Pierre Lakes - Weekend at Pierre's

Sometime around mid-August we are all ready for a break from the summer season. Between the traffic and resulting people, the heat and the apex of the busy work season, the overall hectic pace of life in and around Aspen usually results in a desire to just ‘get out’ for a bit. Sometimes all that is needed is some sort of catalyst.

Saturday was my birthday.

And with that said, the trip up to the remote lakes bearing the name of Pierre, perched high up between Capitol and Snowmass Peaks’ was set. Many people have little idea where they are located or how you get there, others have only seen them looking down from Capitol Peak and wondered the same. Those who boldly venture in search of these lakes typically return home with tales told like a Hobbits’ quest. Christy and I had set this trip as a goal for the summer, it was time to see what it was all about. We thought it would help to have someone who has been up there before, to help us stay on track for the +/- 7 hour hike/bushwhack, so we passed word of our plans around in hope of recruiting someone. As testimony to the legendary reputation of Pierre Lakes, eight friends were there with us at the trailhead when it came time to head in.

Long story short, we made it up and had a great time. We caught rain, fog and sun, as well as a whole bunch of trout. It was an awesome group. The birthday celebration bordered on excessive, although I think everyone was using it more as an excuse to blow off steam than to celebrate my 36th. Besides, no one wants to carry any extra weight back home with them so all food and drink must be consumed, right?