“Ptarmigan Ridge or bust.” That’s what he told me one beautiful morning a few days before we planned to leave on a trip. I stared at him in disbelief. Usually a quiet, easy-going guy (particularly when it comes to which…
The Chapin / Chiquita / Ypsilon Loop: 3 Summits, 8 Miles!
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…
Holzwarth Historic Site – Worth a Summer Stop!
I’ve been to the Holzwarth Historic Site twice in my travels across America. The first time, it was called Never Summer Ranch, after the lodge and “hotel” that once stood on the site. The second time, I nearly missed the…
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…
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…
Ute Trail West
I think I’ve hiked the Ute Trail just about every time I’ve gone to Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s something top-of-the world about hiking the eastern section of the trail with views of the Continental Divide. However, on our last…
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…
Cathedral Lake: Lovely, Popular, Alpine Hike
A couple weeks ago, I posted about hiking to Electric Pass, the highest named pass in Colorado. The trail to the pass isn’t exceedingly popular, but Cathedral Lake – which can be a side trip off of your hike to…
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…