D
on’t be one of those Coloradans who isn’t taking advantage of the life this amazing state offers, especially if you moved here from say, Indiana or somewhere equally as boring. The beauty that exists here is unreal and unlike anywhere else in this country, so get out there, be one with nature, see some beauty, get some exercise. Almost everyone can hike, so it’s a great group activity. Hiking is something fun to do (that doesn’t require drinking) and it’s a relatively cheap sport. Things you will need for your day hike. I call the following list “The Crucials” because these are the items every hiker needs to have, every time. Weather patterns can change instantly in the Rockies, so being prepared is a must.
“The Crucials”
1. Navigation – Map and compass 2. Protection from the sun –Sunglasses and sunscreen 3. Protection from the weather – Waterproof jackets/extra clothing/ponchos/ 4. Lights - Headlamp/flashlight 5. First aid kit 6. Fire - Matches/lighter/fire starter 7. Tools – Knife, rope, plastic bags for trash 8. Water - Lots of it 10. Food – Items that are easy to carry and consume 11.Garbage bags - Can double as an emergency shelter if need be. 12. Hiking Poles – This item on the list is much more optional, however, hiking poles make coming down the mountain much easier and provides relief to tired knees.
Bear Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park Roundtrip distance: 1.2 miles Skill level: Easy Dogs: No Bikes: Yes Elevation gain: 45 feet Bonus: Handicapped accessible, but trail is not paved; easy for little ones
Plymouth and Meadowlark Trails at Deer Creek Canyon Park in Littleton
Roundtrip distance: Approximately 2 miles Skill level: Easy to moderate Dogs: Yes with leash Bikes: Yes Elevation gain: Steady 10 percent gain Bonus: Close to Denver, beautiful views of the foothills and great picnic sites.
Barney Ford Trail - made up of the Moonstone Trail, Carter Park Trail and Barney Ford Trail – In Breckinridge Roundtrip distance: 4.8 total miles Skill level: Moderate Dogs: Yes with leash Biking: Yes Elevation gain: 780 feet Cool fact: The Barney Ford is a tale about a slave seeking freedom and riches, which he achieved when he got to Colorado.
Gem Lake in Estes Park
Roundtrip Distance: 3.3 miles Skill level: Moderate Dogs: No Bikes: No Horses: Yes Elevation gain: 1100 feet Bonus: Beautiful Gem Lake is waiting for you at the top of the trail and trails are nicely maintained.
Bonus: Views of beautiful Red Rocks and the city, and there’s a cool old cemetery as well. Columbine Lake Trail in Arapaho National Forest Roundtrip distance: 5 miles Skill level: Moderate Dogs: Yes Elevation gain: 980 feet Tip: Be sure to make a right at the Caribou Pass Trail to head towards Columbine Lake. Conundrum Creek Trail in White River National Forest near Aspen Roundtrip Distance: 17 miles Skill level: Moderate to Strenuous Dogs: Not allowed past second stream crossing at Silver Dollar Ponds Elevation gain: 2500 feet Tip: No groups over ten people; please educate yourself with the Wilderness Ethics before going. Bonus: Conundrum Springs awaits you at the end of this great hike! Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon Hike time/distance: 2.4 miles Skill Level: Difficult because of steepness Dogs: No Biking: Yes No swimming or fishing Elevation gain: 936 feet Attraction not to miss: Spouting Rock Cool Fact: From 1940 to the late 60s, and before the construction of I-70, there was a resort and café tourists could visit. Herman Gulch Trail near Loveland Ski Area Roundtrip distance: About 5 miles Skill level: Moderate to difficult Dogs: Yes Bikes: Yes Horses: Yes Elevation gain: About 1600 feet Tip: Follow signs west to Herman Lake Cool fact: Part of the Continental Divide King Lake – Hessie Trailhead – Indian Peaks Wilderness Roundtrip distance: 10.8 Skill level: Moderate to strenuous Dogs: Yes Bikes: No Horses: No Elevation gain: 2421 feet Tip: Upper King’s Lake can be snowy and muddy well into the summer, so be prepared with warmer clothes. This list of trails is by no means exhaustive. Please do your research before heading out and always check the weather before you go. Another good tip is to go in the morning. Not only do you avoid crowded trailways by going earlier, but weather is usually calmer in the morning than in the afernoon. Always tell someone where you are going. Most of all, have fun! Check out this helpful website, www.dayhikesneardenver.com.
Matthews Winters Park Morrison Slide in Morrison Roundtrip distance: 4.5 miles Skill level: Moderate Dogs: Yes Biking: Yes Horses: Yes Elevation Gain: 1295 cumulative (lots of ups and downs)
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