Hike To Midland Hill - Buena Vista, Colorado
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June 2, 2007 - Midland Hill is located east of Buena Vista, and
consists of the large hills blanketed with pinions in the adjacent photo. A few locals
have called the area "Sleeping Indian Mountain," but my topographical map deems
it "Midland Hill" and let's face it: It seems every western town has the generically named
"Sleeping Indian Mountain" somewhere in their vicinity. The trail I hiked leads to the
peak in the far right of the photo; It is set back a little and is actually
the highest point among the peaks. |
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Something should be said about this trail: It has no name!
There is no signage indicating the name of the trail or the official name of the peak.
There is merely a sign reading "6032."
Despite the poor signage on this trail, it appears to be well-maintained and a trail
with great scenery, enough steepness to give one a workout and a
summit with panoramic views. How To Get There:
Take Chaffee County Road 304 north at the turnoff for the
Collegiate Peaks Overlook east of
Johnson Village.
You'll reach a "Y" - go left and continue on C.R. 304.
A few miles on the right, you'll see the trailhead with the adjacent "6032" sign. |
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The views of the Sawatch Mountains to the west are
amazing all throughout the trail. Near the beginning is a shade-covered
area that acts as a wonderful lookout for Mt. Princeton. |
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There are qutie a few rock outcroppings and large boulders like this one. |
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As I continued upward, I had many excuses to stop and rest because of the grand views out there. (LEFT: Mt. Antero and the Buena Vista Prison; RIGHT: The town of Buena Vista)
Remember folks, if you are photography-minded, the sun from the east often reflects
perfectly on the Sawatch Mountains in the morning! ;) |
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Upward into a saddle area, I captured this view of Mt. Princeton and the trail. |
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Near the very top!
The two pinion-dotted peaks to the north are part of this line of hills. |
At The Summit Of Midland Hill
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