date: 12/18/2011
activity: trail run
distance: 5.75 miles
time: 1 hour 15 minutes
On a dry day this trail run would be fantastic. However, with the temperature in the high 50's, the run was full of ice and mud. The evidence of mountain bikers and horses also made for an interesting, sloppy run. Thankfully, the weather and scenery were great.
During the summer this is a loop trail. But because its winter a portion of the loop is closed making it an out and back run. I am looking forward to doing this run again in the summer under better conditions. It also intersects with the Cherry Creek bike trail, which will be another fun adventure when the weather allows it.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
West Monument Creek/Falcon Trail
date: 12/17/2011
activity: hike
distance: 4.75 miles
time: 2 hours
I found out very quickly that the West Monument Creek trail to Stanley Resevoir is a summer hike. A very icy ascent up the creek and some areas of mandatory rock climbing led for a quick turnaround. Ideally, this hike would be completed in the summer when the rocks are not nearly as slick. Even then, it can still be a very difficult ascent to Stanley Resevoir.
Thankfully, the trailhead also interesects with the Falcon Trail. On a nice December afternoon, there were quite a few groups of mountain bikers. The trail is well-used and allowed for an easier walk/hike. On nice days this is a very popular hiking/biking/running trail.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1389932
activity: hike
distance: 4.75 miles
time: 2 hours
I found out very quickly that the West Monument Creek trail to Stanley Resevoir is a summer hike. A very icy ascent up the creek and some areas of mandatory rock climbing led for a quick turnaround. Ideally, this hike would be completed in the summer when the rocks are not nearly as slick. Even then, it can still be a very difficult ascent to Stanley Resevoir.
Thankfully, the trailhead also interesects with the Falcon Trail. On a nice December afternoon, there were quite a few groups of mountain bikers. The trail is well-used and allowed for an easier walk/hike. On nice days this is a very popular hiking/biking/running trail.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1389932
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Waldo Canyon Trail
date: 12/10/2011
activity: hike
distance: 7 miles
time: 3 hours
I hiked Waldo Canyon on a very nice, 40 degree Saturday morning in December. At the onset, there were only a few cars in the parking lot, but when I completed the hike there were 20 or 25. Get an early start in the winter if you want a parking spot and to finish by dawn (about 4:30 pm this time of year).
Of the 2 dozen or so people I saw while on the trail, almost half were trail runners. They were a little more brave than me, there were various spots of ice and snow, especially on the north facing sides of the trail. I was also passed by a group of 5 mountain bikers, who flew by me going downhill (also very brave souls).
This is a moderate to easy trail that took around 3 to 3.5 hours to complete the 7 mile balloon loop. On nicer days, dont worry about bringing more than a couple bottles of water and maybe a few snacks. Much of the trail has great views of Pikes Peak and Waldo Canyon. Nice views and a great half-day hike.
activity: hike
distance: 7 miles
time: 3 hours
I hiked Waldo Canyon on a very nice, 40 degree Saturday morning in December. At the onset, there were only a few cars in the parking lot, but when I completed the hike there were 20 or 25. Get an early start in the winter if you want a parking spot and to finish by dawn (about 4:30 pm this time of year).
Of the 2 dozen or so people I saw while on the trail, almost half were trail runners. They were a little more brave than me, there were various spots of ice and snow, especially on the north facing sides of the trail. I was also passed by a group of 5 mountain bikers, who flew by me going downhill (also very brave souls).
This is a moderate to easy trail that took around 3 to 3.5 hours to complete the 7 mile balloon loop. On nicer days, dont worry about bringing more than a couple bottles of water and maybe a few snacks. Much of the trail has great views of Pikes Peak and Waldo Canyon. Nice views and a great half-day hike.
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