Roadtrip to the Rockies: Breckenridge

As a member of the Schussbaumer Ski Club, eventhough I don’t ski, I have a place to stay in Breckenridge during the summertime at their chalet, just a few blocks from downtown.

As such, I headed to the mountains for some hiking.  I settled on McCullough Gulch Trail, a 6.2 mile hike to an alpine lake.

The trail is located off the same road as the popular 14er trail to Quandary Peak, where many cars were parked.  At first, I thought I was going to have to park on the lower part of the road and walk 1.5 miles to the trailhead.  Then I figured out I could pass the popular trailhead and find more parking closer to the McCullough Gulch Trailhead. Continue reading “Roadtrip to the Rockies: Breckenridge” →

Road Trip to the Rockies: Button Rock Preserve

Button Rock Preserve

Trail(s): Sleepy Lion Trail
Location: Button Rock Preserve
Fees: Free
Distance: 4.7 miles
Dogs Allowed: Yes

I was pleasantly surprised by Button Rock Preserve, operated by the City of Longmont.  Many time, “Preserve” is synonymous with “No Dogs Allowed”, but this preserve had a leash, off-leash, and no dogs allowed area.

I got a late start this morning and I didn’t arrive to the trailhead until around noon.  I expected that many people would be finishing up their 4.7 mile hike, but the parking lot was full of families, hikers, climbers, and dogs on this sunny, yet crisp winter day.

The beginning of the trail follows a slightly graded dirt road.  Generally, hiking up a road with lots of people isn’t my favorite type of hike, but it passes by climbing cliffs, a dam, and the small Longmont Reservoir which just look like a wide, slow moving portion of the North St. Vrain Creek which is also skirted by the road all within 3/4 of a mile. Continue reading “Road Trip to the Rockies: Button Rock Preserve” →

My First Hut Trip: Broome Hut!

Broome Hut

Well, I have to start out by saying I had issues with my camera on this trip which is a bummer!  It might have something to do with a piece of metal stick out of the camera by the lens.  Anyway, focusing was a challenge, and I probably shouldn’t post my pics, but then not many of my fun friends would be included in this post about my first hut trip.

This was so fun, and I am so glad Erin included me in Brian’s 40th birthday celebration.  What a treat!  I’m ready to plan another trip…maybe this summer?

Continue reading “My First Hut Trip: Broome Hut!” →

Roadtrip to the Rockies: Diamond Lake

Trail(s): Diamond Lake Trail
Location: Fourth of July Road
Fees: Free
Elevation: 10,172-10,940 feet
Distance: 5.3 miles roundtrip

We sure enjoyed a beautiful hike today.  We were originally planning to hike 8.8 miles to Jasper Lake, but we heard much of the lake had been drained for the season, so when we saw Fourth of July Road was still open for the winter, we drove up the dirt road to Diamond Lake Trailhead.  The hike to Diamond Lake was much shorter, 5.3 miles, but with the looming ominous clouds overhead, a shorter hike seemed like a good choice.

HAPPY HIKING!