Altitude Gained: 900 ft? 1000ft?
O bluebird! O spring!
O friendly city mountain!
O my soul's own peace!
Today's hike was just a preview of Animas as the majority of the mountain is still closed to human traffic. But after Hogsback we needed something a little friendlier. And we love this mountain, always have.
Animas Mountain or Animas City Mountain? Which is the true name of Durango's most beloved mountain? Why can't it just be both? John Peel himself wrote an article recently about this very topic. We tend to just call it Animas, actually. "It's a beautiful day. Let's go hike up Animas!"
There is something about the energy on this trail that soothes the soul. It is as calming as it is invigorating. We are always saying that Animas Mountain is the friendliest mountain around. It just sort of takes you by the hand, you know. You can leave your troubles back in the city, and Animas will always help you remember what life is really about.
It didn't hurt that it was sixtysomething degrees outside.Or that the birds were engaged in a full-on spring symphony. I guess you could say it what one of those Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah days. And although the bluebird didn't land directly on our shoulders, it may as well have for all the wonderful feelings comin' our way.
The main trailhead is at 32nd and W. 4th Ave, but we like to catch an alternate trail through some private property before the water tower. The second we got on the trail today, it was like we were home.
It didn't hurt that it was sixtysomething degrees outside.Or that the birds were engaged in a full-on spring symphony. I guess you could say it what one of those Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah days. And although the bluebird didn't land directly on our shoulders, it may as well have for all the wonderful feelings comin' our way.
The mountain bluebirds (Sialia currucoides) were too busy enjoying the spring day to even notice us. The pair we watched was busy building a nest to house their new babies that will be coming soon. Actually these birds prefer to nest in pre-existing cavities or man-made nest boxes; usually the female builds up the nest and the male pretends to help.
We didn't see any of the majestic elk (cervus elaphus) for whom the mountain is closed, but they had been around recently. The BLM closes Animas Mountain some years to create a safe winter habitat for elk and deer when the climes of the higher altitudes get too extreme (more). The elk are an interesting bunch. According to the field guide, they are "gregarious animals." Apparently, no other mammal male gets more action than the elk bull; one bull will mate with the entire harem of cows. Maybe they should seek habitat in Utah?
The rising temperatures are surely sending the elk back into higher country, leaving Animas Mountain for we humans to enjoy for the summer. The rest of the trail opens in a week; stay tuned for the completion of this lovely mountain!
We didn't see any of the majestic elk (cervus elaphus) for whom the mountain is closed, but they had been around recently. The BLM closes Animas Mountain some years to create a safe winter habitat for elk and deer when the climes of the higher altitudes get too extreme (more). The elk are an interesting bunch. According to the field guide, they are "gregarious animals." Apparently, no other mammal male gets more action than the elk bull; one bull will mate with the entire harem of cows. Maybe they should seek habitat in Utah?
The rising temperatures are surely sending the elk back into higher country, leaving Animas Mountain for we humans to enjoy for the summer. The rest of the trail opens in a week; stay tuned for the completion of this lovely mountain!
enchanted forest!
