Leaf peeping - Mt Van Hoevenburg

This has not been the best leaf peeping season as it has rained repeatedly since the leaves started changing. So I headed down to get in one more peep before returning to work next week and before the hordes of Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving peepers who will be out in their peeping thousands this weekend. Todays target was Mt Van Hoevenburg. It has all the hallmarks of an excellant leaf peeping peak: short hike, small elevation gain and sweet view across terrian populated with deciduous trees! This is the kind of peak you can carry a picnic lunch to and then after sit and smoke a cigar (if you smokes cigars), all the while taking in the views from Cascade, Big Slide to the MacIntyres and Street and Nye. And I think it also has the most awesome view of Mt Jo.

The leaves were in their orange, yellow and red glory today. Not to be outdone the mud was also outstanding. While the trail to Mt Van Ho is only 2 miles, at least half of it is either mud or wet that looks like mud or at least dark water. At the trailhead I asked a couple who were returning from the hike what footwear to use. They seemed confused but waterproof ankle boots are the only way to go. Sadly the cloud cover was sitting at about 3500 feet so the colors in the valleys was spectacular but many of the peaks were hidden from view.

Definitely a spot worth a return visit when the skies are clearer but don't forget your waterproofs boots and gaitors if you have em!