Copyright: Tom Kuekes-USDA Forest Service
The blooms of this wildflower resemble the ears and trunk of an elephant. It grows in the marshy drainages of meadows.
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This is one of the most scenic in the Fryingpan River area. The trail goes through acres of broad valleys and scattered trees for the first 1.5 miles to Lyle Lake. About 300 feet above and 1/4 of a mile further than Lyle Lake is a tarn (a small lake) one might want to explore before going on to Mormon Lake. Once you get to Lyle Lake you have two choices on how to get to Mormon Lake; the path to the right is shorter, but involves crossing a small boulder field. Follow the trail over the crest and get ready for a gentle traverse. You will climb until you get on another crest and down a rocky slope. At the bottom of this slope begin traversing the wall at the valley's head to a grassy vale, pass a tarn on your left, veering left and you then will be able to see Mormon Lake 80 feet below.
Directions from Carbondale: From Carbondale travel east on Hwy. 82 to Basalt. Turn left into downtown Basalt and follow the Fryingpan River Roadl 33 miles until the pavement ends, bear left and go 9 more miles until you come to a sign pointing to Hagerman Pass. Turn left onto road #105 for 100 feet. Park at the bulletin board.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
(NOTE: Due to snow at high elevations this road is closed to automobile traffic in the Spring, Fall, and Winter months.)
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