Jacquie and I had fresh tracks on Prima Friday afternoon.  Chair 11 opened with Riva Ridge, Prima, Pronto, Northstar, Northwoods, South rim, North rim and Gandy Dancer (watch for the rollers).  Its fast and fun right now.  Vail only recorded 2″ from the storm last night but over cast skies and flurries are looking promising today.  I will be headed out this afternoon for some turns with our guest if anyone is on the hill and wants to join me.  I suggest a ski with some width.  Have fun and enjoy the GREAT snow!

Jacquie killing it on lower Prima Cornice.

Lodge pole Gap

Video of me coming down South Rim. video is a little bumpy.

When my fellow Antlers employee Dan and I hiked it on June 27th, it still had snow fields to cross at the start of the hike. However, we got through easy enough without too much post holing (and a slight deviation from the trail that turned into a lot more work than expected… DANNNN). Still, the rest of the trail was clear and easy going once we started gaining elevation. The most exhilarating thing about this hike was the wind that day. Sherman is very very exposed so a windbreaker/rain jacket is a MUST or you will risk being exposed to the elements that make hiking very uncomfortable.

A little bit windy up there

Only 40 a minute drive away from the Antlers here in Vail it was definitely a great day hike and a good first 14er for any moderate hiker looking to reach the next level. Make sure to add to the wind walls when you reach the top and sign the registry!!!

After we added another foot or so it still wasn't very helpful

Bighorn cabin is a private property (although left open as a storm shelter) located at about 10800 feet in the Gore Range Wilderness. A good moderate hike and definitely one of the least steep in the area it is great for those looking to head into the mountains and photograph wildflowers, see some wildlife, and enjoy the great outdoors. The trail used to be a part of an old wagon trail so be sure to look for signs on the sides of the trail to be a part of the old homesteaders travels. You will reach some rock fields, to be sure of the way make sure to look for cairns (rocks stacked up like a tower). Not far from the Antlers in Vail this is a great hike accessible to all. One thing to remember is that parking there is limited so going early or taking the bus is recommended. Also, for the aggressive hiker this is a good way to reach the Grand Traverse which is a long ridge at the height of 12000 ft designed for mountain bikers and expert hikers.

Here is a terrain map provided by Google showing the basic route up to the cabin and some other trail heads in the area.

View Bighorn Cabin in a larger map

Enjoy!

Tyler

View Son of middle creek in a larger map

Great views over the valley.

The leaves are starting to change…

Winter arrives in 2-12 weeks depending on what happens… Get that hike and bike ride in soon.

View Two Elk Trail mountain biking trail Vail in a larger map

On the top of Benchmark overlooking the Gore Range and I-70.  Great place for a snack and a drink.

Up on top of Outer Mongolia Bowl ready to take the single track along the China Wall heading West above Vail’s Back Bowls.  We are at 11,600 feet at this point.

Looking up towards China Bowl from the Trail.  The base of the China Bowl lift is behind me.

April 30th, outside the Antlers at Vail hotel

Snow chair

Walking along the Vail Bike path April 30th

Sunday May 2nd photo towards the ski slopes

Everyone out of the way !

Vail grooming operations in progress, one expensive cat