Sept 13; After an 8am breakfast at the Inn, I take advantage of the free shuttle bus in the park to create a 3-mile 'loop' hike from the 'Park & Ride' to Bierstadt Lake and down the Bierstadt Moraine Trail. It's a cool, comfortable day and perfect for hiking. Rain predicted for afternoon (common here) and the adjustment to the high altitude makes a shorter hike a good choice for today.

The air is fresh and clean with a fragrance of pine and sagebrush up at Bierstadt Lake (pictured).

The lake is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy views of glaciers high on the mountain. The current elevation of 9400 feet seems high -- but many peaks here top 14000+ feet, offering challenges to even the strongest hikers. A chipmunk enjoys his lunch, and a duck pecks the ground inches from my feet (not pictured), unconcerned by human company.