It was a great day to do South Opal, lots of sun and no wind. Our group of three left the parking lot just after 9:30 am and headed up the trail at a steady moderate pace.
South Opal from the parking lot
The trail up the ridge to the knob was mostly snow free, with only minor amounts of snow on the upper section below the knob. From the knob we could see about 20 people ahead of us on the ridge leading to South Opal.
South Opal from the knob on the upper ridge
Beaten path through the snow up through 'the Gates'
Like all other hiking options in the front range, the trails are busier than I've ever seen them. We took a short rest break at the knob and headed up the slope through 'The Gates' leading to the summit ridge. The snow was deep, but there was a well beaten path up and all along the ridge, right up to the the summit of South Opal - so no post holing!.
We timed it perfectly as everyone, with the exception of a couple of people, had left the summit by the time we arrived.
Arnold and Kris world problem solving on the summit of South Opal
Looking North towards North Opal and the Wedge
Tons of snow still on the high peaks
After a minutes, we had the summit all to ourselves. We look a long lunch break on the summit under warm windless conditions and enjoyed the spectacular views. We all marveled at the the amount of snow still in the upper valleys and high peaks. Up high, it still looks like mid winter.
Reluctantly we left the summit and headed back along the snow covered upper ridge.
Arnold boogying down from the summit of South Opal
Traversing back across the ridge
We kept our micro spikes on until we were out of the snow below the knob. Farther down the ridge we bumped into a ewe and her yearling from last spring.
This young one survived this last winter
Ewe watching us and her young
There were only a few flowers lower down, primarily yellow mustard and crocus.
Back at the vehicles, we all agreed it had been a superb day to do this classic spring hike. My thanks to Arnoldand Krzysztof for their great company and for joining me Kevin (S/C) on a 10 out of 10 day in K Country.
