Blue Range Loop
56.6 mi9,279 ft
9,281 ft
4,790 ft
Fantastical adventure in the Blue Range area, starting in a wonderful Ponderosa Pine forest and dropping down to the river, breezing through Bear Valley on the other side, and then a long haul up Steeple. Long sections of this route were impacted by wildfire.
Photos
Early start at the trailhead
Sun filtering into the little valley
Trickling Grant Creek
Old cabin site along Grant Creek
Looking down into the valley of the Blue
Sharp line from the burn
Pleasant scene around White Oak Spring
Dropping down into the warm valley
The tiny, smelly Blue River
Longing for Bear Mountain
Trotting along the pleasant footpath
Going down the final drop to Bear Valley
Afternoon light on Bear Valley
Sharp formations along Little Blue Trail
Tantalizing southern views
Fun rock formations along Cow Flat Trail
Fantastical sights at Ladrone Spring
Muddy Blue River
Hot travel between hot rocks
Blocked passage to the trail
Angry skies over camp
Early start on Steeple Trail
Saying goodbye to Cole Flat
Looking up at the first climb
KP Creek and my destination ahead
Pleasant walking along the mesa
Fire damage kicking in on the mesa
Enough water to get by
Fighting my way through the thorny brush
An intense and painful bushwhack
Section of badly burnt forest
Big views over KP Creek
Back in the little valley, almost done
Along the way
Spring 2
- White Oak Spring
- Ladrone Spring
Mountain 1
- Bear Mountain
Overlook 1
- KP Creek canyon overlook
Ruin 1
- Cabin ruin on Grant Creek
Camping 1
- Bear Valley
Trailhead 2
- Hannagan Meadow Trailhead
- Steeple Trail #73 lower trailhead