Sally Overlook XC Ski, Feb 2021

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There wasn't quite enough parking for us at the standard starting point; so we parked next to the river. This gave us a nice steep section to negoitate right away!

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View of Cimarona from near our starting point.

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Sue on the climb

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Climbing up the ridge, we are on a Forest Service road that climbs about 600 ft in 2 miles.

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This was the nice untracked snow we had on our climb

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On top of Trail Ridge, sking through nice ponderosas. Atop the ridge, snow in the sunny spots were getting a little sticky.

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Another view of Piedra Peak, with the cliffs of the Piedra gorge in the foreground.

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At the Overlook, some chose a snow seat, while others sat on the rock at cliffside. The view is spectacular either way.

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Another view down, to the Piedra valley over 900 ft below us.

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The San Juan Mountains from the Overlook

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Sue is making the causeway crossing back to the main ridge

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Back on skies, heading through lovely aspen groves

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Taking a short break before we head back down the ridge. A long but lovely ski tour!

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Another view of Pagosa Peak, from the road down from the ridge top. Not too much further back to the trail head.