Things to Do in Mena

For our third annual girls hiking trip, we visited Mena in the Northwest corner of Arkansas.  We normally have a group of 5 or 6, but schedules weren’t aligning, so Carol and I just drove from Dallas to Mena in hopes to soak in some fall colors.  The short four-hour drive took us on highways and backroads, and we arrived just before dark.

I was in the area briefly thirteen years ago during my year-long road trip following scenic byways, and I’ve wanted to return for some leaf peeping.  Unfortunately, this early November weekend didn’t bless us with vibrant reds and oranges, but we still saw some autumn colors and enjoyed ourselves around town.

History of Mena

Mena, the county seat of Polk County, Arkansas was founded as a railroad town in the 19th Century.  It is situated amid the mountains of Ouachita National Forest.  Mena has a checkered past.  It was once called the sundown town for its unacceptable treatment of African Americans.  It was also in the news a lot for its role in a drug-smuggling operation and the Iran-Contra Scandal.

Today, while it has a diversified economy of agriculture and manufacturing, it has become a tourist destination due to its numerous recreational opportunities available in the surrounding national forest and state parks.

EXPLORE!

Things to Do in Loreto

After escaping Hurricane Norma whose rains flooded the dirt streets of Cabo Pulmo, we arrived in Loreto at dusk.  The drive past cacti forests with views of mountains and the ocean was pleasant, as was the weather in Loreto.  We had nothing planned, but soon found out there are many things to do in Loreto. 

EXPLORE!

Hiking Lakes Trail

Well, I left Wyoming with a bang!  I couldn’t be happier with my final hike of the summer.  Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a hidden gem! I can’t believe I overlooked this place when I lived only 3 hours away in Denver.  The Lakes Trail is fantastic.

Towns Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The biggest city closest to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is Laramie, Wyoming, approximately 45 miles east.  Fort Collins, Colorado is about 1.5 hours southeast and Denver 3 hours.  As a result, day trips are good options, though camping along with mountain cabins dot WY-130.

Additionally, two very small towns flank both side of the forest, Saratoga to the west and Centennial to the east.  Centennial is equipped with a small general store and a restaurant.  Saratoga is much bigger.  It has a gas station, some restaurants, hot springs, a museum, a grocery store, and a nice dog park. 

HAPPY HIKING!

Grouse Mountain Trail and Ice Caves

My first 24 hours in Wyoming were a little rough.  I drove through two hailstorms. While looking for a camp spot, I got stuck in the mud and had to get a tow from some nice cowboys. And finally, Annie cut her paw and lost her brand-new bear bell on our first hike to Grouse Mountain and Ice Caves.  But, after waking up to a magnificent sunrise, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and spotting deer, pronghorn, and grouse during the first two hours of my hike, I’m quickly reminded why I venture into the wilderness.  #thatsWY

HAPPY HIKING!
at kettle ponds

Happy Hiking: Kettle Ponds

For the first time since Memorial Day, I finally got to reconnect with Jim, Diana, and Danelle to hike Kettle Ponds.  My fellow hiking buddies, along with Zoe the dog, were staying up in Breckenridge Saturday night.  Annie and I arose early Sunday morning to meet them in Silverthorne, CO at the trailhead.

HAPPY HIKING!
view from summit of Pennsylvania Mountain

Happy Hiking: Pennsylvania Mountain

  • Pennsylvania Mountain
  • Distance:  4.7 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,341 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • All Trails Link

Pennsylvania Mountain is a 13,000 foot mountain located near Fairplay, Colorado.  Access to the trail head is via a well graded dirt road. When I arrived early on a Saturday morning, I was the first car in the cul-de-sac parking area.

HAPPY HIKING!
lake isabelle

Happy Hiking: Lake Isabelle

  • Lake Isabelle
  • Distance:  8.6 miles RT (7.6 from where I started)
  • Type: Moderate, Out-and-Back
  • Elevation Gain: 950 ft
  • Other: Toilets Available, Dogs Allowed

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

I have been wanting to hike to Lake Isabelle for a long time.  For some reason, however, I only think about it in the winter time when the gate is closed which requires many extra miles along the road.  Finally, I timed my hike to coincide with opening day at Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

HAPPY HIKING!

Roadtrip to the Rockies: Thunderhead Trail

  • Thunderhead Trail
  • Distance:  3.3 miles (longer on map provided by the ski mountain)
  • Type: Moderate, Point to Point
  • Elevation Gain: 1,322 ft
  • Other: Toilets Available, Dogs Allowed, Parking Fee, Gondola Fee (uphill only)
  • All Trails Link

Thunderhead Trail is the most popular hiking route on Mount Werner, the ski mountain in Steamboat Springs.  The point to point trail travels 3.3 miles from the base of the mountain to the summit. 

GO HIKING!
blanketflower on stone mountain

Roadtrip to the Rockies: Stone Mountain

I changed up my hiking scenery this past week.  Instead of heading toward the Rocky Mountain foothills near Bailey, I ventured toward the foothills near Loveland, Colorado.  Here, I hiked the trail to Stone Mountain.

GO HIKING!