Roosevelt National Forest: Lady Moon, Granite Ridge, Molly Moon Loop Hike

Originally, Noelle and I had planned another camping trip in Poudre Canyon in Northern Colorado. However, our plans changed, and instead we opted to head to Red Feather Lakes for a day hike. We made the drive and reached the trailhead at around 10 am. We immediately hit the Lady Moon Trail, an old two track road.

The trail is relatively level and passes through areas of meadow, aspens and scattered ponderosa pines. There was a gentle ascent up to the junction with Granite Ridge. 

On Granite Ridge there were views of the distant mountains every now and then. Not much in the way of wildflowers with it being so dry. I did, however, see some bee balm, 

geranium, and a few other blooms. 

The Granite Ridge Trail continued a gentle ascent. At the junction with the Molly Moon Trail we took a snack break and then started to make our way back towards the trailhead. There were a few views from the ridge, but mostly we were hiking through the trees. Down at the bottom of the ridge they are constructing a new, accessible trail. It is a nice, level walk with views of the surrounding landscape.

Once back to the car, we made our way into Fort Collins where we got some beers from Odell and food from the food truck there.

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.