108.4 miles: Turkey Trot Trail, Mt Falcon Park, Morrison, CO

On March 23, 2020March 24, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2020

Miles: 3.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 814 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 1 hr 30 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (30 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/turkey-trot-trail

Notes:

The end of the week snow has made trails in the foothills very muddy and wet; which is so frustrating when trying to get outside during this quarantine! We drove to Mount Falcon park yesterday planning to hike Castle Trail to the ruins, but the trail conditions were not favorable — so we cut it short and completed Turkey Trot Trail loop clockwise. This metro area park is close to Denver and was not too crowded.

When we started the hike, the ground was cold enough that the mud was still frozen. We went left following Castle Trail, climbing elevation steadily through switchbacks 1.5 miles to the trail junction. Near the top of the trail, the path was thawing and becoming extremely muddy. To save the trail from erosion, we went right towards Turkey Trot trail, which descended around the back on the ridge, through a pine forest. This section was shaded and icy, requiring traction. Once through the forest, we continued our descent back down to the parking lot, through thick mud. A few times we almost slipped and fell right in it. I assume the park will close the trail soon for mud!

105 miles: South Foothills Trail to Old Kiln Trail and Wonderland Trail, N. Boulder, CO

On March 23, 2020March 24, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2020

Miles: 4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 482 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hr 40 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (40 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/foothills-trail-to-wonderland-loop

Notes:

Saturday, we originally planned a longer hike in the canyon, but the soft shoulder of the road reserved for parking had too much snow piled from the plows. So, we stopped at the next trail head we passed, Fourmile Canyon Trail-head in north Boulder. While we have hiked around Wonderland Lake several times, we have never hiked from this trail head to the lake. We decided to take the long way to add some extra mileage.

The trail was still pretty snowy and slushy from the end of the week weather, but traction was not needed. We followed Foothills Trail for about a quarter of a mile before making a right and following Old Kiln Trail. This trail snaked uphill along Lee Hill Drive, before it comes to a dead end at an access road at the top. From there we descended the side trail back to the loop, and continued back to Foothills Trail. Then, we followed Foothills to the right, looping around Wonderland Lake before returning to the trail head. Nice and easy neighborhood park loop!

100.6 miles: Walker Ranch Trail Loop, Walker Ranch, Boulder, CO

On March 19, 2020March 24, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Miles: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1631 feet

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Time: 2 hr 45 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (50 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/walker-Ranch-loop-trail

Notes:

Travis and I are mandated to work from home for the next month— it is day two and we are already stir crazy being inside all day. We drove up to Walker Ranch, off Flagstaff Road, this afternoon to get in a few miles before the snow comes tomorrow. The trailhead had plenty of parking at 4 PM on a Wednesday. Parking is free and the multi-use trail is dog friendly.

We started the trail counter clockwise, descending to the creek bed for the first mile. We passed a fisherman on the creek. Around 1.4 miles, elevation began to climb. This stretch was mostly in the forest, with occasional views of the surrounding foothills. The trails levels out around 2.7 miles, when you enter a meadow. Panoramic views of the foothills can be seen.

Once at mile 3, elevation descended slowly until close to mile 5– the staircase. Near the second meet up with the creek bed, there was a very steep stair section. I would not advise this if you are scared of heights. Once down to the creek, there were some picnic benches and a wide bridge. After that, the remaining < 3 miles ascended back through the canyon. We had 60 degree weather and it was overcast, but the uphill had me drenched with sweat. The trail was completely dry except for one brief icy patch, but it was avoidable. Snow expected the next few days though 🙃

92.6 miles: The Brother and Sisters Loop via Bearberry Trail, Alderfer / Three Sisters Open Space, Evergreen, CO

On March 16, 2020March 24, 2020 By Annie1 Comment

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2020

Miles: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 666 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Time: 1 hr 30 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (40 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/the-brother-and-sisters-loop

Notes:

Another day practicing social distance! Travis and I are going to focus on adding extra miles to our hikes; now is a great time to stay out longer and hike farther away from more crowded trailheads. We also chose a route on a less populated trail, to further isolate ourselves. We parked at the west trailhead of this free open space, and took the multi-use path clockwise. This hike is dog friendly.

We started this hike on Bearberry Trail, and followed it left, downhill towards the creek. This section was pretty icy. From there we climbed elevation to Sisters Trail, were you can explore the rocks and enjoy the view. There were a few parties congregated at the top, so we kept hiking to avoid being around people. From there we descended the trail to Brothers Lookout, then continued down to the trailhead. This is a great park due to the ease of the trails and the ability to add on multiple loops!

88.6 miles: Nighthawk & Button Rock Trails to Dam Overlook, Hall Ranch Open Space, Lyons, CO

On March 14, 2020March 19, 2020 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2020

Miles: 13.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2070 feet

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Time: 4 hr 30 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (50 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/nighthawk-trail

Notes:

Travis and I have been wanting to hike from Hall Ranch to Button Rock Preserve in Lyons for awhile, after we found out there is a trail to connect both preserves. Since we are practicing social distance, we woke up early and parked at the Hall Ranch Trailhead. Trailhead has free parking, some trails are multi-use, but it is not dog friendly.

From the trailhead, we took Nighthawk Trail to Button Rock Trail, then followed that to the dam overlook. The weather was foggy and cold, with extremely low visibility the whole time. No views of Longs Peak today! Nighthawk trail just reopened this week from mud closures, and it still had a few patches on mud throughout. Once we got to Button Rock Trail, there was light snow on the path, but we did not need traction. We only saw one person on our hike there, and only a few more our last mile of the trail.