 Sept 18; Sunday in RMNP can be a little crowded, so I decide to explore one of the many hikes just north of town; Balanced Rock at Lumpy Ridge. This 7.6 mile hike happens at a more civilized elevation of 7800-8800 feet (1k' total elevation gain), but it still has plenty of ups and downs during the hike -- meaning the 'hiked' elevation gain is more than that. (ie. posted elevation gains on trails are just the starting and ending points only -- so the cumulative elevation gains hiked can be greater on trails like this versus hikes that simply go straight up one way, and straight down the other. Numbers here are for general reference only -- and for those interested in researching or hiking some of these trails yourself).
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