Avalanche Creek is such a lovely hike when there is still snow at higher elevations. My daughter volunteered to hike a ways with me on my birthday – so pretty and peaceful, This trail is only about 10 miles up HWY 133 from Carbondale. There is a lake but I think it is about 11 miles from the trailhead so not doable for a day hike. We like to just hike as far as we feel like then turn around. On the way in you will pass an alabaster quarry where inside a sculptor is carving a huge eagle from the wall literally inside the base of Mt Sopris. I have not seen it though as it has never been open when I have been driving by but I like to know that it’s there…