Hiking Boreas Pass in Winter - Skywatch

Each dawn brings new adventures.

On a cold day midweek, I hiked the trail on Boreas Pass, a former railroad bed.
Normally, the trail is covered in deep snow in winter and is accessible only by snowshoes or touring skis.
However, because of our low snow accumulation, I could walk the packed trail in running shoes.

As the landscape opens, there are expansive views of western mountains.

Peaks 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the Breckenridge Ski Area are a part of the Tenmile Range.
The ski area is busy with tourists because of the upcoming Presidents' Weekend.
Also, many European families are visiting this week.



The Tenmile Range links with the Mosquito Range.
My house is located above 10,000' just off Peak 10, in about the middle of this photo.

Goose Pasture Tarn, a small lake created by a dam, is iced and covered with snow.
The Mosquito Range, continuing to the south, has several peaks over 14,000'.

Rugged cliffs rise to meet the blue sky with neon green and orange algae coloring the rocks.

Alone on the trail, I watch storm clouds gather and hope for snow.
I feel lucky to have such an expansive wilderness as my own personal playground.
Skywatch Friday