Ever since I read about the Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, Ypsilon Mountain loop trail in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2006, I’ve wanted to hike it. I had it all planned, too: We’d go in September, before the snow fell,…
Hiking Up Green Mountain in Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Ok, so Green Mountain in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park may not be the most spectacular trail in the state – or even in the park – but it does have some good points. First, it’s one of…
The Alpine Ridge Trail: Topping Huffers Hill!
How about a short hike this week with an awesome view? Sound good to you? Because the trail up Huffers Hill (as it is informally known) is only 0.5 miles (0.8 km) RT yet offers outstanding views of the Never…
Mount Minsi: Beautiful Views!
This week we’ve been visiting family in New Jersey. However, no one in our family likes to sit around doing nothing (which I guess is why we take cross-country trips, right?) so we’ve been visiting various destinations across the state…
A Hike from Independence Pass to UN 12812 – Spectacular!
Hiking to UN 12812 just above Independence Pass was a life saver. Well, ok, that’s too strong, but it did meet a need rather nicely – and spectacularly. I needed a short hike near Independence Pass – and one above…
Off-Trail Hiking to a Flat Tops Mountain: Pyramid Peak
We like to have a destination in mind when we’re hiking. It’s for sanity, mostly. We all know that if we can just “walk until we decide to turn around” we’ll never turn around until we’re way further from the…
Electric Pass: The Highest Named Pass in Colorado
I’d say that Electric Pass would be a stunning hike in late June. Actually, it’s in an amazing area at any time of year, but the highest named pass in Colorado would be especially beautiful at a time when the…
Serene Lakes, Wind-swept Cliffs: Medicine Bow Peak Loop
Occasionally, I’ll see a picture and instantly think, “If that’s in the US, I’ve got to go there.” Medicine Bow Peak, in southern Wyoming, was one of those pictures. After a single glimpse of the area, I knew I’d be…
Amphitheatre Peak: Beautiful Flat Tops!
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but to me, Trappers Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area is stunning. In fact, hiking on the Flat Tops around the lake is beautiful, as we found when we hiked…
Highest Peak in Colorado: The South Mount Elbert Trail
While we’re on the topic of State High Points, let’s go for one more: and this one has some real claims to fame! At 14,440 feet (4,401m) above sea level, Mt. Elbert holds the record for the highest peak in…