Category Archives: Hikes

Christmas Eve

I took off early for Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. The government was shut down, so I was a bit surprised that I could get in. The place was busier than I’ve ever seen it—I must have passed 10 other … Continue reading

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Castlewood Canyon

A quick hike at Castlewood Canyon State Park, and then up to Parker to tour a museum. That was my plan. But as I drove north on Routh 83, it began to rain. When I pulled into the park, I … Continue reading

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Quandary Peak

Quandary Peak (Summit County) — 14,265 feet—So named by miners who could not identify ore found on the mountain. My friend and coworker organized a hike up this 14er for anyone who wanted to go. I met some friends at … Continue reading

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Tunnel Drive Trail

Route 50 curves away from the Arkansas River just west of Cañon City. This isn’t surprising, because the river cuts through the Royal Gorge just west of town. Right where the road curves, there’s a trailhead for the Tunnel Drive … Continue reading

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Great Sand Dunes National Park

Almost everywhere we went in the San Luis Valley, we could see the huge sand dunes piled up against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. From a distance, they were dwarfed by the mountains. They got impressively larger as we drove … Continue reading

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