Death Valley - Foran Grade loop Trail hike on 30-Sep-2026

It looked cloudy as we approached the Sandy McNabb parking lot and it was about +3C when we hit the trail. But the clouds mostly moved on and it warmed up. The Death Valley trail had a few muddy spots which the cows had churned up but could be avoided. The aspens in this area were not yet a brilliant yellow:

We decided to forego the 3 kilometre loop at the north end and take the connector to Windy Point trail that crosses a trickling Death Valley Creek and traverses a meadow:

Shortly thereafter a suitable log appeared that made for a good lunching location. Then it was into the aspen forest for the start of the ascent to the Windy Point - Foran Grade col. The aspens here were excellent:

Once at the col we ran into our first humans of the day. We went up the trail at bit and had a leisurely rest break with a view:

Then it was the walk along the ridge where there were a few other hikers before the two km flat trek back to the cars.

Participants: Philip, Ron C/S/P, Bill, Barbara and Aldis

Fauna report: Black Angus cows, Hereford cows, whitetail deer, ravens, crows, 2 unidentified hawks, a possible eagle, juncos and serenading chickadees.

GPS measurement 14.9 km distance, 430m egain.