Roadtrip to the Rockies: Grey Rock Mountain

Roadtrip with Friends to Hike Near Fort Collins

Trail(s): Greyrock Meadows Trail and Greyrock Trail
Location: Greyrock Mountain
Fees: Free
Website: Protrails
Distance: 7.1 miles

Normally my “Roadtrip to the Rockies” posts entail me heading west from Denver into the Rockies.  Today, however, we headed north toward Fort Collins to climb Grey Rock Mountain.

I found a few descriptions of the trail that ranged from beginner to strenuous.  If climbing to the summit, which is optional via a spur trail, I’d say this hike was strenuous and otherwise moderate.  It is not a for a beginner.

Mike and I drove the 1.5 hours (one of my criteria for a day hike near me) to the trailhead located on the opposite side of the two-lane highway from the parking area which fortunately had pit toilet.

The first steps we took after crossing the road was across a bridge that offered spectacular views of the snow covered river.  Upon reaching the other side, we strapped on our micro-spikes as despite our late morning start the trail was still rather icy.

Continue reading “Roadtrip to the Rockies: Grey Rock Mountain” →

Road Trip to the Rockies: Two Days in Ouray!

Want to know what to do for two days in Ouray during winter? Here are a few ideas for the top things to do in Ouray.

WHERE TO STAY:

Stay at The China Clipper Inn. I scored a room for $100/night just a month before this busy weekend. This spectacular Bed & Breakfast is located in town just one block off Main Street. The China Clipper Inn is wonderfully decorated. It’s living room includes a fireplace which is very nice to enjoy during the winter months. It’s breakfast is great. It includes warm items like eggs, quiche, potatoes, ham and bacon, as well as mouth watering muffins and a lovely fruit salad. Of course it also includes coffee, tea ,juice, cereals and breads too. My room had its own fireplace! It is a really great, quaint place nearby everything. Continue reading “Road Trip to the Rockies: Two Days in Ouray!” →

Roadtrip to the Rockies: Ron Stewart Preserve

Trail(s): Indian Mesa Trail and Eagle Wind Trail
Location: Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain
Fees: Free
Website: Boulder County Open Space
Distance: 4 miles

The nice part about winter in Colorado is I can hike in the afternoon without the threat of a thunderstorm which is quite the opposite in the summer time.  As a result, I’ve been enjoying the fading light on my recent outings.

Today Maybel and I took a road trip to Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain which is part of Boulder, County Open Space.  The park located in the eastern most foothills of Boulder County boasts 6.2 miles of trails.

I started out following the gravel road on Indian Mesa Trail that rose to an intersection with Eagle Wind Trail.  The rocky terrain was easy to navigate as the elevation gain was minimal…around 350 feet.  The Eagle Wind Trail is a 2.5 lollipop loop that provides expansive views of the valley below and a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains beyond.

Countless hikers were out enjoying the warm weather prior to the incoming storm.  We shared the trail and eventually descended toward the parking lot as the sunset.  What a nice, peaceful outing!  ETB

SHOP

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Roadtrip to the Rockies: Deer Mountain Trail

Deer Mountain Trail

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Fees: Review website as they are in flux
Distance: 6 miles

It was a cold New Year’s day, but I really wanted to start the new year by getting outside.  I checked the forecast all week, and even on New Year’s Day, it was expected to be warmer in Estes Park than in Denver.  This is unusual, but was also encouraging as I loaded up my car with my backpack, micro-spikes, and multiple layers of clothing! Continue reading “Roadtrip to the Rockies: Deer Mountain Trail” →