, parking on the side of the road just before the gravel road descends to the parking area.
From our parking place we began hiking at 11:45, heading west on the gravel road for about 0.2 miles, then took a trail leading west off the road at the point where the road takes a sharp left (south). After passing through a gated barbed wire fence, we turned right (north) leaving the trail and going uphill.
Following the path of steepest ascent we climbed about 800 feet before reaching a knob at an elevation of 6932 feet. From there we continued north, descending to a saddle and then climbed steeply again, reaching a granite knob at an elevation of 7149 feet where we had lunch. This was a nice place, partially enclosed by granite, facing southwest, where we were warmed by the intermittent sun.
After lunch, we began our descent at 14:08, following our tracks back, thanks to the couple inches of snow on the ground. We returned to our parking place at 15:42.
| Place name | Elev [ft] | Accuracy [ft] | Lat/Lon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parked car | 6143 | 33 | 40.23475/105.33540 |
| Knob 1 | 6932 | 27 | 40.24010/105.34151 |
| Lunch at knob 2 | 7149 | 49 | 40.24431/105.35116 |