Starbird Explorations

The trip begins on an old notch pass that is closed to winter traffic. After meeting on the main drag a few miles away, we slowly work our way down the ancient travel path through dense woods on a one way dirt road. As we near the parking area, the land begins to shoot straight upward all around us. The notch is a very tight access route that the Native Americans used during hunting and fishing trips to the small ponds and bogs throughout the area. The nubble’s and( To read more)

The day is bright and early. It gives hint to a hot and humid afternoon with a slight breeze now and then for relief. Upon gathering on the shoreline, some brief introductions and a briefing of equipment and some safety issue’s, we unload the boats and gear and slide down the bank to the crystal clear water. Once all are in the boats and gear placed in the proper places, we shove off.

The birds all around us welcome our adventure with songs and flashes of identity. The beginning pool is like glass and it’s depth can be penetrated by certain focus. After drifting and settling in with our comfort level and some basic paddle instruction, we start to hear the run ahead.

One by one, we shoot through the rapids and… (click here to read about the rest of the trip)

As you drive into the Big Weld Valley, you can’t help but notice the circle of mountains that surround it. Peak after peak of rolling blue mountains as far as you can see in any direction. There is one that stands out above all the rest, Mount Blue. With her distinctive cone shape rising steeply from all sides, it is no wonder the Native Americans considered it a Holy Mountain.

This mountain can be seen from 50 miles around and easily recognized for its distinctive feature. The view from the top is 360 degrees of splendor. The hike starts from a wooded parking lot with no indication of the size of the mountain you are about to climb. Upon meeting in the town of Weld, at the local store we proceed down a long dirt road winding through the woods. Along the way we pass a beautiful spring and several brook crossings. Once everyone is parked and gear gathered, we go through a briefing and we are off.

The trail is a steady gentle incline for most of the way. There has been some work done to the lower half of the trail and gives the feeling of climbing a staircase up, up and away.

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