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Hallett's Peak, July 2000

After being snowed off the trail just above treeline in the first week of August 1998, I was determined to reach the summit of Hallett's Peak on a day with better weather.  Daughter Becky was eager and able to join the hike and the two of us enjoyed a great day of hiking and companionship.

On the way up Flattop, we were introduced to the "best rock in Rocky Mountain National Park" by a fellow hiker.  Smooth and rounded, with a great view, we had to agree this was indeed a fine rock.  A rest here will be a part of every future Hallett's Peak hike.

Pika's and marmots (along with a fair number of humans) were everywhere along the Flattop Mountain section of the trail.  Once we began the short, steep hike to the summit of Hallett's, though, the human population dwindled significantly.

The rock shelters at the summit of Hallett's provided a welcome relief from the wind.   After having a leisurely lunch with new friends in the rock shelter, and taking plenty of pictures, we headed back down the trail. 

Click on picture to get larger image.

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Becky between Flattop and Hallett's, with Tyndall Glacier and Hallett's Peak in the background.
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Jim and Becky on the summit of Hallett's Peak.  Long's Peak is visible in the background.
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Enjoying some shelter from the cold wind in a rock shelter on Hallett's Peak.
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Buffalo Flats / Continental Divide between Hallett's and Flattop.
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Hallett's Peak, from Flattop Mountain, with Long's Peak in the background.
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A marmot at the trail side.