I arrived at the San Isabel Forest parking lot and confirmed that Boyd Mountain was just north. One of the interpretive signs showed a map of the area, but showed no trail to the top of Boyd Mountain.

My odometer indicated the elevation was about 1000 feet below the listed top of the mountain, 10,394. Since I had driven two hours to locate this mountain, I decided I should forge my way to the summit.

The summit did not appear to be visible, but maps indicated it was closer to where I was parked than if I would drive farther into the park to seek a possible trailhead. I do not think an official trail is documented.

With plenty of food and water, I began my ascent in the thick Aspen grove. I would see the occasional trail, but it was not well travelled. After a thick section of scrub oak, I had noticed a ravine and decided to use it as a direct path to the summit.

The loose rocks and, at times, thick vegetation made the going less enjoyable, but I was determined to continue, knowing this ravine would lead to the top. In about 1 1/2 hours, I emerged from the thick trees to an open area with a simple collection of tree limbs leaning against each other, topped by a large stone. A deer antler also kept the tree limbs together to serve as a marker for the high point of Boyd Mountain.

I signed the notebook which was sealed in a mayonnaise jar, showing I had made the top. About ten other entries made in the past few years revealed most summit this mountain while elk hunting. The view was pleasant and the weather was ideal for this afternoon outing.

I would think it a worthy project to build a more distinguished trail to the top of this mountain. Locals in the area might not see any need with other trails to enjoy.

The trip down seemed more mentally tasking as I was concentrating on each step, determined not to have one of my feet slide out of control. The rocks were dark red in color and often flat, but provided ample opportunity to fall down.

Still standing upon arrival at the parking lot, I was pleased I had hiked to the top of a mountain which had been perhaps been named for someone who shared my last name.