The Eldorado National Forest Guide says this hike is 2 miles but some trail descriptions, and my experience trying to take this twice says it's a lot longer, maybe about 5 miles. This time I was determined to make it, but stopped at the big mule's ears area and decided that was enough for one day. I still wasn't at the alleged cutoff to Shadow Lake and from the map, it looked like I was still only halfway to my goal.
The trail is actually pretty easy, well marked and with slight upgrades followed by really long level spots. There are a lot of water crossings, including two very wet meadows (still very wet in July) so this is probably not a trail to take any earlier in the year if you want your feet to stay dry.
It's a good trail for solitude, wildflowers and water. It rained on my way down (oops, forgot to check the weather before I left). The first rain was very mild and barely wet the dirt but it left pine pollen-y golden droplets on all the foliage.
It was also nice to hear the forest silenced just after the rain. There was no wind, and all the birds and insects were in hiding and silent. I don't know whether the cloud cover dampens sound but I'll just say it does.
It rained in earnest for about a half hour just as I was nearing the big marshy meadow and as I crossed it. I thought about taking shelter beneath a tree but it just wasn't worth it. I won't melt from a little water.
The mosquitos were fierce but this time I was prepared. I had long pants and long sleeves. I think I still was bitten, but a lot less.
Commando enjoyed the trip although (due to his bad owner) he had an accident in the car. I knew he had to go but thought we could make it to Ice House road. We almost did. I cleaned out the car and was fortunate that my tax dollars had paid for a trash bin just up the road. I wasn't about to throw his mat out but didn't really want to drive many miles with a poop laden dog mat.
I also discovered that he probably can't be trusted around horses. Just as we were starting off a group of about 6 were coming back form a ride. I got Commando's collar (he was off leash) and he stood quietly as they passed by. I let go of him because he didn't seem that interested. Oops, bad owner again. He wanted to chase after them and even looked like he might try to nip at the last horse's heels before he listened to my, "NO!" and came back to me.
It's a good trip but I'll have to see if I can find a better map and directions.
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