Hike #20: Fern Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

On March 28, 2019September 23, 2019 By Annie1 Comment

Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Miles: 8.9 miles (from winter trailhead)

Elevation Gain: 1499 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 3hr 45min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (1hr 30min drive)

Trail Head:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/fern-lake-trail

Notes:

This hike was so exciting and memorable— Travis proposed!! And I said yes! Rocky Mountain has always been a special place for us— countless hikes and memories throughout our relationship. I’m so happy we started a new chapter here. I also hit my 100th mile of 2019 and completed my 20th hike.

I’ve done this hike as a loop before detailed in a previous post, but this time we just completed Fern Lake from the winter Fern Lake Trailhead (adds some extra mileage). The first 2.4 miles is flat following the river and has some snow pack with traction needed. From there, you climb elevation for the next 2.1 miles to Fern Lake.

We arrived at the lake mid-morning, with beautiful sunshine framing the frozen water. We had the lake to ourselves! Travis pointed out some trees behind me and told me to look for some birds that he saw. I scanned everywhere but saw nothing— when I turned around, he was down on one knee!!! It was perfect. I can’t wait to have a life of adventure together.

Hike #19: Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, Eldorado Springs, CO

On March 26, 2019April 2, 2019 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Miles: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 801 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Time: 1 hr 20 min total

Type: Day hike from Denver (40min drive)

Trail Head:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/rattlesnake-gulch-trail

Notes:

Today we headed to Eldorado Springs State Park, for a short afternoon hike to stretch our muscles from our backpacking trip. This was my first time hiking in the state park, since I’m too cheap to usually want to pay the $9 entry fee. This hike was the perfect length for the time we had, featuring a wide clear trail that spread elevation gain throughout. We used microspikes for patches of the trail, although most other hikers did not have traction. The first destination looked over the ruins of the Crags Hotel, and the second overlook had sweeping views of mountains.

Hike #18: Upheaval Canyon Trail, Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park, UT

On March 26, 2019March 26, 2019 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Sunday, March 24, 2019

Miles: 8.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 397 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 3hr 30min total

Type: Weekend hike from Denver (6hr drive)

Trail Head:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/upheaval-canyon-trail

Notes:

This trail was just off of our campsite, following the Upheaval Canyon to White Rim Road and the Green River. Not a destination hike, but a moderate stroll through ancient canyons framed by sage and willows. This trail mainly follows the wash, going slightly downhill through butted and mesas. The trail was difficult to find in areas and features almost no shade the entire way. Lots of water and sun gear needed.

Hike #17: Syncline Loop Trail, Island in the Sky, Canyonlands National Park, UT

On March 26, 2019March 26, 2019 By Annie2 Comments

Date: Sunday – Monday, March 24 – 25, 2019

Miles: 8.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1667 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Time: Overnight Backpacking Trip (2hrs to site, 3.5hrs to parking lot)

Type: Weekend hike from Denver (6hr drive)

Trail Head:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/syncline-loop

Notes:

Welcome to Utah! This is our second year in a row backpacking Canyonlands National Park for spring break. This time we selected a primitive campsite in the Island in the Sky district, about a six hour drive from Denver (closest city Moab).

We started the loop clockwise from the Upheaval Dome Trailhead, descending over 1500 elevation in two miles. The trail down was relatively easy to follow, heading down into the wash around mile three. Our campsite was 3.7 miles into the loop, right off the junction of upheaval crater spur and syncline loop trails. We were happily surprised to have a water source (syncline valley) next to our site— perfect for staying hydrated in the burning sun.

We hiked out the following morning, starting at 6:30am to beat the full sun. From the campsite, the first mile gains significant elevation through a rocky canyon— very difficult to navigate at times. The steepest sections were strenuous with a backpack, requiring scrambling and light climbing. The rest of the 5.1 mile section continuously climbs in elevation, requiring a few other scrambled steps, but mostly following the wash.

Hike #16: Lower Liberty Cap Trail, Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction, CO

On March 23, 2019March 26, 2019 By AnnieLeave a comment

Date: Saturday, March 23 , 2019

Miles: 3.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1165 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 1 hr 45 min total

Type: Weekend hike from Denver (4 hr drive)

Trail Head:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/liberty-cap

Notes:

We out here! For spring break, we are doing a short trip to Moab and stopped at Grand Junction. First hike of the year out of the front range. The trailhead has limited parking, but on a late weekend morning, we were easily able to find parking. We loved this trail— quiet, well maintained, beautiful views. Elevation is spread throughout the hike. After the first mile, the trail gets more narrow and rocky, with large drop offs. Poles are helpful to take the pressure off your knees. The view from the top is gorgeous— highly recommend.