Hiking The Crags
On Sunday I tagged along with some friends to two of my favorite places--the mountains and the forest. Our destination: The Crags. The Crags are amazing rock pinnacle formations that face the northwest slope of Pikes Peak.
We started at about 10K feet and headed upward from there.
Up, Up, Up. The first 1/2 mile and the last 1/2 mile were the most difficult. It's about a 5 mile out and back trail.
I was distracted by a lot of things including lots of aspens that are starting to change color.
Lots of rock formations along the way too.
The middle part opens up into a beautiful mountain meadow. Our group consisted of about 20 people including a set of 3-year old twins who did an amazing job. We were spread out along the trail...some moved faster than others. I was surprised to find myself in the faster group. I told Irv that I found out I'm a better hiker when he's not along. I have no one to whine to if he's not there so I have to keep moving.
I thought we had finally reached our destination when we got to the overlook where you can see the Pikes Peak reservoirs. This is where the water for our city is stored. The only time I had ever seen these before was from the Cog Train that goes up to the Peak.
But no, we had to keep going up and up and got to go across some huge rocks. My legs didn't think they would make it and my lungs felt like they would explode, but I kept moving.
We even saw some critters along the way. The chipmunks and birds came right out to get a few bites of granola.
Almost there...
We did it! (You'll have to check back on Skywatch Friday to see pictures of the Crags from the top.)
After a break and a few snacks it was time to head down. Getting down from the very top was a little nerve-wracking. Lots of gravel and steep drop offs. We passed some equines on the way down. Why didn't I think of bringing a horse along to do the hard work while I just rode? (The horses weren't able to make it even close to the top...too rocky and steep.)
I made it back down in record time, but I did take the time to enjoy several groves of aspens.
By the time the whole group (including the 3-year olds) made it back down we were all famished. Off to the Irish Pub in Divide for a couple beers and lunch. I thought the whole trip would take about 4 hours, but 8 hours later I arrived home. Almost missed my Broncos!
There's no place I'd rather be than in the mountains on a beautiful Colorado day.
Have you gone on any fabulous hikes lately?
We started at about 10K feet and headed upward from there.
Up, Up, Up. The first 1/2 mile and the last 1/2 mile were the most difficult. It's about a 5 mile out and back trail.
I was distracted by a lot of things including lots of aspens that are starting to change color.
Lots of rock formations along the way too.
The middle part opens up into a beautiful mountain meadow. Our group consisted of about 20 people including a set of 3-year old twins who did an amazing job. We were spread out along the trail...some moved faster than others. I was surprised to find myself in the faster group. I told Irv that I found out I'm a better hiker when he's not along. I have no one to whine to if he's not there so I have to keep moving.
I thought we had finally reached our destination when we got to the overlook where you can see the Pikes Peak reservoirs. This is where the water for our city is stored. The only time I had ever seen these before was from the Cog Train that goes up to the Peak.
But no, we had to keep going up and up and got to go across some huge rocks. My legs didn't think they would make it and my lungs felt like they would explode, but I kept moving.
We even saw some critters along the way. The chipmunks and birds came right out to get a few bites of granola.
Almost there...
We did it! (You'll have to check back on Skywatch Friday to see pictures of the Crags from the top.)
After a break and a few snacks it was time to head down. Getting down from the very top was a little nerve-wracking. Lots of gravel and steep drop offs. We passed some equines on the way down. Why didn't I think of bringing a horse along to do the hard work while I just rode? (The horses weren't able to make it even close to the top...too rocky and steep.)
I made it back down in record time, but I did take the time to enjoy several groves of aspens.
By the time the whole group (including the 3-year olds) made it back down we were all famished. Off to the Irish Pub in Divide for a couple beers and lunch. I thought the whole trip would take about 4 hours, but 8 hours later I arrived home. Almost missed my Broncos!
There's no place I'd rather be than in the mountains on a beautiful Colorado day.
Have you gone on any fabulous hikes lately?
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