Colorado State Forest State Park: American Lakes Trail

 This morning, Noelle and I ate breakfast, packed up camp, and then headed our of Long Draw to Colorado Highway14 and up and over Cameron Pass to State Forest State Park. We paid our entrance fee and then took the somewhat rough road to the American Lakes Trailhead. We readied our packs and then hit the trail.

While the hike started in the woods, it didn't take too long to break out into some views. 

The trail passed through a series of pretty meadows,

before breaking out of the trees above treeline for the upper portion of the hike. Above the trees the views were spectacular!

At one point Noelle caught a glimpse of about 5 moose in a meadow far below sparring and prancing. We watched them for a bit through binoculars.

A couple of ladies who had passed us watched them from just above us.

We continued our ascent passing through increasingly impressive scenery.

Soon we caught our first view of the Michigan Lake.

We rested on the shore of the lake for a bit, ate some snacks, and then followed the trail along the shoreline to another nice view of the lake.

After a short time the clouds started to build and we decided it was time to turn around. Snow Lake, above Michigan Lake, would have to wait for another day.

We started to make our way down the way we had come. Plenty of blue sky could be seen in that direction.

Soon enough we passed back down into the trees and were back to the car for the long drive home. 

At about 8 miles round-trip, this was one of the most spectacular hikes we've done in some time. I would highly recommend. 

Roosevelt National Forest: Neota Creek Trail

 This morning Noelle, Rosie and I headed out of town. With high temperatures forecast for the next few days we opted to head up to the cooler temperatures of the Colorado mountains. We drove up Poudre Canyon towards Long Draw Road. Just before the turnoff to Long Draw Road, Noelle spotted a couple of bull moose.

We stopped to observe the moose for a bit and then headed up Long Draw Road to the Long Draw Campground where we snagged a campsite, set up the tent and then headed a little further up the road for our hike of Neota Creek Trail. 

The trailhead parking is along the road, almost at the end of the road at La Poudre Pass and a northern hike-in access to Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail itself is marked with a small, simple wooden sign.

We set out on the trail and almost immediately passed into the Neota Creek Wilderness.

The trail itself closely followed the pretty little Neota Creek.

It weaved into and out of wooded areas and then out into a wet meadow with beautiful views of the peaks that separate this trail from Trap Park which we hiked last summer. 

Soon, we spotted a mother and baby moose cross through the meadow. We would see them a couple other times during the hike, but always from a safe distance. The trail continued to make its way up the meadow, passing through some pretty wet areas.

Besides the views, there were plenty of wildflowers in bloom.

We made our way to the signed end of the trail,

and then turned around for the short hike back to the trailhead.

After making it back to the car, we made the short drive back to the campground where we relaxed before making dinner. 

Belvoir Ranch Open Space: Lariat Loop Trail

This morning Noelle, Sierra, Mom T and I drove down to Cheyenne and west on Interstate-80 to Harriman Road to check out the newly opened Belvoir Ranch Open Space. Yesterday evening was the official ribbon cutting ceremony, so we are amongst the first to check out the area.

It's kind of a long drive off of Harriman Road through an area of wind turbines to the parking lot/trailhead. We opted to hike the short 1.2 mile Lariat Loop to get a feel for what the trails are like. I plan on returning again sometime soon to check out more of the trail system. At the parking area is a small memorial to Cheyenne City Councilman, Scott Roybal.

The trail starts by heading straight towards a wind turbine.

Shortly thereafter, we began the loop, following it clockwise. The area features rolling grassy hills interspersed with areas of mountain mahogany shrublands. There were lots of wildflowers in bloom, including lots of prickly pear cactus. 

The scenery is pleasant, but nothing too awe-inspiring. Mostly, we just enjoyed walking in the beautiful wind-free and cool morning. 

Roosevelt National Forest: Columbine Ridge and Frog Pond Trails

 This morning I made the drive down into Colorado to do some hiking in the Red Feather Lakes area. My goal for the day was to hike the rest of the trail system that originates at the Mount Margaret Trailhead, specifically the Columbine Ridge Trail and the Frog Pond Trail.

I arrived at the trailhead and hit the trail.

I followed the Mount Margaret Trail to the East Dowdy Lake Trail 

where I followed a scenic ridge. Along the way were great views of the interesting rock formations and a few views of the distant high peaks.

Besides the rock formations and mountains, there were plenty of wildflowers in bloom, especially stonecrop,

geranium,

and columbine.

The Columbine and Columbine Ridge Trails passed through alternating areas of meadows 

and ridges 

with the Columbine Ridge Trail terminating at a nice view of Mount Margaret and the surrounding area.

I retraced my steps a bit, passed lots of interesting rock formations 

and made my way over to the Columbine North Loop and then Frog Pond Trail. Frog Pond Trail wasn't the most interesting. I passed a herd of cattle,

before making my way to the end of the trail at a dry Frog Pond.

From Frog Pond I made my way back to the trailhead via the Mount Margaret Trail. It made for a hike that totaled just over 14 miles.