It's cold out there today! I've been wanting to really track the number of miles I hike this year and am hoping to top the 1,000 mile mark. I think I probably do this pretty consistently, but I've never actually tracked it to be sure. As much as I've been itching to get out of town and hike somewhere new, the forecast of cold temperatures and snow hasn't been conducive to driving. Instead, I opted to start a project of hiking the entire boundary of Scotts Bluff National Monument.
I started by making the drive to the east boundary sign where I parked and hit the trail, or rather the fence line. Immediately, I was treated to some nice views of Mitchell Pass off to the west.
As I made my way along the border, I saw what appeared to be an old trailer moldering away on the prairie.
Nearby ravines were filled with old refuse. I'm guessing it was a really old dump site. As I continued on views to the east, outside the monument boundary showed old farm machinery and an interesting old truck.
Soon, I made my way to the Monument Valley Pathway. The paved trail made for much faster walking than the bushwacking I had done thus far. Views off to the west were great.
I made it as far north as Country Club Road. I had hoped to make it further, but the cold and especially the wind made for challenging hiking conditions. On the way back to the start of my hike I opted to follow the canal road through the monument instead of the boundary. This decision made for a much faster return hike.
Distance hiked: 3.6 miles
Cumulative distance hiked in 2025: 17 miles
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