Chadron State College Thompson Preserve

From the Pine Ridge Trail, Rosie and I headed north into Chadron and the Chadron State College campus to hike in the Thompson Preserve. I had never been on campus before, but found it to be pleasant, if deserted, due to it being a weekend. We parked in a commuter lot at the edge of campus and then hit the trail.

Our trail climbed to the top of a ridge. We followed this ridgetop trail to an interesting labyrinth.

Then, we retraced our steps a bit and headed up to the top of the C.

There was a nice view of campus and Don Beebe Stadium below from near the C.

From the top of the C we followed trails along the edge of the campus and back to where we had parked the car. 

Pine Ridge Trail: Outrider Trailhead to Black Hills Overlook

 With a forecast of beautiful weather, Rosie and I headed north up to the Nebraska National Forest just south of Chadron for a hike on a section of the Pine Ridge Trail that I had not yet completed. There is a new sign off of US Highway 385 marking the Outrider Trailhead. That's where we would be starting our hike. 

We hit the trail which is marked with wooden posts. 

We ascended gradually up towards the top of the ridge. Rosie seemed to enjoy the freedom of hiking off leash.

We could see trees with fall foliage in the valley down below.

When we reached the top of the ridge, Rosie excitedly climbed up to the top of a rock outcropping and posed for a photo.

We continued along the ridge 

with views down into canyons below.

Surprisingly quickly, we reached the Black Hills Overlook and turned around to make our way back to the start of the hike.

As we headed back huge flocks of sandhill cranes flew overhead making their way south for their fall migration.

The hiking back to the trailhead went pretty fast.

I was still in the mood for more miles and so I opted to head into Chadron and over to the CSC campus to hike up to the C on the hill on the edge of campus. 

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area: Elk Meadow Trail

 After my short hike at the CSU Environmental Learning Center, I decided to head over to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Recently, a new section of trail has been opened, and I wanted to check it out. It is called the Elk Meadow Trail.

I parked in the large lot at the trailhead and headed out on the Valley Loop Trail which I have hiked on multiple previous visits. The trail is pretty flat and offers pleasant views of the surrounding terrain. 

I made my way to the Smith Cabin.

The Elk Meadows Trail starts near the cabin and heads into the Buckhorn Addition, lands added to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area in 2022 and 2023.

The trail traverses lands that seem pretty disturbed, perhaps used for farming fairly recently.

Still, there were areas of wildflowers to be found here and there. 

I followed the Elk Meadow Trail to its west end where it joins a section of the Valley Loop Trail. I followed the Valley Loop Trail past colorful shrubs and wonderful views back to the parking lot. 

It was a pleasant hike and allowed me to maintain having hiked all the trails at Bobcat Ridge. 

CSU Environmental Learning Center

 I really wanted to get out and check out some fall colors and so I opted to head down into Colorado for a couple of hikes that I'm hoping might feature colorful foliage. My first stop for the day was the Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center. The ELC is right along the Cache la Poudre and so I thought there must be some colorful cottonwood trees to enjoy. 

The hike starts by crossing a suspension bridge.

Sure enough, fall colors were evident right off the bat. 

I made my way down to the Poudre River where there is a diversion structure and some signage that explains how the structure was altered to restore some of the river's flow through the area. 

From the river the trail heads along an earthen berm,

and then through a meadow fringed with colorful trees.

I took a spur trail back down to the banks of the river.

Then I made my way along trails that sometimes passed through wooded areas,

while at other times passed through fields. 

It was a short but interesting hike right in the city. I hadn't previously been to the ELC as they don't allow dogs and I often have Rosie with me when I explore Fort Collins.