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| Hiking | 14.58 Miles |
3,000 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.58 Miles | 7 Hrs 10 Mns | | 2.15 mph |
| 3,000 ft AEG | 23 Mns Break | | | |
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| partners | | Late December is usually a good time of year to enjoy the seasonal changes in Fish Creek Canyon, and it had been several years since I had done it last so when 9L suggested it, it was an easy yes.
I couldn't remember the logic of doing this loop clockwise, typically downstream in any canyon is my preferred choice, but after some recollection, this one can have some deep pools at the bottom, so if you want to avoid mandatory swimming or a loooooooong backtrack, upstream is the option that prevents that. All things considered, if you have a reasonable understanding of current water levels, downstream would be the preferred option. But if you don't know for sure or aren't comfortable with the risk/challenge you might face at the end, upstream is the way to go.
Water levels were great for us, keeping feet dry was an option, nevermind avoiding any deep water wading or swimming. Fall colors were delightful, the temperature was fantastic. An overall great day to be in the Stits.
We found the exit route to be lightly cairned and heavily 'clawed. That's only going to get worse as post-fire years elapse.
Upon reaching the JF trail, we opted to skip the 3 miles on 213 and took the DW option instead. I'd never gone this way and it was a winner. The Fish Cliff route takes a bit longer than speed walking a boring forest road, but the views are second to none. There's a bit of a trick at the end to cross a canyon and get back to the trailhead, but still worth it. And the only two junipers that escaped fires and exist in the western Stits can be found up here. Bonus! |
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| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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