Bullion King Lake was the last hike I did before leaving Ouray for Texas after receiving news from home that my Dad had died. But even if I didn’t have that sharpened sense of hindsight, looking back on such a glorious day from 106 degree heat of the dry dust-bowl of Central Texas, it still would have ranked up there with one of the best hikes ever. But then, while in Lovely Ouray, I seem to say that about every hike.
I really can’t believe I almost passed up this hike. I bailed the night before. Looking back, I really can’t even recall what gave me pause. Something to do with logistics. As the crowd expands, the introvert retreats. Thankfully, Gayle sent me an email after I had declined, saying “Trust me on this…you do not want to miss this hike!” And was she ever right…
Bullion King Lake had everything I could script for the perfect hike. There were wildflowers, waterfalls, snow-streaked mountains, and the ubiquitous dramatic imposing ridge line reflecting in a blue mountain lake like a hand-sculpted platinum setting cradling a watery sapphire gem.
The hike up to the lake itself is relatively easy by Ouray standards..a somewhat narrow, steep steady incline, but the terrain is consistent along the 4WD jeep road. There is no traffic in between the trail head and the lake, as the road is closed due to a mine reclamation project and construction of a mine waste repository. This makes for a day in total solitude, as we only see one other person at the beginning of the trail, along with what appeared to be happy faces beneath the hard hats of the construction crew at the reclamation site. An office view like this can take the edge off even the harshest of toxic work environments. The rest of the “playground,” we have all to ourselves for the entire day.
A shortcut up the side of the mountain gets us to the lake via a much more scenic route through a marshy field of wildflowers, purple penstemons lining the stream. Our timing is good, as we arrive just before the wind to get a few reflective shots in the lake before reflections give way to ripples. We spend time admiring the clear blue lake, looking for shadows of shy rainbow trout beneath the surface, while soaking up the ambiance of a perfect weather day.
But if there is one thing I have learned about hiking with Mark and Bobbie, there is always more to see “just a little further.” And one who is willing to brave the stretch outside one’s comfort zone is typically treated to an off the beaten path thrill of an adventure. So when Mark and Bobbie say “We’re going to climb a little higher and find an overlook up on that ridge,” I know we are in for a challenge, but I also know the reward will be unforgettable.
The back side of the ridge is a little “scree scary” as I brace ankles against 45 degree angles, feeling my whole body tense up at the gritty sound of shifting scree beneath my boot soles. I have learned in this scenario, as well as crossing streams that it’s good to keep momentum on your side. It truly is a case of “She who hesitates is lost” so I work to keep moving in spite of my frozen feet.
Mark points to the snow pack at the top of the ridge, and says “If you can just make it to that little patch of snow, the view will be worth it!” Bobbie coaches me up, telling me to shorten my hiking pole, and lean in. It’s slow going, as I take one step forward, and slide back down two. I am the last to reach the top, so close but still so far. Close enough to see the grins on their faces as I reach down to the bottom of my lungs and gut and pull myself up the last few feet of what feels like a near-vertical wall.
Once I reach the top, I am elated and intoxicated by the surrounding view. Looking over one shoulder from atop the ridge line is a shimmering blue lake. Over the other shoulder is Mill Basin, strewn with more wildflowers than I have seen during my entire visit. Walking the ridge line dividing the two makes me downright giddy.
As we look off across the majestic vista, there is promise of more beauty “just a little further.” Bobbie points out fourteeners along the horizon in the Uncompagre Wilderness that she and Mark have summited. There are tales of another glistening alpine gem, Columbine Lake, just beyond the basin. “Just a little further” is calling…and I want to go…
Mark and Bobbie are such inspirational hikers! Without doubt hiking with them in their backyard has been the most thrilling and gorgeous hiking we have ever done.
Exceptional photos!
“Guide Noir” – one of many treasures in this post. ;->
Breathtaking scenery and superb writing.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
My lungs are straining, but the beauty of this hike is magnificent…..”The hills are Alive”
for sure!
You left and returned on hiking “high notes,” for sure. Your gritty performance on that steep ridge was a revealing moment. No matter the challenge, be it Life or Mountain, your just reach down deep and keep moving. Inspiring.
Box Canyon Mark
What a wonderful description of your hiking experience! Beautiful photos. My spirit feels expanded just from reading this. Thank you so much.
Definitely one of the best hikes, but then there was Ice Lake, and Red Mountain and … Just can’t decide!
Gayle
Ooh, one of our favorite places to visit. Not many people venture back there since the shelf road is so narrow. Always a quiet beautiful place! Some of your pictures are definitely “Sound of Music” moments.
I can see why you can’t pick a favorite with each hike as beautiful as the last:) So glad you went “just a little further!” The scenery was spectacular. I love being on the top of the world and looking across the tops of all the mountains. Amazing! I can’t believe how the field is just loaded with wildflowers. I’ve never seen so may in one place. Wow! What a day! Boy, I bet you are so thankful you bit the bullet and went along:)
Can’t wait to get there after Labor Day. We may not do much hiking this time out, but the Jeep is definitely going to get altitude sickness. 🙂
How does one begin to pick a favorite hike in the Ouray area. All of the hikes you and Gayle have posted look fabulous!
Beautiful and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.
It really is Alpine scenery, with the flowers, snow pockets and blue skies. Years ago they sent ill people to places like this to recuperate, now fit and healthy people go there for enjoyment.