[Geysers] Heart Lake

[Jeffrey Cross]

I cannot recommend Heart Lake for 8-year olds.  We did Lone Star when I
was 8, and that was about right.  Heart Lake is a pretty rigorous hike
even if you stop at the Fissure Group.  Plus, the trail doesn't get close
to the hot springs.  Unless you are content with the view from across the
valley (see the fault scarp photo in my Heart Lake article, most recent
Transactions) you would have to cross-country a little, vaulting logs and
skirting mushy areas, all on moderate inclines.  The Upper Group is within
a steep gorge.  I wouldn't try to take children under 12 in there.

Jeff Cross
jacross at lamar.colostate.edu