Spruce Mountain

A walk in the woods to me is an exploration of myself because no matter how busy the world seems, when I take the time to walk in the woods I reconnect with who I truly am.  I take the time to appreciate the beauty that the natural world holds for me & I understand the glory of watching a hawk soar & I know that through nature we are all connected.  Each journey I’ve embarked on is unique in its own way & I hope  that the joy I find in each hike inspires you to get out & enjoy everything the natural world has to explore. 

This month’s hike is Spruce Mountain.

Getting there: Spruce Mountain is south of the Denver metro area, go south on I-25 to the Greenland exit (167), turn right (west) at the end of the ramp, you’ll snake around & cross a couple railroad tracks before coming to a stop sign at Spruce Mountain road, turn left (South) & travel about ¼ of a mile parking & the trailhead are on your right.  This is a popular place to go, to get a parking spot I would suggest arriving before 10:00am. 

The Details: The hike is approximately 5.5 miles in a nice loop, the hike begins at approximately 7,100 feet, the highest point is approximately 7,500 feet for a total elevation gain of 400 feet.  This hike will take you 2.5 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace.  Dogs are allowed on a leash. 

The journey:  The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot, we headed due west along a well defined trail for approximately 1/3 of a mile then we turned left & began the ascent to the top of Spruce Mountain.  Within a few hundred feet of the turn you are welcomed by a forest full of pine trees. This hike is a perfect place if you enjoy the smell of pine trees, the entire hike weaves in & out of the pines forest.

The trail up to the top is easy to follow & there are several switchbacks to make the climb even easier.  Along the way you have beautiful views of the Front Range & there are many places to pull off the trail & take in the valley & mountains around you.

Once you’ve reached the top (approximately 1.5 miles) you are on a wonderful flattop mountain.  The next 2.5 miles is just a magnificent stroll along this large flattop mountain.  The views on every side are incredible & the walk along this path is easy & enjoyable. 

To the South you have views of Pike’s Peak.

  To the south a beautiful valley & the foothills

& to the north more views of the Front Range

This experience was one of my favorite hikes so far, overall it’s a hike that anyone can do even though it’s 5.5 miles.  I would suggest to pack a picnic lunch & sit up top halfway through your hike & enjoy the views.

At the end of the loop you’ll need to take a sharp left to head back down the mountain.  There is a trail sign at this point but it points to the right for those coming up the mountain.  As you continue back down the mountain you’ll come across a point about halfway where you can go to the left or to the right.  The left trail will lead you back to where you came up the mountain, the right trail is an easy decent back to the parking lot. 

Till next time,

Bill

Deer Creek Canyon

The journey I take when I walk through the woods is more to me than just the discovery of the beauty of nature, it is truly the discovery of myself.  For when I walk amongst the natural world I find a quiet & peace within me that I know nowhere else.

This month’s journey is to a beautiful place in Jefferson County , Deer Creek Canyon.  To get there take C-470 to Wadsworth Avenue South, turn right at South Deer Creek Canyon Road go approximately 4 miles to Grizzly Drive turn left and wind your way for ¼ to a ½ of mile to the parking (on your right).

The trails we took again created our own loop the total hike is approximately 2.7 miles, it begins at an elevation of 5,950 & peaks at a height of 6,450.  The total elevation gain is 500 feet & it’s a glorious romp through the foothills that gives you amazing views of the Front Range, Denver & the surrounding Deer Creek Canyon area.  I would consider this hike an urban hike as it’s nestled in a neighborhood but rarely do you see the homes, businesses or any reference to the neighborhood.

On this trail you are allowed to bring your dogs as long as they are leashed.  We began on the Meadowlark Trial which starts right from the parking area & heads west into the foothills. The trail winds through the hills & in & out of pines & gamble oaks.  The elevation gain begins after about ½ a mile but because of the switchbacks & winding trail in general you don’t really feel the elevation gain like so many other trails. The red rocks on the walls of the canyon around this area are beautiful anytime of the year but I love the way the white snow sets off the colors all around you.

The Meadowlark trail is only open to hikers so there’s no concern on this part of the trail for bikers or people on horseback.  After continuing for about a mile you reach the highest point of this hike the views all around you are amazing as you can see most of the Front Range as well as Denver.

Once you’ve taken in the views from the top you begin to slowly move back down.  You’ll leave any thought of being in an urban neighborhood behind as you wind between two hills & into an alpine forest.  At the end of the Meadowlark trail you’ll cross a bridge & turn to your left.  The evergreen trees envelop you as you start back towards the parking lot. In addition to the evergreens you have sections of the trail that have large boulders.  You follow this section of the trail for approximately ½ a mile once you leave the forest behind.  You’ll have a hard turn to your left.  This section of the trail isn’t well marked ahead is Plymouth Creek Trail which Meadowlark trail runs right into if you continue straight you’ll  continue back up a steep climb. 

Instead, follow the Plymouth Creek trail back to your left & you’ll wind your way back to the parking lot in just over a mile.

This hike was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.  We enjoyed the views & the topography of this hike a lot.  I encourage you to check it out when you have a chance.

 

Till next time,

Bill

Devil's Head fire lookout

Let’s face it, we all love the outdoors that’s why we’re members of the Sierra Club but how many of us get a chance to truly appreciate the beauty all around us in this wonderful place we call Colorado?  I’m new here & after spending the majority of my life in the Midwest, I have come to love the beauty that is this lovely state.  I joined the Sierra Club nearly 20 years ago & appreciate their mission to protect, educate & to bring to light the things we all need to do to make this place a better place.  My mission though is simply to enjoy the beauty around me.  I have been inspired to write this column in the tradition of John Muir who was one of many that formed the Sierra Club so many years ago.  His often quoted words “The mountains are calling & I must go!” is the way I’ve always lived my life.

I hope in this space that I can bring to you the beauty of the natural world as I see it.  As the chapter outings grow I hope I can share with you what it’s like to be a participant in these hikes & educational opportunities.  For now, I will share with you beautiful places that I have discovered, hikes that I have gone on & a few pictures to show you, even as a mire glimpse, the beauty all around us in this state.

 The hike I want to share with you today is the Devil’s Head fire lookout trial near Sedalia, Co.  Although in distance this hike appears to be an easy one (1.5 miles each way) the sheer gain in altitude makes it challenging for the novice hiker.  There are many side trails to venture off onto & our hike turned into 5.5 miles with trying to take everything in.

First I must caution you that the road to reach the trailhead although mentioned as improved is a dirt road with many ruts & bumps so I would advise driving in a 4 wheel drive vehicle that can take some of the abuse.

Parking at the trailhead is at a premium, getting there before 10:00 am is strongly advised so you can find a place to park.  There are alternate places but they will add a mile or so to your total journey.  The trailhead is at the end of the parking area & pretty easy to find.

Immediately you begin the elevation gain, the trail is easy to follow & well maintained but be prepared for a long trek up, in the 1.5 miles you gain nearly 1,000 feet.  The first thing I notice is the forest that surrounds you at the start, beautiful Aspen’s & a great shield from the morning sun.  I look to the right & see this huge boulder how do they just sit there?

As we continue our ascent the trail at various places opens up to amazing views   The beauty of the panoramic views around you on this trail is well worth the pain of the elevation gain.  Depending on how far you venture off the trail you can easily see Pikes Peak to the south & Rocky Mountain National Park to the north.  Take your time & enjoy each of the views that open up in front you.  Venture off the path up the rocks in various places & see the beauty of the forest all around you.

Soon you’ll reach a flat area with the forest rangers house.  There are pit toilets here but no water so make sure you bring plenty with you.  You think you’ve made to the top but really your journey has just begun.  The next part of the hike is up some 150 stairs to the top of the fire lookout tower (insert picture 4).   Although climbing these many steps to the top can be a challenge on its own, I can tell you with certainty that it’s well worth the effort.  The views from the top are simply amazing & if you stop in the working “office” at the top you can become an honorary member of the “Ancient & Honorable order of the Squirrels” & receive a card stating so for your efforts.

The decent is fairly easy after making all the climb on the way up, I would suggest a detour on the way down to the Zinn Overlook trail for more amazing views & a great shot up to the fire tower.

All & all a wonderful time.  I would plan 3 hours for this hike with stops & the time to truly enjoy the fire tower.

I hope you enjoyed this, if you have hikes you want to share let me know your favorites.

                                                                            Till next time,

                                                                                                           Bill