Several years ago, while hiking a segment of the
Skyline Trail, we noticed a spur trail leading to a place called Bear's Hole. When we finished the hike Kent went to his go-to-guy, Jesse McMullin, and his website
Into the Tushar's, and read more about this fascinating area. Since then it's been on Kent's list of hikes-to-do in the Tushar Mountains and he wanted to get it completed before the winter snows shut down the hiking for the season. We're so glad we made it into this little known pocket and enjoyed a warm fall afternoon exploring the area with its many springs.
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This horseshoe has been here a long time . . .
Makes you wonder who put this here and how long ago, doesn't it? |
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When we reached the turnoff to Bear's Hole there was only a post with the #72 on it . . .
We were pretty sure this was the right path (?) but were glad to find the trail's
namesake inscribed on a few aspen trees along the way
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We shouldn't have been surprised to see a bear track (but we were) . . .
After all, we are headed to Bear's Hole!
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This interesting rock was a one and only . . . it caught Allison's attention
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Our first view of the hole or pocket that makes up this
unique meadow on the east side of the Tushar Mountains |
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Chipper spooked up a few ptarmigans
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We commented that this would be a nice place to build a cabin
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Looks like someone else thought this too . . .
Remnants of an old line shack
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As we headed for the edge of the meadow, the ground became spongy
and we could hear gurgling sounds emanating from these small fissures
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Then out of the hillsides . . . flowing springs appeared everywhere!
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Even in a very dry year, the water continues to flow from these springs . . .
Unbelievable!
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Time for a picture of us with yet another spring!
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Apparently, we aren't the only one's to enjoy these springs . . .
That's one big elk wallow!
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Down the trail we found this broken vintage ceramic insulator from an old phone line
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As we began to leave the pocket, the springs started to merge into a stream . . .
Eventually the stream cascades down to join Cottonwood Creek |
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Near the point where the trail became an old jeep road,
we turned around an headed back up the mountain to the trailhead
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Here we are returning to the Lake Stream/Skyline trailhead . . . Located in the beautiful meadow below Mt. Holly (11,999) . . . Looks like fall, doesn't it? |
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After exactly five miles, using three different trails . . .
we are almost back to the trailhead (following another old road)
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One last look at the aspens on our way out to the road by Puffer Lake . . .
Another good day in the Tushars! . . .
Time for Mexican food at Maria's! |
