The Devil’s Armchair! This is the bowl under the peak of Mount Ouray, visible from Salida if you look southwesterly. The hike up to it only takes about 2.5 hours (+1.5 to get down), and there are several stream crossings to keep you cool along the way. Local legend has it the feature got it’s name from Chief Ouray, who “made a deal with the devil” according to those who disagreed with his negotiations with the white man and his government. When you’re up close to the armchair (cirque is the geological term), you can see and hear several waterfalls cascading down it. Such a gorgeous hike!
Marmot Sighting!
Also called “whistle pigs” because of the delightful sounds they make and their rather portly bodies, marmots have extensive dens and burrows systems with multiple entrances, tunnels, and exits that are used for shelter, hibernation, and breeding. They live 80% of their lives underground, so it’s a rare treat to see one.
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