USFS/courtesy photo
Many a hearty hiker has been turned back on popular trails in Upper Fryingpan Valley this summer because of all the trees knocked down in a big wind event last fall.
Some of the trails may be navigable later this summer thanks to the sweat and elbow grease of crews in the White River National Forest. They are slowly cutting their way through piles of downed trees that are crossing the trails.
The wind event, called a blowdown, toppled trees on the Savage Lakes, Fryingpan Lakes, Carter Lake, Josephine Lake and Last Chance trails, according to Aspen Sopris District Ranger Kevin Warner.