This morning we decided to hike to Odessa Lake. We questioned our hike decision for 4 miles as we hiked up (and up) through burned trees. Thankful for wildflowers to get me up past Fern.
Then came the beauty. The approach to Odessa was breathtaking along the river with flowers (Rocky Mountain Marsh Marigold), plus snow mountains and far away waterfalls behind a big lake. Sigh.
After having a snack and relaxing at the lake we decided to try and add on Lake Helene which didn't seem too much farther. On the way we passed 3 older ladies who told us to just keep going to Bear Lake. So we did. Great decision. The hike to Helene was awesome. That and the Odessa turnoff were my favorite parts of the hike by far. Then we topped out and came down the other side that was not in a burn scar and had some shade.
We grabbed the shuttle after our 9.5 mile hike and then split up with me packing up camp while Darren took another shuttle to our car. A delicious burger and fries in a gas station in Estes Park and we set out for Rock Springs again. What a fabulous time in RMNP.
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