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Top F is T m 2022!
Dear clients, Neighbors and Friends,
From all of us at Tuppers team, we wanted to thank you for your business, trust, and loyalty in 2022. We know there are many brokers to choose from but your repeat, referrals and trust have continued to make us the top real estate team in the foothills Year over year. We treasure the opportunity to be your real estate team of choice and we look forward to helping more of your friends and neighbors in the new year.
In gratitude, Alice, Carrie, Dana, Jennifer, Matt, Peg, and Tupper
The short but glorious hike to the top of Chief Mountain has become more popular, but there are still many who aren’t aware of this little gem. If you want to escape to the high country for a relatively quick outing without traveling up I-70, this hike is for you. Just head up Highway 103 for 10.4 miles to the trailhead near mile marker 18. In a short but sweet 1.5 mile hike you can be above tree line at the little scraggy peak with glorious 360 degree views. The trail is not steep, albeit you may be panting a bit once you traverse up the windswept area to 11,800 feet in elevation. And speaking of wind, the wind often howls here, making for an adventuresome alpine feel. So, dress accordingly! There is some protection in the rocks at the top on those blustery days. For times with fresh snowfall, snowshoes are ideal here. However, when the snow is not so recent, the well-trodden path and rocky terrain at the top may be better suited for sturdy micro spikes. Do stay on the trail as alpine tundra ecosystems are extremely fragile. Flowers and lichen take years and years to recover when even slightly damaged by hikers.
In the same general area but accessed by a separate trail is the Forest Service Fire Tower at Mestaa’ehehe (pronounced messtaw-hay). The trail, Forest Road 192.1, is not quite as charming, so not as ideal for a day hike, but if you book a night at the tower, you will be treated to truly astounding views. The 2 mile forest service road is skiable now but snowshoes are a good option as well. Do expect snow until late spring.
This little hiker has enjoyed a full moon hike and ski on these trails as well. It’s cold no doubt, and one should be extra wilderness-prepared, but adventure awaits just a short jaunt up the mountain!
Chief Mountain Trail: https:// www.hikingproject.com/ trail/7006074/chief-mountaintrail-58
Fire Tower Reservations: www. recreation.gov
