Date: 2/18/2012
Who: Sammy and myself
Length: 5.5 miles
Time: 2.1 hours
Weather: 35 degrees, partly cloudy

I listened to some talk shows that I enjoy on headphones during most of this hike. I thought, why not do two things that I enjoy at the same time? As it turned out, it changed the hiking experience and I really felt as though I missed something. I guess, one of the things I like about hiking is the quiet time.

This clip shows the Crystal Park neighborhood from the Red Rock Loop trail:


View Colorado Chris Hikes in a larger map

Date: 2/12/2012
Who: Sammy and myself
Length: 9.2 miles (4.6 in + 4.6 back)
Time: 5 hours
Weather: 30 degrees, mostly cloudy

This was the second half of the section of Gold Camp Road which is closed off to cars. We started at the south gate and made our way to the point where we turned around last week. I have wanted to explore this section of Gold Camp for years!
Today was also my first experience with snowshoes and trekking poles (rentals from REI). The snowshoes were MSR Evo Ascent. They did the job, but I did not like the bindings, as I found them difficult to take off and on. The poles were Black Diamond telescopic with ergonomic wrist bands. I did like those wrist bands! The poles were very helpful with maintaining balance and taking some load off of my legs.
At the end of the day, my arms and legs are sore and I have a blister on my left foot–a great day!


This hike followed the GREEN line:

View Colorado Chris Hikes in a larger map

Date: 2/4/2012
Who: Sammy and myself
Length: 8 miles (4 in + 4 back)
Time: 2.7 hours
Weather: 30 degrees, snowing

Today was snowy up in Cheyenne Canyon, while it was sunny in town. Sammy and I hiked up the Gold Camp Road for a few miles. This section of Gold Camp has been blocked off to cars for years, due to collapsed tunnels. I tried duct tape on my shoes to keep the snow from melting through. The duct tape made a difference, but towards the end of the hike I could feel the moisture creeping in.

This hike followed the GREEN line:

View Colorado Chris Hikes in a larger map