eNZees Blog

Trip Report: Hiking Handies Peak

by Margaret Hedderman | August 10, 2016 | 0 Comments

I’ve often heard Handies called the easiest 14er with the hardest approach. To reach the trailhead, it’s a rough 4x4 drive up and over Cinnamon Pass from Silverton, CO on the Alpine Loop. Though my boyfriend and I had driven this road before, it was still a nerve-wracking experience. I don’t think I could ever understand how people do off-roading for fun.

American Basin in the San Juan National Forest Alpine Loop

Anyway, we reached American Basin well before dark on a Saturday afternoon in July. We setup camp, ate dinner, and watched one car after another bump past us on their way to the trailhead, where they would presumably be camping for the night. Because Handies is such an easy climb (Class I), it’s a very popular summer day hike. Rory and I had attempted it as a snow climb in June, and only encountered two other climbers.

In the morning, we put eNZees on to prevent blisters on our hike, and headed toward the trailhead as the sun came up. As I suspected, there was a tent city at the trailhead and the campers were just waking up. We hurried past them, hoping to be the first hikers to summit Handies for the day. (A Canadian runner and an older Venezuelan man beat us to the punch, but we were well ahead of the main body of hikers.)

Hiking 14er Handies Peak in Colorado

Compared the cold, snowy wasteland we’d encountered on our climb earlier this summer, the hike up to Handies was like a totally different place. The open meadows and high alpine tundra were abloom with wildflowers. Marmots and picas squeaked at us as we passed. We even encountered a family of marmots, babies included, playing on a boulder near the trail.

View from the top of Handies Peak, 14,058 ft in Colorado

View from the top of Handies Peak, 14,058 ft.

Cold weather at the top of Handies Peak in Colorado, 14er

It's chilly up at 14,000 ft! 

It’s roughly 3-miles to the summit and after two hours we made it to the top at 14,058 ft. The views of the San Juan Mountains are beyond words. If you’re lucky enough to be in this part of the country, I’d highly recommend this hike. It’s well worth the sore legs!

Tagged: 14ers Colorado, Alpine Loop, American Basin, colorado wildflowers, Handies Peak, Hiking Handies Peak, hiking in colorado during the summer, How to hike Handies Peak, how to prevent blisters while hiking

Trip Report: The Highline Loop

by Jill Schuman | July 12, 2016 | 0 Comments

Highline Loop National Recreation Trail La Plata Mountains

Crossing the wide wildflower basin beneath Diorite Peak and Mount Moss, I realized we hadn’t seen another hiker in two days. At the height of tourist season on a relatively easy trail to access, that’s an unusual (and incredible) feat. We were finishing the Highline Loop, a 20-mile loop in the lonesome La Plata Mountains of Southwest Colorado. 

Designated a National Recreation Trail in 1979, the Highline Loop traverses some of the highest terrain in the La Platas including Indian Trail Ridge and the Sharkstooth Trail. In between are some 7-miles of rough, poorly maintained forest track that enhances the sense of seclusion.

The best way to access the Highline Loop is from the top of Kennebec Pass – high-clearance and 4x4 required. From here, it’s a short 1.5-mile hike to high alpine Taylor Lake, where we camped on Friday night. The next morning, after coffee and sunrise, we put our eNZees on and hiked up Indian Trail Ridge.

Indian Trail Ridge Highline Loop La Plata Mountains Colorado

This section of the loop is also part of The Colorado Trail, a 486-mile hiking path that connects Durango to Denver. Normally, hikers have to be wary of monsoonal thunderstorms when they’re exposed up here, but lately Colorado’s been under a high-pressure system. We took our time crossing this gorgeous ridgeline and admiring the abundance of wildflowers.

Eventually, we left Indian Trail Ridge and climbed down to 8,800 ft. into the Bear Creek drainage. After climbing over downed trees and pushing through undergrowth for several hours, we pitched our tent next to a stream and called it a day. 

Highline Loop La Plata Mountains Columbine flowers

The higher the trail climbs, the better it gets. The following day we enjoyed waterfalls, snowy basins, and endless views of the surrounding mountains. Though it’s short on mileage, the Highline Loop is big on elevation gain. If you set out to hike it, be prepared to spend considerable hiking up and down long exposed ridges.

Tagged: backpacking in the la plata mountains, colorado trail, highline loop la plata mountains, highline loop national recreation trail, hiking in colorado, hiking in the la plata mountains, how to prevent blisters while hiking, indian trail ridge

Don’t Let Blisters Ruin Your Summer Vacation

by Jill Schuman | July 06, 2016 | 0 Comments

Prevent blisters on vacation

Tourist taking pictures in Rome in front of Roman Forum by Moyan Brenn

Whether you’re headed to the mountains or a tropical destination, don’t let blisters stand in the way of your perfect summer vacation. Even a tried and true shoe can cause blisters under the right circumstances – increased humidity, heat, or a different type of terrain than you’re accustomed to. Try these four tips for preventing hot-spots and blisters on your next trip.

Footwear, footwear, footwear

Finding the right type of boot, shoe, or sandal for your foot is the first step in reducing the risk of blisters. Shoes that are too small, too wide, and even too big for your foot can cause uncomfortable friction or pressure. When you’re trying on shoes, the smallest irritant in the store can turn into a big problem when you’re walking through museums and tourist attractions all day. If you’re looking at buying a pair of sandals like Chacos, spend a little time adjusting the straps to get just the right fit for your foot.

Don’t forget your socks! 

Even if you’re just exploring the shops and restaurants downtown, a blister can easily develop in less than an hour. Don’t forget to wear a pair of synthetic or merino wool socks. While cotton socks get soggy with sweat, synthetic or wool socks wick the moisture from your skin, reducing the risk of friction.

Tourists in Prague

Tourists by János Szüdi

Pamper yourself

If ever there were an excuse to get a pedicure this is it: friction is more likely to occur on rough and dry skin. Moisture and exfoliate those tootsies!

When in doubt, use your eNZees!

Whether I’m headed into Manhattan or up a mountain, I always keep a little eNZees in my purse or backpack. The all-natural New Zealand lambswool reduces the friction between your shoe, sock, and skin and can prevent hot-spots and blisters. It’s lightweight and doesn’t require any tape or scissors to apply, so it takes up little to no room in my bag.

Tagged: blisters on feet while walking, how to prevent blisters on your feet, how to prevent blisters while hiking, how to prevent blisters while on vacation, prevent blisters on your feet, what causes blisters

eNZees Finds New Feet to Comfort

by Jill Schuman | July 02, 2016 | 0 Comments

Last week I had the pleasure to participate in the first annual Colorado Trail Days at Backcountry Experience in Durango, CO. While eNZees Foot Soother can be used to comfort feet during any activity, it has its roots in hiking and backpacking. I discovered it while trekking in New Zealand and I’m always happy to introduce this amazing product to fellow hikers.

eNZees Foot Soother at Colorado Trail Days helps prevent blisters while hiking

I spoke with numerous beginning and advanced backpackers during the event who were excited to try a new method of preventing hot-spots and blisters. It’s incredible how simple foot wool is to use. eNZees reduces the friction between your shoe, sock, and skin. The fibrous nature of wool allows it to weave into your sock, holding it in place. It’s always fun to see the light bulb turn on and see people just “get it.”

During the Colorado Trail Days event, there were numerous educational clinics like Basic Map & Compass Skills and Intro to Wilderness First Aid. And there was plenty of “hiking inspiration” to go around!

Here’s to Happy Trails and Happy Feet this summer!

Tagged: colorado trail days, durango colorado, hiking the colorado trail, how to prevent blisters while hiking, prevent blisters on your feet

Trip Report: Hiking Angel's Landing in Zion National Park

by Jill Schuman | June 29, 2016 | 0 Comments

The hike of all hikes!  Angel’s Landing is one of those iconic hikes that you hear about and hope to do one day. I was fortunate enough to have that opportunity just a few weeks ago.
The day started out perfectly clear, dry of course and a bit cool as we ascended the 6 mile round-trip hike to the top of Angel’s Landing.
Starting at the Grotto Trailhead, this is one of the defacto classic hikes in Zion and one of the most stunning viewpoints you will ever experience, but it's not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights. Chains help ease the fears of intrepid hikers seeking the summit.
The condition of the trail was impeccable, with numerous switchbacks in and out of the sun to get to our first taste of a narrow loose trail with long drop offs. As we made the approach to the final pull to the top, the chain links were there waiting for us. The pictures below was taken from the top looking down through the canyon; and the second picture was taken of Larry and me chilling on top of ANGEL’S LANDING!
Hiking to Angel's Landing in Zion National Park
On top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park

 

Along the way I have to admit to giving out some eNZees to a few hikers stopped along the way with their socks and boots off, rubbing some hot spots. I ended up seeing one of the woman later on and she was quite surprised that no blister developed! 

 

Tagged: angel's landing in zion national park, hiking angel's landing, hiking in zion national park, how to hike angel's landing, how to prevent blisters while hiking, prevent blisters on your feet