Hike #62: Green Mountain West Trail, Boulder, CO

On November 9, 2019November 28, 2019 By Annie1 Comment

Date: Friday, November 8, 2019

Miles: 3.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 682 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 1 hr 45 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (50 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/green-mountain-west-trail

Notes:

We had beautiful weather yesterday in the front range! Sunny and 60s! I met up with my friend Marisa in Boulder and hiked Green Mountain via West Ridge. Although I’ve hiked this trail several times, this was my first time hiking it with the new trail re route.

The trail had patches of ice throughout, requiring spikes. The trail re route balanced the elevation gain better than before and reduced the amount of rock scrambling. The new re route also adds about .9 round trip to the hike compared to the old trail.

Green Mountain from the first half mile of the hike

Hike #61: Evergreen Mountain, Aderfer / Three Sisters Park, Evergreen, CO

On November 4, 2019November 28, 2019 By Annie2 Comments

Date: Sunday, November 3, 2019

Miles: 4.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 784 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Time: 1 hr 30 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (45 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/evergreen-mountain-trail

Notes:

It’s officially micro-spike season! This past week we had two snowstorm systems hit the front range, dropping 8 – 12 inches throughout. In typical Colorado fashion, the sun is already back out melting the aftermath, but trails in the foothills are still pretty slick.

I went for a quick afternoon hike at Aderfer / Three Sisters Park near Evergreen, one of my favorite parks not far from Denver. The Evergreen Mountain Trail starts across the street from the parking lot, winding through a meadow to the base of the mountain. The meadow portion of the trail was very slushy and muddy; once I got to the Evergreen Mountain Trail turnoff I put on my mricrospikes.

The trail has minimal elevation gain spread out evenly, climbing steady switchbacks through a pine forest. It was mostly shaded, so snow was not melting much. I passed a few people, but I mostly had the trail to myself. The trail does not have a good lookout or view until the summit, which was kind of disappointing. Next time I do this hike I this I’m going to do it as a loop along with the east trail!

Don’t forget to stay left for the West Trail!

Hike #60: Village Walk and Red Rocks Trail, Morrison, CO

On October 21, 2019November 28, 2019 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2019

Miles: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 423 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hr total

Type: Day hike from Denver (25 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/village-walk-and-red-rocks-day-hike

Notes:

I had some flex time, so I left the office a bit early yesterday to get in a quick hike since I will be out of town this weekend. I decided to do something close to town that would be easy to get to during rush hour — Matthew Winters Park in Morrison (Red Rocks) was the perfect solution.

This quick hike is pretty easy and has minimal elevation gain. It is a multi use path that I assume is a lot busier on the weekends. The trail is completely exposed with almost no shade. The trail is easy to navigate, but a little noisy being so close to the interstate. It was a great way to stretch my legs after work, but was not too special or scenic.

With this hike, I have officially hiked over 300 miles this year! For my last ten hikes, I am going to try to hit 350 miles total.

Hike #59: Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail, Golden, CO

On October 20, 2019October 20, 2019 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Sunday, October 20, 2019

Miles: 4.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 925 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 2 hr total

Type: Day hike from Denver (30 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-galbraith-loop-via-cedar-gulch-trail

Notes:

I used to do this hike all the time when I first moved to Colorado, due to its close proximity to Denver. This is a great trail you can hit after work and it’s usually not too crowded on the weekends.

The trail begins with a few switchbacks to the beginning on the trail loop, spreading out the elevation gain moderately. The trail has some rocky areas that require scrambling. The ridge line is very exposed and would be hot on a sunny day. Lots of dogs on the trail as well.

Hike #58: Meyers Homestead Trail, Walker Ranch Park, Boulder, CO

On October 8, 2019November 4, 2019 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Sunday, October 6, 2019

Miles: 5.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 846 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Time: 1 hr 40 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (50 min drive)

Trail Head:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/Meyers-homestead-trail

Notes:

We have had so many visitors the last few weeks it’s been hard to fit in a hike! Sunday afternoon we finished up chores and found this local hike that we have not yet completed out of Walker Ranch Park. We got to the trailhead at 4 PM and had the park to ourselves.

The trail is multi use and wide, easy to find and well maintained. I read reviews that this area has a lot of mountain lions. There were frequent signs that warned hikers, but we didn’t see any. Within the first mile of the hike, there was an abandoned saw mill with a historical plaque.

The trail climbs minimal elevation, ending with an overlook to Boulder Canyon. We barely saw any other hikers— would definitely recommend!