The Pool: Colors, Boulders, & Rivers (con't)

In sharp contrast to the Big Thompson gurgling along on the hiker's left and the gorgeous mountains off in the distance, granite cliffs soar high on the hiker's right side.

The crazy colors continue ...

even on the boulders ...

which become larger and more plentiful.

Insert here the most famous of the large boulder formations:  The Arch which was presumably formed when a large boulder fell from the cliffs above and split into half.  Unfortunately, this is only one of the landmarks that I failed to photograph!

Does the photo below remind anyone else of the favorite fishing and picture taking spot of some of our clan?  Remember its name?  I blogged about it here.

After a most enjoyable stroll (1.7 mi.), the hiker reaches The Pool

which is a turbulent water pocket formed below the merger of Fern and Spruce Creeks with the Big Thompson River.

Unfortunately, (again!)  I failed to photograph the very picturesque bridge that crosses The Pool and (once again!) I failed to climb the boulder on the other side of The Pool for an even more dramatic view.  My serious omissions on this hike will hopefully create interest in what you have missed in the post!  One should plan this hike for the early morn in the summer; the trail receives more sun than many of the RMNP hikes and so can become hot as the day progresses.  Also, the Fern Lake Trailhead parking fills quickly, as do many to the trailheads' parking.

The Pool - Hike of Crazy Colors, Big Boulders, & Rushing Rivers

The Pool in the Fall is a glorious hike!  It begins at the Fern Lake Trailhead which is on the west end of Moraine Park.

This "Christmas" tree and lichen-colored boulder stand as Sentinels to the 1.7 mile path and foretell what is to come.  Remember, most of the Aspens have already lost their bright yellow Fall leaves!

Yet, there are many beautiful Fall colors along this trail which is relatively flat, climbing only 245 feet.

Below the trail and to the left flows the Big Thompson River.  It is generally not readily visible from the trail because of  the luxuriant vegetation, but it provides the lovely sound of  river - rushing in the Spring, I'm sure, but gurgling in the Fall.  The moist environment supports a large variety of wild flowers along the trail in the Summer, providing a whole new palette of colors.

Looking beyond the Big Thompson, the hiker has beautiful views of the mountains.  I was disappointed not to know which they were but hope to discover their names on our next trip.  Does anyone think that one could be Ypsilon?

Yet to come:  more Color, the Big Boulders, and ....... The Pool!