Hagerman Pass

Eric looking into the West Portal Hagerman Tunnel

Water in abandoned Hagerman Tunnel

Looking south on our way down from the Continental Divide at  Hagerman Pass.

Fieldd of wildflowers on the hike up to Hagerman Pass.

The "happy pose" at the top of Hagerman Pass on the Continental Divide.

Eric retrieves our beers that were left chilling in the cold mountain stream.

Jessie riding Lexus

Untitled, a photo by DonnaBoley on Flickr.

Emily was sweet to let Jessie sit on Lexus.

Uneva Peak Colorado

Eagles Nest Wilderness

Winter Climb up to Hanging Lake

The Hanging Lake trailhead originates in Glenwood Canyon close to the Colorado River and climbs through Dead Horse Canyon. It has become very popular and you can expect to share the trail with a variety of friendly people along the way.

I have hiked up to this very popular local lake many times but I have always wanted to go up in the winter. While it is not an extreme hike, it definitiely should still be respected, especially in the winter. The trails are still snow packed, the rocks are icy and steep enough to challenge your footing.

The steep canyon walls were laden with snow, which we were reminded of when we heard the tremendous roar of snow crashing close by. This is also the time of year when the warmer weather creates loose rocks that can tumble down the slopes.

The destination is a crystal clear turquoise lake that hangs below multiple water falls.

Eric and I do our "signature pose" at Spouting Falls is only a short climb above the hanging lake.

More information, directions and reviews.

 

 

Three Forks Hike

Sometime Eric and I like to hike places that are a little bit off the beaten path especially on holiday weekends when lots of people are out on the trails. This Memorial Day weekend, we went to this trail head that is fairly close to our home. It is called Three Forks. From Colorado Interstate 70, Take new Castle exit and go west through town. Turn onto Grass Valley until 325 Rd. Drive past Rifle Falls State Park, past Coulter Lake and park at Three Forks Trail head sign. We hiked only 1.6 miles of this the trail on this memorial Day weekend because I was moving slow in photo mode and we had our aging dog with us. It climbs but not too difficult and is well marked. There are a few streams to cross. We saw a few beaver ponds, a mix of pine and aspen and a few early Spring Wildflowers.

West Elk CrossCountry Skiing Trails

These cross country ski trails in the White River National Forest are not very well known. They are located west of the small towns of New Castle, Rifle and Silt. It is a great place to go for an afternoon ski. Dogs are allowed but scoop the poop off the trail. It is not fun to glide over doggie poop

Horsethief State Wildlife Area

Horsethief State Wildlife Area is located within the 123,000 acre McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area located west of Grand Junction Colorado. The area includes the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness of 75,550 acres. The trails can be accessed by foot or horseback. Eric and I began our hike at 9:30 am in a lightly brisk temperature in the 60s. We followed the Pollock Bench Trail as it followed through surroundings of rock cliffs and majestic canyon. This hike is an easy to moderate loop trail of approximately 5.5 miles. we diverted a bit and followed the Flume Canyon trail on the way back. Dogs are allowed but there was no water to be found. To get to here: From Grand Junction, Colorado, go south to Fruita and then 5 more miles west to the Colorado National Monument. After passing the Colorado River, look for a sign to Mc Innis State Park.