Yesterday, I set out to find Oyster Creek Falls, which I did, but the last bit was really rough so this report is just about the beginning sections.
My goal was to start from Cyrus Gates, but found the gate locked. I must have just arrived too early because it was open when I returned. The road has some snow and ice on it but it looked like people were making it okay.
I hit Rock Trail by 6:50, which was clean and no obstacles. North Lost Lake Trail was super muddy, and South Lost Lake Trail was in better shape. The hike from the gate added 1.8 miles to my total trip, and probably 40 minutes. I think that in the future, if I am going to aim for an early start, pre gate opening, I will start from Arroyo Park and North Lost Lake Trail all the way across.
I didn't see anyone else out there until I returned up Rock Trail, and passed several groups of hikers, with more at the top. All-in-all my trip was 10.5 miles, 4 hours, 15 minutes, and about 1800 ft gain. That Rock Trail return up hill, after 8 miles of hard hiking with elevation gain, was no joke. (Not to mention the horrendous bushwhacking thrown in 😒).
Have fun exploring.
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