The park is situated on the West side of Horsetooth Reservoir and butts up against forest service and private land to the west, and Horsetooth Mountain Park to the south. The trail we hiked was up to the top of Arthur's Rock which is a 3.4 mile round trip. Its a steep, dusty, and rock strewn trail that works its way back and forth across a creek filled ravine from the valley to the top of the ridge line. It's not quite the tallest peak in the park but it's very close. Generally we see a lot of wildlife but on this day it was mainly birds soaring on the thermals. However, a couple we met on the way up said they saw a mama bear and two cubs about half way to the top that morning. It's not surprising as these hills are full of mule deer, bear, mountain lion, and of course turkeys.
On Saturday the 3rd of May we decided to head up to Lory State Park as a family. The goal was to begin our challenge to slowly work off the multiple steep trails and hikes that will be required to check this park off the list. I have done a bit of turkey hunting on these hills and those days never disappoint, as long as you are into a hike that makes you feel like your legs and lungs are going to give out. It's steep, hot, and extremely beautiful. Lory is probably one of my most favored places on the Northern Front Range because of the variety of trails and the access to the lake. The park is situated on the West side of Horsetooth Reservoir and butts up against forest service and private land to the west, and Horsetooth Mountain Park to the south. The trail we hiked was up to the top of Arthur's Rock which is a 3.4 mile round trip. Its a steep, dusty, and rock strewn trail that works its way back and forth across a creek filled ravine from the valley to the top of the ridge line. It's not quite the tallest peak in the park but it's very close. Generally we see a lot of wildlife but on this day it was mainly birds soaring on the thermals. However, a couple we met on the way up said they saw a mama bear and two cubs about half way to the top that morning. It's not surprising as these hills are full of mule deer, bear, mountain lion, and of course turkeys. Headed up the trail Headed down to find some cold Cherry Limeaid
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I decided to cap off the first week of Hometown Hikes with a visit to one of my favorite Fort Collins Natural Areas. Riverbend Ponds sits on the East side of Fort Collins right off of Riverside Avenue and adjoins several other city natural areas. It's not only a great place to hike or bike but to also canoe/SUP and fish. I have spent many afternoons fly fishing from the canoe in these generally shallow ponds. The area has seven ponds in all, two of which are fairly decent in size. The fishing is good most of the year and you can catch bluegill and bass here. The natural area also shares a border with the Poudre River and so I often use the parking are off of Timberline as an access point to paddle. Trip details
Lucas and I decided to get a jump on the weekend with a little Saturday morning hike before lunch. We drove just south of the house to a really nice open space park managed by Fort Collins. The city hosts a really nice birding fair each year at this facility that we have been to many times. This was the first time that we had hiked all of the way down to the East shelters along the lake. Trip details
A windy evening hike Tonight I looked at the map of my hiking options and picked a natural area that was close to home and one I know very well - Arapahoe Bend Natural Area. In the years where I was doing a lot of canoe challenges, I would paddle between 200 - 300 miles a year, in circles, in this parks largest lake (Beaver Pond). We also visit this spot often on summer evenings to play with the sailboats, paddle boards, and kayaks with the family. The park is just a few miles from the house and provides a quick escape from reality with dirt trails, 4-lakes to boat or fish in, and access to the Poudre River for upstream/downstream paddling. Trip details
Let's get pointless I haven’t had a pointless challenge out in front of me for a while now and so I decided to activate a little idea that I have had rolling around my brain for a few years now. As you know, I live in a pretty fabulous spot on the planet known as Fort Collins, Colorado. Nestled against the Eastern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains we have a mixture of hills, plains, lakes and ponds, a couple rivers, lots of trails, and many, many regional parks and open spaces. It’s special to me because it’s my hometown of course, but more importantly, every time I get outside to play (canoe, hike, hunt, bike, fly kites, etc.) I am reminded of just how special and beautiful a place it is and how getting outside always lifts my spirits. The challenge is simple – get outside, move around, and visit every park in our county Typically my outdoor challenges are big and audacious and often include multi-day, hundred plus mile canoe journeys, or something that involves a great deal of personal suffering…this will not be that kind of challenge. It’s a bit more down to earth for a reason, river trips take planning, my body hurts a lot when I get home, it takes me away from family, and it’s hard to do with consistency. So instead of a huge challenge this year I am challenging myself to do a bunch of small and accessible challenges strung together into a huge goal. I plan to visit then walk, run, rollerblade, or bike all of the parks, open space areas, and trails in our extensive trail system. I am going to start with the Fort Collins Natural Areas and the Larimer County Open Space Parks and then throw in some random places as they make sense. I am not putting an end date on this project or too many rules, I just want to make steady progress towards this fairly big goal, get outside, and have a bit of fun in the outdoors. Rules for this challenge include:
It’s not as small a challenge as I originally thought The more I have begun to look at the reality of this challenge, the more I realize that I have a lot of time in the outdoors ahead. Because our city and town invest so many resources in preservation of open space, and everyone is pretty active, there are hundreds of trail miles out in front of me right now. Highlights include:
I hope you find some inspiration in this pointless challenge Fort Collins is not so dissimilar to YOUR hometown and so anyone can take on a crazy challenge like this to get to know your hometown a bit better. If you look around you all of the amenities we have in Colorado that I mentioned above, maybe minus a 14,000 foot peak or two, exist where you are – regardless of if you live in the Midwest, the plains, an island, or on the coast. In fact when I lived in Ohio I found lots of places to “get my outdoors on” without any mountains, microbreweries, and accoutrements that come with the Colorado lifestyle. I remember fondly cross country skiing and mountain biking on the east side of Alum Creek Reservoir, canoeing the river below that same dam or on any of number of local rivers in central Ohio, hiking in the Hocking Hills, biking along the Olentangy River Trail, and the list goes on and on – there are beautiful places everywhere you just need to get off the couch and out of your car.
More to come, stay tuned to the blog for pictures and updates. Dinosaurs and crazy characters made of junk On the second stop during our first day of Hometown Hikes, Lucas and I dropped by an old family favorite park, Swetsville Zoo. This park was developed at the home of Bill Swets on the Eastern edge of Fort Collin,s and right along the banks of the Poudre River. There are all manner of creative sculptures including life-size dinosaurs, alien spaceships, huge bugs, and all manner of wind sculptures all made from discarded iron. If you have not been there, it's worth a stop. Trip details
First "official" hometown hike Our family just returned from 8 full days at Disney World and Universal Studios on Saturday and so we had already been walking for days and days in a row. So I figured instead of chilling out on the couch on Sunday before returning to work, Lucas and I could pack up the Vespa and head out to pick off the first of the many parks and open spaces in the Hometown Hikes Challenge. We revisited a spot that we have been to previously, River Bluffs Open Space - part of the Fort Collins Natural Areas System, and I knew the round trip would only be about 2-miles. The weather was in the 60's and clear and Lucas was just stoked to get to ride on the scooter. Trip details
Wheeler Geologic Area
On our recent vacation to South Fork Colorado we fulfilled a mission we set out upon about 5-years previously. The mission, 4-wheel back 24 miles of jeep road, then hike about a mile into Wheeler Geologic Area. This was no small task and in the end required the rental of 2 4-wheel drive Jeep Rubicons and about 9-hours of round trip travel and hiking. It was amazing, a total blast, and nice to finally see this place we have been itching to experience for so many years. The trek really started on a previous trip to the South Fork area (around 2007) when the entire family, I think 13 of us at the time, decided we’d like to check out this odd outcropping of leftover volcanic matter tucked well into the mountains southeast of Creede. We loaded up two full sized pickup trucks and hoped for the best. The trip was epic and not just in that we failed at our goal. It was epic in the sense of how badly the passengers were banged up and sick by the end of a four hour attempt. The road was nearly impassible with these high clearance vehicles because of the long wheel beds that made the ride just too rough to bear. On that first trip we saw some wildlife, did some mud running, and managed to get out without breaking either of the vehicles or ourselves. However, we have talked about a return trip ever since. Lucas and Cole checking things out. Wheeler Geologic Area sits at 11,040 feet, a nearly 3,000 foot climb from the Rio Grande River that winds through the valley floor. The site itself (about 640 acres in total) is made up of what is called “Volcanic Tuff” and is the remains of the fine debris that was blown sky high from vents deep into the earth. Tuff is debris that goes from dust flakes and granules up to blocks 2-3 feet in size and then compacted together to make a soft rock substance. The area was further compacted by several thousand feet of lava and several thousand more feet of dust and debris during a period of high volcanic activity. What remains after millions of years of erosion from wind and rain is oddly shaped hoodoos, which are large pinnacles and spires. For now, capstones help to hold together most of the vertical cracks and odd shaped formations. However, like most everything in nature, these amazing natural features will eventually erode away into large plains of dusty soil and small rock. From what we read, the San Juan Range of mountains where Wheeler sits, was the largest area of volcanic activity in the state of Colorado. It was named for Captain George Wheeler who was in charge of surveying and exploration work being done by the War Department in 1874. On our successful trip to the monument we had a chance to experience several distinct land types and road conditions. The first phase of the trip was 14-miles in length and was a regular dirt forest access road. This part was a breeze and the Jeep Rubicons made the bumpy dusty roads feel like an asphalt road. We were continually impressed with our vehicles because of how well they performed throughout the day. On the way up we caught a glimpse of a group of bachelor mountain goats out for a morning walk. The second part of the road was another 14-miles in length and was a very different type of experience altogether. From the trail head in a meadow the trail rose quickly and narrowed to a third of its original width and we began to get a sense of what lay ahead. Rocks jutted from the road in all directions and large potholes, filled with muddy water, were everywhere. The interesting part of this long 4-whel drive stretch is that you only gain 200 feet in elevation from the start to end point at the trail head. However, in-between we went up and down steep roads through valleys and rock gardens. In many spots there were long stretches of deep muddy ruts and steep sections so extreme you could almost lean out of the cab and touch the ground with your hand. Munching some lunch Once you reach the 14-mile point the hiking begins. Before we took on this next challenge we stopped to eat some lunch. The kids had fun dodging the camp robber birds and obnoxious little ground squirrels while munching down their PB&J and chips. The main Wheeler Geologic area was just a short 1-mile hike up a steep hillside and everyone was happy to be hiking instead of riding in the jeeps. By this point everyone was feeling the length of the day and the 11,000 altitude and a few of the kids were not feeling real well. Their effort was well rewarded when we reached to top of the knoll and the crazy spires and hoodoos laid out before us. The return trip was pretty much the same as the up but the views were somewhat different. Since we made it through all of the deep mud puddles on the way up we hit them extra hard on the way back down the mountain. On one hole in particular we shot water so high that we soaked the boys sitting in the backseat.
On our first summer vacation of 2013 we returned to spend our second 4th of July in Telluride, one of our favorite mountain towns in Colorado. Telluride is one of those amazingly special places that cater to those who love a mountain setting and who know how to use it to its full advantage. On our last trip we marveled at this beautiful town that is nestled amongst the aspens and red rocks in a tight box canyon sitting at the far southwestern corner of our state. There is literally one way in and out of this little mountain village, and it has an eclectic character all its own. Rising steeply from the valley floor on all sides are a variety of trails and waterfalls that make for challenging but rewarding day hikes. During our trips we have hiked to see two of the areas waterfalls, a 4-mile hike to Bear Creek Falls and a shorter but steeper hike up to see Cornet Falls. Hikes - Cornet Falls and Village Trail One of the truly unique features of the town is there gondola system which traverses three mountains and rises nearly 2,000 feet in elevation from the valley floor to the end point up in Mountain Village. The best part of the gondola is that it is free and everyone uses it to get around town which really saves on traffic congestion and makes for a much more enjoyable ride into town than in a car. The best feature of the gondola is not only that it runs between the Mountain Village and town but you can take your bike along to gain access to 14 amazing hiking and mountain biking trails. On our first trip I had no idea about the gondola and so didn’t know to bring my bike stuff. I didn’t make that mistake on our return trip this summer. On this most recent trip I would get up at dawn before the family was awake and make a series of runs across the main mountain. After trying half a dozen or so trails during the week I decided that my favorite was “The Village Trail”. This trail was a little over 3-miles and was a largely descending single track trail with plenty of speed, trees, and rocks to wake you up first thing in the morning. The best part of morning rides was getting to watch the valley wake up. From the sun sweeping its way across the valley to the mountain flowers, deer, elk, and marmots…everyone was up to see the new day begin. The Village TrailThe Prospect TrailThe second morning of our trip I decided to do a much longer trail (10 miles + several road miles) and that choice proved to be very rewarding but a whole lot more challenging. From the gondola at the top of the main mountain (10,585 feet) the trail rises several hundred additional feet and then cuts across the entire face of the ski area. The first few miles were punctuated with steep and challenging climbs that forced me to push but the downhill sections were spectacular. All along the way I was treated to amazing vistas of mist filled streambeds, lush aspen forests with mossy floors, and views of the high peaks whose upper reaches were still flanked with snow. The second half of the route started after you attained the high point of the ride at 11,000 feet and dropped quickly through several miles of aspen glens and rocky single track. That part of the ride was my favorite and after two days of riding I was really beginning to feel comfortable with the speed on these runs. I didn’t have too much choice about “being comfortable with the speed” since I was unable to break too hard because of tennis elbow issues I have been experiencing on my rear brake hand. The Jurassic, Meadows, River, and Sheridan Trails The last full day of the trip I really wanted to ride as many of the remaining trails as I could. I also wanted to see what the drop off the main mountain was like and so I chose several trails that follow the steep wall that separates Mountain Village from town. I started with a fast paved run down from our condo, through Mountain Village, and lower to the golf course where I picked up the Jurassic Trail. This mile long trail featured some fast riding and some exposed sections in a few spots. Just down from the Jurassic I picked up the next trail which brings you the rest of the way from the ridge top down near where the meadows begin. This trail had a few more steep drops and was a little bit longer than the first. It ended up finishing about a mile up the road from the valley floor where I would pick up the 5-mile long River trail to return back to town. Hanging out in town The town of Telluride is pretty amazing as well. There are lots of restaurants and bars and the typical t-shirt shopping experience. We made a side stop in the thrift store because we had to see what you’d find in such a place in a “fru fru: mountain town. I laughed as I sorted through a variety of $150 biking shoes and other outdoor gear, it was pretty comical. Trip videos Last week I spent half my weekend, all day Monday, and Tuesday morning in in Philadelphia. Like all business trips you don’t sleep well, you’re busy trying to do what you went for, and also trying to keep things back home together. By the time I got home mid-day Tuesday I had been up since 3:00 AM Mountain Time and felt like total crap. I slept on the couch for a while but it wasn’t doing any good so I decided to head to the hills and flush out the funkiness with a hard hike and possibly my last day of turkey hunting for the spring season. I decided to head to Lory State Park for two reasons, steep challenging trails, and it is open for turkey hunting on Mondays and Tuesdays only. Given that I was headed out later in the afternoon I didn’t have real high expectations that I’d find anything but this is the second place near Fort Collins that I have “actually seen turkeys”, and lots of them. On the way up I ran into a ferocious downpour that lasted about ten minutes or so. Thankfully it looked like a small front and there was sun behind it. Once in the park I checked in then drove through what looked like an ultraviolet field of green, lots of new sprouting grass. A fire burned directly up the middle of the valley about a month ago and it’s amazing to see how quickly it all comes back. I drove to the end of the valley and quickly packed my gear. I walked up the Arthurs Rock trail to where it meets the Mill Creek trail, and headed upwards to join to a another trail a bit to the southwest. After another half-mile I reached the Howard Trail which is where I was going to gain some altitude in a hurry. I loaded my shotgun with turkey shot and began to watch the forest along the sides of the trail very carefully. This trail winds up a rugged ridge and has lots of steep switchbacks. I hiked on and off the trail along the lower section so that I could occasionally dive into the trees and look down into a nearby gulley for any signs of turkey. I clipped off a few clucks with my box call and wait a few minutes…but nothing. I hike up a steep grassy slope to regain the trail and continue my push upwards. My thinking that day was that I’d hike on the trail for about two miles, keeping an eye out for any movement in the valley to the south, and then once at the head of that valley hunt downhill across two large steep draws on the mountain side. It was a spectacular hike and the views of Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins from this vantage point were beautiful. In two spots along the trail I came across herds large of deer, maybe 15 or so in each. They didn’t seem too concerned about me and I was having fun watching them and taking pictures. It took me just about an hour to reach my highpoint some 3.5 miles from the car, which I thought was pretty impressive given the steepness of the trail and the nausea till in my stomach. I think all of this hiking/hunting since December is definitely putting me in better shape. I stopped at the top of a ridge and texted home to make plans for dinner, I now only had an hour and half to hunt so I’d need to make good progress. I headed off trail for the rest of the afternoon and took to the South down a grassy glen and into a thick wood. This area didn’t look like it had burned at all in any of the recent fires and there was a thick blanket of duff on the ground, which made a much softer and slippery decent. After about a half mile I reached a very steep section and followed a ridge for a while that had a well-worn deer trail along its spine. I stopped and called again for turkeys, and this time heard another hen out about 60-yards to my East. I held that position for a while hoping to see some movement below me but nothing came into my view so I kept moving down the ridge. After a very steep descent, the trail abruptly ended in a wooded glen where two streams came together, this area was lush and looked like a Lord of the Rings set. It smelled damp and the light was especially nice as it broke through the trees. I had to climb up and out of this area to begin to head back East and on to the car. As I reached to top of the hill I noticed a nice meadow perfect for afternoon strutting, if you were a turkey that is, or so I thought. I decided to setup and sit for a while, and figured that even if I didn’t see anything I could get some water and snacks in me. I put my hen and jake decoys out at about 25 yards and sat against a tree in the middle of the meadow. The air was getting cooler and a slight breeze felt great after nearly 5-miles of hiking. I could have taken a nap but a clap of thunder got me on my way after about 20-minutes of calling and sitting. The remainder of the hike was pretty uneventful. There were a few more steep sections to get off the mountain and I kept being amazed that I had walked up all of this with relative ease, I must have been more excited to get out than I thought. I made a mental note of a couple meadows lower down that I might try if I ever get back this season in the morning, this is really great turkey habitat. Right before the last hill I came along two more deer, one bedded down and the other standing on a steep hillside a few feet away. We watched each other for a bit before we both moved along. Reaching the car I was definitely feeling a bit better but was really tired after a day that began so early 1,600 miles away. I enjoyed the drive back into town as I followed the ridge along the eastern side of Horsetooth Reservoir. I was glad to have pushed myself out of the house when I could have so easily stayed and slept all afternoon. Sometimes the act of just getting up is the thing that starts to turn around a day and that was certainly true for me.
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AuthorRob Bean is an everyday adventurer who is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. He enjoys all manner of outside activities from canoeing, to kiting, and hunting. Archives
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