Saturday, March 19, 2011

Horsetooth Mountain Park: Super-Moon Hike

Our plan was to hike somewhere high up to watch the super-full moon rise. Despite clouds & smoke (forest fire season has already hit) we had an awesome moon-viewing hike.

Parked: Soderberg trailhead ($6 or year pass)

Service road to sout trail to sawmill to loggers to carey springs trail to service road, and returned down the service road

Time: about 3 hours
Mileage: unknown

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Red Mountain Open Space - Vital Stats

Red Mountain Open space is about 45-60 minutes from Ft. Collins, and is part of the Larimer County's Parks and Open Spaces. It's northern edge is the border between Colorado And Wyoming.

Distance: 7 miles
Time: 4 hours
Water: 1.5 liters
Difficulty: Easy

Route: Sinking Sun Trail (1.2+.4 mi) to Salt Like Trail (1.1 mi.) to Ruby Wash Trail (2.7 mi+.4 mi +.3 mi) to north edge of Bent Rock Trail (.6 miles+.3 miles)

Notes: One trail we crossed was not labeled on the map. Another trail north into the Big Hole Open Space appears unfinished, is not on the map, and is marked with no trespassing signs. The Ruby Wash Trail is mostly in a wash, so I recommend hiking the loop in the direction we did. At its northern end it winds through red cliffs. The Bent Rock Trail also winds through fascinating geological formations.



Carefully fording the river without getting washed away by the raging currents. None of my oxen died either!