Zeb had a great time at Echo Lake.  This lake is calm and beautiful.

Ready to hike at Echo Lake

Located near the road to Mt. Evans, Echo Lake was perfect for Zeb, his mom, Soapy’s mom and Steve, Soapy’s dog.  We hiked, talked and laughed, ate, shopped, and hiked some more.

I have to say, that this was the best hiking ever.  I, Zeb, rode on the back of Steve.

Zeb riding Steve at Echo Lake

From this picture, you can see that I had a real ride and a wonderful time.  Although Steve is fast, she was careful with me and I stayed on her, never even close to falling off her back.  Fantastic!

We started at Echo Lake Lodge parking lot.  We hiked on trails that felt spongy from all the pine needles.  A few other people, no ducks like me and a few dogs were on our trail.  Everybody was very kind and having a good time in the mountain sunshine.  The trail led us around the lake and back to the road.  Before the road, we found the picnic area with many tables and a shelter in case of too much wind or rain.  Also restrooms are available.  This seems important to humans.

In the lake, we saw live ducks swimming, people fishing and dogs having fun.  My Steve put paws in the lake and enjoyed a big, cool drink.

Steve having a drink from Echo Lake

Hiking makes humans hungry.

Lunch was good at Echo Lake Lodge.  Mom had a big, tasty hamburger.  Soapy’s mom had chicken quesadillas.  Lots of smiles and eating here.  While eating, we watched hummingbirds at the feeders.  They are a lot smaller than me, but those wings sure move fast!

Hummingbird with wings in action

Soon the humans, saying how full they were, ordered dessert.  Dessert???  Echo Lake Lodge has wonderful home made pies.  Mom had blueberry pie with ice cream.  Soapy’s mom had chocolate peanut butter pie, topped with whipped cream and miniature chocolate chips, and a scoop of ice cream.

The pie is perfect!

As you can see, I enjoyed it also.

It rained while we were eating, but we took a short hike after lunch

Steve, wait for me

and then home.   This was a fantastic day.  You will love Echo Lake and maybe even some pie from the restaurant.   Echo Lake is about 1 hour from Denver.  From I-70 take the second exit in Idaho Springs.  Then drive 14 miles to Echo Lake Lodge and the entrance to Mt. Evans.  The drive is beautiful and Echo Lake is worth the trip.  The Echo Lake Lodge website was not completed today, but check www.mountevans.com.   This is another great day trip from Denver.  Hope to see you there soon.