Trillium Gap - Rainbow Falls

Date: 8/15/15
Distance: 15.5

Today's hike was with the Meetup Group.  It was a large crowd that showed up bright and early to climb a big mountain.  We started down the Trillium Gap Trail from the Rainbow Falls parking area about 8:20.

The 1st 2.3 miles are close to the Roaring Fork Motor trail, but there were very few vehicles driving the loop this morning.  After 2.3 miles the trail passes the Trillium Gap parking lot on the Roaring fork and then the trail turns away from the road toward Grotto Falls.  The entirety of this trail is climbing, so even though it was early the sweat was pouring.  Grotto Falls is cool because the trail goes behind the falls.

The trail continued on up the mountain arriving at the Brushy Mountain Trail intersection after a total of 5.2 miles.  At Brushy, we took a right turn and continued climbing.  There were some nice flowers along the trail.  This is Turtles Head (I think).

 There were also some nice Cone Flowers.

 We also found a large outcropping of Grass of Parnassus.  The pictures don't due it justice.  They are covered with very fine veins of green.

 Up at the lodge there were more flowers (Monks Hood)

Many Coneflowers and some Bee Balm.

Trillium is a total of 8.8 miles with a climb of about 3500'.

 Today was cloudy, so there was no view from the Cliff Tops.

 I did find a Doe and a couple of Fawns up near the Cliff Tops Trail

After waiting for a couple of hours at the Lodge for some more leisurely members of the group, we headed down the mountain about 1:30 on the Rainbow Falls Trail.  It is a pretty rocky and steep trail.  It is shorter than Trillium (6.7 miles).  A mile or so from the top, there is a small side spur that goes out to and overlook (Rocky Spur Overlook).  I took a few photos as the clouds had lifted a bit.

About 1/2 way down Rainbow falls Trail, the Falls made its appearance.  It was packed full of people, so I didn't hang out very long.  I was also ready for the car.

 Going to Mt Leconte is a long tough hike.  One look at the elevation graph tells the story.  The climb is >3500' and the trail is long and hard and rocky.  If you are up to it though, it is very rewarding to complete the loop.