Hike to a glacier on Cotopaxi

 The evening before I hike to the glacier, the clouds parted and we could see Cotopaxi from our hostel. Cotopaxi is 19,347 ft high.

 This is a short, but steep hike at high altitude. The trail is only 1.25 miles one way, but gains 1,640 ft. The trail begins on gravely lava.

There is a hiker's refuge, part way up the trail. It is currently under remodel and offers very little protection from the cold wind, rain and snow.

 We encountered snow on the trail shortly after leaving the refuge.

 The glacier and crevasse were beautiful to behold.

Happy hikers!
Once we were off the snow, the trail down was easy, as the soft lava gravel acted as a cushion.