Crested Butte - Oh Be Joyful Trail

 Crested Butte has a plethora of wonderful trails; each one being distinctly different from others. One afternoon, we decided to go check out Oh Be joyful campground. The trail was very close to our condo, a few miles on dirt road. We could see the river from the road and the bridge, looked lovely. We parked a little higher ground and decided to hike from there.

A few campers were busy fixing dinners. We went past them and started walking as not to lose much time before sun sets in. I was still getting used to altitudes in Colorado and I do not consider myself as a serious hiker, very soon I felt tired. I paused, had a sip of water and almost decided not to proceed further. While I was resting, Ranjan went a little further to check out and, then he returned. He was all excited and told, one shouldn't miss the valley for a little more hike!

I was reluctant but the lure of getting  a few good pictures was enough reason to push me to hike again. It was absolutely, beautiful visual treat – A valley full of wildflowers and from the side of the mountain, there was the gorgeous river which was falling down with roaring noise. The sun was shining brightly.

As it often happens in mountains, we felt droplets of rain. Ranjan is always prepared for the hikes, he got rain gears out. The slopes were thirsty for water and created the lovely smell of dirt and rain. We rushed to the river. Though drenched, rain was short. As we hiked up to the vehicle, we saw the double rainbow on our back! Hope to return someday to complete the trail.

  

Hike around Lake Grant - Crested Butte

Crested Butte, is one of the most beautiful small, quaint town in Colorado. Very well known for the scenic lakes, lofty mountains, biking & hiking trails, lovely mountain rivers, fishing...you name it!

We stayed very close to the town of Crested Butte and woke up seeing the varying colors of Whetstone Mountain - the best when clouds touched or a slight drizzle happened after a long spell of heat.

Lake Grant was right behind this community and was strongly recommended to visit by our Landowner. One evening, we decided to go for a hike and see the lake. It was a very easy hike. Particularly, being summer, the valley was full of wild flowers (Crested Butte is known as wildflower capital of Colorado). With a nice breeze flowing, we continued walking as the lake approached. With the mountains standing magnificently tall, the calm lake appeared serene and grand at the same time. For a sec, I felt quite overwhelmed, didn't want to let go a few minutes of bliss in earthly heaven.

and decided to go around it. We were not alone. Many families with kids and dogs were equally enjoying the lovely moments.

I could see the trouts sliding through the water. A goose family with babies was quite a sight. The patches of many different blooms were creating quite a landscape. Sometimes, the meandering path with flowers on both sides created magic. We were hearing the distant thunder signaling rain was coming close.

 We came across a small creek (probably a man made one to enhance the beauty to attract more visitors to the valley) and next to it was a tree (not sure the type) and a humming bird was loving it.

The simmering of Aspen leaves were pleasantly loud and I wondered how pretty they would look in Fall, when they all turn gold!

We had almost come full circle and chanced upon this patch of sneezeweed and luckily, 

Sneezeweed - wildflowers seen everywhere throughout Crested Butte

sun came up for a few seconds providing a magnificent view of mountains, valley and lake.

Soon, the top of mountains were engulfed with clouds. I could feel a few drops on my hand. The thunder in mountains could be scary. We rushed to reach our 'home'. By the time, we reached, rain started and Whetstone Mountain looked very pretty with a shower. A cup of spiced tea completed our evening.