It was a fine fall day in the foothills with the aspens showing off their autumn colours. It was a cool start, which was welcome, given that most of the elevation gain is at the start. We worked our way up the ridge to Windy Point:


Wind-blown pine on the ascent of Windy Point

Lenard & Peter nearing the top of Windy Point

A number of birders were there at the base of the pole with the plastic owl, waiting for migrating raptors to take a dive at the owl. We took a short break there to catch our breath and to de-layer:


Madeleine & Cornelis at the top of Windy Point, while Rocky looks for treats from Francisco

The traverse along the ridge was pleasant and warm, with yellow aspens among the pines and spruces:


Glorious aspen on Gleason Ridge

Where there were openings in the trees there were views to the west of the Front ranges that had little dustings of snow:


View to Bluerock from Gleason Ridge

After the third bump on the ridge we went a little too far past where we should have jogged to the left, so we had to do a little backtracking to regain the main ridge. After lunching there we continued on over the fifth hump and stayed left to properly arrive at the cutline to descend to the valley:


Descending the cutline from Gleason Ridge

We connected to the trail/cowpath that led through open forest and occasional meadow in summer-like conditions. Sharp-eyed Bill spotted a ruffed grouse in one of the forest sections. It was an uneventful return to the cars. Thanks to Madeleine for posting the trip. Participants: Ron (scribe, photos), Madeleine (coordinator, photo), Francisco, Peter, Cornelis (with Rocky), Margo, Lenard and Bill

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