2. Sierra Hikes

Slate Mountain & Needles Lookout 6-3-2007

Sunday June 3 drove north of Johnsondale to hike Slate Mountain(9302ft)- it was an 11 mile round trip with great views of the GW Divide. then we drove over to Needles Lookout which was another 5 mile round trip to the tower - stunning views.
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  • Bob, Alice, Holly, Michael, and Liz - ready to head out from Quaking Aspen Campground to Slate Moutnain

    Bob, Alice, Holly, Michael, and Liz - ready to head out from Quaking Aspen Campground to Slate Moutnain

  • I am not used to hiking with so much green and trees - sensory overload

    I am not used to hiking with so much green and trees - sensory overload

  • view of the Needles

    view of the Needles

  • closeup of some paintbrush

    closeup of some paintbrush

  • we discussed about these mushrooms - I think this is an edible variety "tree ears?"

    we discussed about these mushrooms - I think this is an edible variety "tree ears?"

  • small ridge - we got our first view of Slate from here

    small ridge - we got our first view of Slate from here

  • Slate benchmark

    Slate benchmark

  • Slate Mountain 9302ft

    Slate Mountain 9302ft

  • tried to focus on the butterfly - a tiger slallowtail I believe

    tried to focus on the butterfly - a tiger slallowtail I believe

  • with a closeup

    with a closeup

  • summit shot

    summit shot

  • and a silly version

    and a silly version

  • from the summit - we can see the Needle through the trees(the rocks - not the pine needles)

    from the summit - we can see the Needle through the trees(the rocks - not the pine needles)

  • headed back down to the trail

    headed back down to the trail

  • this tree was blocking the path - but Alice jumped up and slpit it in two - then she drug both halves to clear the trail - my hero

    this tree was blocking the path - but Alice jumped up and slpit it in two - then she drug both halves to clear the trail - my hero

  • snow plant

    snow plant

  • Holly wanders off trail to inspect closer

    Holly wanders off trail to inspect closer

  • the pink ones are the newer buds

    the pink ones are the newer buds

  • black-white photo near the trail head of the Needles Lookout

    black-white photo near the trail head of the Needles Lookout

  • sign at trailhead to the Needles

    sign at trailhead to the Needles

  • stunning view of the Kern

    stunning view of the Kern

  • looking north - I think that is Castle Rock in front

    looking north - I think that is Castle Rock in front

  • pano of the Kern Pleateau

    pano of the Kern Pleateau

  • the lookout tower is perched on top ot a large rock dome

    the lookout tower is perched on top ot a large rock dome

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    view of the Needles
    closeup of some paintbrush
    we discussed about these mushrooms - I think this is an edible variety "tree ears?"