Some thoughts and discussions from me.
We Need Snow (RMNP–Cub Lake Trailhead)
(Popchips Giveaway winners announced at the end of the post!)
On Friday afternoon, Shane and I packed up some snacks and hydration and made the 45 minute drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Our plans were to pick a moderately easy hike to go on, and then change in a visitor’s center before heading to dinner. After going back and forth (and back and forth) we settled on Cub and Fern Lake, just inside Moraine Park off of Bear Lake Road.
Cub Lake was a round trip hike of a little under 5 miles without much elevation. It was a little chilly up over 8,000 feet, but we were walking pretty quickly to keep us warm. Everything started out good and well, with big expansive views of meadows, mountains, and trees.
The trail itself was pretty sandy, but nice and even. I’d say it’d be a great hike for families with small kids. There were no major rocks to hike up on the trail.
Ya had to go off the trail to find those 
As we kept on walking, it just didn’t feel right. It was obvious a fire had passed through recently, and everything was…charred. Black.
It smelled like smoke, and really wasn’t even enjoyable…but sad. Here in Colorado, you constantly hear, “we need more snow!” and “it’s supposed to snow this week – thank God!!” Coming from Illinois, this doesn’t really make sense to me much, but here, we really depend on that snow not just for our water reservoirs, but also for the ecosystem. This trail area was completely burnt.
We kept going and going, and then we were sure we’d gone more than 2.5 miles, but hadn’t seen a lake yet. Where was Cub Lake?
We turned around here when we saw the rest of the trail was snow covered from here on out.
And on our way back, we realized we had passed the lake, or what was once the lake…
It had literally run dry! I know we’re in a drought, but I had no idea how bad it was. This puts it into perspective.
Once we passed the fire damage, we found a pretty area to climb and play on some rocks before heading back to the car.
Don’t mind my hair/appearance here…my aim wasn’t to impress anyone with my looks, haha!
Looking back, even though it wasn’t the prettiest hike, I’m glad we went – now I know how badly we need that rain and snow.
Cub Lake Trailhead
Distance: 2.3 miles one way
Starting elevation: 8,080 feet
Elevation gained: 540 feet
Duration: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, stopping to look around
Getting there: From 36, take Bear Lake Road, then toward Moraine Park Campground. Follow the signs on this road to Cub and Fern Lake Trailheads. There’s parking right at the trailhead, and another mile down the road.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Dogs allowed: No
Bikes allowed: No
****
The winners of the Katy’s Kettle Corn Popchips Giveaway are Jessica (edgarrrrr) and AMY (awww, Chicago blog friend love <3) Shoot me an email, and I’ll pass along the info to Tricia at Popchips 
Have a great Tuesday, friends!
oh wow, i didn’t realize that drought either. Texas is pretty bad. our lakes have dropped too! we need rain!
cottercrunch recently posted…MMAZ: Round 2— Two ways
and yet your hair and appearance is lovely and real.
Miz recently posted…Miz meets the Street Strider Summit 8r (video).
I had no idea that Colorado had droughts. I thought since it got so much snow it didn’t have that problem, interesting!
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted…Things I’m Loving Lately
I hope you get some rain or snow soon!! That’s so sad!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted…Sugar Talk
When we were in Colorado a few weeks ago, we were talking with a rancher who was saying the same thing. He was telling us how much they need snow so that the drought isn’t is bad as it was last year.
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…Childhood Flashback!
I think it’s easy to complain about rain and snow until you see how it affects nature!!
BTW…so excited to be a contest winner! Thank you for holding it!
Personally, I’m loving the hair 😉 Glad you guys had a nice hike, even if it wasn’t the most beautiful scenery!
Catherine @ A Two Storey Home recently posted…New Shoes and Muddy Trail Runs
I had never thought about Colorado going through a drought but it makes sense. Oklahoma is desperate for rain. I hope everyone gets what they need soon.
Kacy recently posted…How to spend 10 hours in a mall
Wow! That is quite the drought! Here in UT we need the snow too–and we def got it this year! yikes 😉
Annette@FitnessPerks recently posted…Not Always What It Seems
what beautiful views!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted…Greater Hartford 1/4 Marathon
Looks like a fun hike, and that’s really fascinating about the lake drying out! Living in another part of the country you never realize how different other climates can be and how much they really depend on snow/rain. Crazy!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted…GF Hummingbird Cupcakes and a Non-Recipe
Gosh, I don’t think I could ever utter the words ‘we need more snow’… this really puts things into perspective doesn’t it? So sad… no shortage up north! Lots of snow and moisture here 🙂
Christa @ Edible Balance recently posted…UnDiet is a lifestyle… and an inspiring book! (Giveaway)
What a fun trail recap idea, I love it! And I have heard these words from lots of locals – needing more snow. I love the snow for fun snowboarding reasons, but I understand it means WAY more than that.
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted…And the Winner Is…