Boundary Way/Cowap Peak hike

 We chose Boundary way/Cowap peak as our hike this week, because we were just at this parking lot/trailhead last Thursday for our hike to Damfino lakes to Excelsior peak. I wanted to finish out this trailhead and do a hike I haven't done in 10 years. The last time I did this was October of 2014. You can read about that trip HERE.

Today's hike began as I said in the same parking lot. Our dog Scoutina patiently waited for us to ready our things for the hike.

Mandatory beginning of the hike photo.

Signing in at the register.

Last Thursday we continued straight for Damfino lakes, today we turned left towards Boundary way.

Many Boletus mushrooms were along the trail.

We reached the trail junction for Canyon ridge, we continues straight for Boundary way/Cowap peak.

We went through a nice opening with some ponds that didn't have much water in them.

The rock area where I always look for Pika or Marmots.

Our first view of our destination.

The open meadow was full of Fireweed and some other lingering flowers. 

We saw some Marmots in this meadow area.

The junction for Boundary way to the right, and Cowap peak to the left.

Looking out at the view before we headed up.

Time for the last up.

Finally after our climb we made it to our destination.

I'm standing on the trail at the top (at least as far as we went) in the photo below.

and a little closer.

Here's a photo from the same spot I'm standing at in the above photo. This photo below is from 10 years ago on a much better weather day and one with a view.

After a nice lunch break we began our downward journey.

Back to the meadow

and the Marmots

and the Fireweed.

Looking one last time at a place of memories, 10 years ago and today💓

We did see a Pika in the rockfall area on our return!

It's in the center of this photo, it blends into the rocks pretty good.

Making our way past the junction. I really took this photo of the signpost and the sign on the tree, but now I'm admiring the tree roots at the turn onto the Canyon ridge trail. 

It was a day of few views, but the views of that past trip 10 years ago are in my heart to stay.

Trail rating: Moderate, but I would call it Moderate/Hard

Total miles hiked: 5.35

Total ascent: 1424 feet