the summit of Mt. Sherman

Happy Hiking: Mt. Sherman

I had a bit of a scare on Missouri Mountain a week ago, so I decided to “get back on the horse” and hike Mt. Sherman.  Mt. Sherman is an easier 14er than Missouri Mountain.  The hike is shorter, only 5.25 miles, and there is less exposure, so it was a good one for me to try.

Having said that, it would be my first solo 14er.  While I hike alone regularly, I was a little nervous to go alone this time as many more things can go wrong at 14,000 feet.  At the same time, there is usually someone around, so help isn’t too far away.  As a result, I talked myself into climbing Mt. Sherman on a beautiful Monday morning.

HAPPY HIKING!

Happy Hiking: Woodland Trail

  • Woodland Trail
  • Distance:  10.2 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 2,263 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • All Trails Link

I enjoyed such nice views at Old Baldy yesterday that I returned to the area to hike Woodland Trail to Skycraper Reservoir.  To my surprise, this hike was significantly different from Old Baldy despite beginning just 3 miles south at Hessie Trailhead.

The previous day while driving to Old Baldy, I took note of the Hessie Trailhead parking situation.  Just before 8am on a Thursday, there were a few spots left, so this Friday, I made sure to arrive just before 7:30am.  Many cars lined the road, but I did find a designated spot which is important as illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed!

HAPPY HIKING!
view from old balddy

Happy Hiking: Old Baldy

  • Old Baldy
  • Distance:  8.3 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 2,847 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • All Trails Link

So just as there are multiple “Blue Lakes” in Colorado, there is more than one “Baldy”.  I decided to tackle the Old Baldy Summit in Roosevelt National Forest near Nederland, Colorado.  The hiking in this area is spectacular, but the parking in this area is atrocious.  As a result, I don’t go as often as I’d like.

HAPPY HIKING!

Happy Hiking: Winter Park

After three days in Grand Lake with Tina, I met my next guests in Winter Park, an hour away.  Dom and Gary had much farther to drive…from Texas.  Actually, they spent a few days in Vail first, so their drive wasn’t too long either. 

Corona Pass Road

We met up Friday night at my friend’s Beaver Village condo and prepared for a weekend of hikes.  The trailheads to all the hikes we took this weekend are located in Arapaho National Forest on Corona Pass Road.  While the road is just a few minutes down Hwy 40 from Winter Park, getting to the trailheads are somewhat tedious.

HAPPY HIKING!
Tina and I at Bowen lake

Happy Hiking: Bowen Lake

  • Bowen Lake
  • Distance:  9.3 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,906 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • AllTrails Link

How to Get to Bowen Lake

Bowen Lake may be reached from two different trailheads.  One trailhead is located in Rocky Mountain National Park and the hike is 16.2 miles.  The other trailhead is located in Arapaho National Forest off of County Highway 455.  The distance from this location to the lake is a more reasonable 9.3 miles.

HAPPY HIKING!
tina on mount ida

Roadtrip to the Rockies: Mount Ida

  • Mount Ida
  • Distance:  9.6 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 2.388 ft
  • Other: Fee Required, No Dogs Allowed
  • All Trails Link

Where to Stay

While I generally travel a lot, in the summer I stick to Colorado for the amazing hiking.  As a result, I planned a few days of hiking near Grand Lake and in Rocky Mountain National Park with my friend Tina who drove in from New Mexico. Miraculously, we secured a cabin last minute at the historic Grand Lake Lodge which was perfect.

HAPPY HIKING!
inside mad creek barn

Eight Great Hikes in Steamboat Springs

Having been to Steamboat Springs a handful of times over the last several years, I have accumulated a list of hikes from easy to moderate that are great for most visitors.  The hikes range from 0.5 miles to 8+ miles and the majority are easily accessible.

The trails are listed below:

FIND OUT MORE!
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!
view of blue lake

Happy Hiking: Little Blue Lake

  • Little Blue Lake
  • Distance:  6.2 miles (but we hiked closer to 8)
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,411 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • AllTrails Link

After thoroughly enjoying my hike to Lake Isabelle last week despite parking challenges and a failed off trail excursion, I returned to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.  This time, with my friend Colin and my National Parks card in hand.

HAPPY HIKING!
old engine at Fredonia mine

Happy Hiking: Fredonia Gulch Trail

  • Fredonia Gulch Trail
  • Distance:  4.5 miles
  • Type: Moderate, out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,341 ft
  • Other: Dogs Allowed
  • All Trails Link

I have recently been on a kick to hike to lakes as I find the beauty of the lakes peaceful and the challenge rewarding.  Today, however, I changed up the scenery.  After a few days of longer hikes, I wanted something short.  With it being the weekend, I also looked for a trail less traveled.  While staying at our family cabin near Bailey, Colorado, I searched for nearby options on All Trails. 

HAPPY HIKING!