Lily Pad Lakes Hike, out and back, 3.2 miles total, elevation gain 200 feet. High Point: 9,920 feet
Directions: From the Silverthorne 1-70 Exit, talke 205 North to Colorado 9 to Wildernest Road. Wildernest road eventually turns into Ryan Gulch road which is the road that will take you to the trailhead. The trailhead is next to the Buffalo Mountain cabin trailhead. Parking is on the left side of the road.

There are two trailheads to this hike, one from Silverthorne and one from Frisco. My experience today was from Silverthorne.

The Good: This is a wonderful family winter hike. The elevation gain is limited and the trail is very safe (no ledges or drop-offs). The trail is clearly marked. After the initial road that you follow to the trailhead, the trail veers off when the road curves into a satellite tower. I wish I would of have had a map so that I could have planned out a thru-hike into Frisco. I think this thru hike would be a perfect first backpacking trip for a parent-child duo or a new hiker.

The Bad: There are so many hikes to choose from around this area that I would only do this one in the winter because it is so short and easy. The snow makes it more difficult (three miles seems like five miles.)

The Beautiful: One of my favorite parts of the hike is at the start when you see an open view of Dillon Reservoir and all of the surrounding mountains. The hike climbs up into a beautiful pine forest and today I was just struck by how beautiful the snow sparkled in the sun as it fell off the trees. I had several moments of tears in my eyes out of the sheer beauty of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. #eaglesnest #silverthorne#familyhike #summitcounty #solohike #lilypadlakes #easy

Butler Gulch Trail Hike---Total Mileage approx. 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain 1,370 feet. Out and Back. Highest Elevation: 11,950

Directions to the hike: From I-70 take Exit 232 or US40. Follow US40 through Empire to the Big Bend Picnic area. Follow the sign for Jones Pass/Henderson Mine where you will be turning right at CO Rd 202 or Henderson Mine Rd/Jones Pass Rd. Follow this road and bear right at the Henderson Mine (This right feels like it is not a road but more of a parking lot, but it is a road). Follow this dirt road until you hit a parking lot on your Left. You will walk along the road for a while, passing a gate. You will see a sign that says "Butler Gulch Hike" with an arrow. Follow the sign.

The Good: Sometimes due to treacherous roads or avalanche dangers during winter conditions, I sacrifice the Alpine, above treeline hikes for more subdued local hikes that I know very well. This year I plan to broaden my horizons with hikes like this one. The road to the trail is very accessible with just a short jaunt on a slippery but not dangerous snowy dirt road (1/4 of a mile). The Butler Gulch Hike takes you through a beautiful pine forest where the sun peers through and begs for pictures. Be aware that many cross country skiers are using the trail. At times, I was caught by surprise with an occasional skier whipping around a corner.

The Bad: On the first ten minutes of the hike, you will have to do your best to ignore sounds from the nearby mine. However, after about a mile into the hike, you will have the sound of silence that only snow covered grounds can provide. Hiking out is a constant ascent. My legs became weary after a couple of miles. Hiking through snow is a new kind of conditioning that I'm not used to with our late summer temps.

The Beautiful: Once you leave the forest, the hike takes you to an incredible alpine playground with surrounding peaks that leave you in awe. The hike opens up to the Continental Divide which makes the entire trek up hill through the forest worth it. Because of the snowy conditions, the trail ends before taking us to the final bowl. We feel that we saw it from a distance but it is hard to tell if that was it. We were also told that we would see a mine at the end but we couldn't find that either. I think it would be fun to try again in the summer months. We had a blast post-holing through the open valley while admiring the beautiful mountains around us. I highly recommend this as a snow-shoe hike in the Winter.

Mirror Lake/Crater Lake Hike to view Lone Eagle Peak-15 miles total, Out and Back The hike starts out at the Monarch Lake trailhead east of Lake Grandby in Grandby, Co . The route starts on the Cascade Creek trail which then connects you to the Crater Lake trail. The long trek makes it a perfect backpacking trip during the summer, although you do need a permit for backpacking in this area. During the month of Oct, permits are no longer required. The Good: The hike mostly parallels a river the entire way and contains beautiful waterfall features. In fact, for some of the hikers we met, the waterfalls were their destination for the day. The drive by Lake Grandby and the hike past Monarch Lake were also a special sight to see in a state where very large bodies of water are not too common on hikes. Although we didn't see any, the marshy land around the lakes look like a perfect playground for Moose. The Bad: The hike is remote and is a long day of trekking. Unless you camp nearby or backpack, it is inevitable that you are walking back in the late afternoon or evening. On the beautiful Fall day we experienced, this wasn't a problem but the sun does seem to go down quickly as we journeyed back to the car. There was enough snow on the ground and frigid temps at the destination to discourage us from backpacking at the lake. The Beautiful: To view Lone Eagle Peak has been an itch that I've wanted to scratch since my friend, Alicia Pino posted pics on her wall months ago. The jagged peak is very unique and spectacular especially as it hovers the pristine mountain lakes, Mirror and Crater Lake. As Alicia's post inspired me, I hope this gets you out to see this beautiful area. Put this on your Colorado bucket list. #grandby, #loneeaglepeak #craterlake #mirrorlake #kirk #backpack #coloradohiking

Lower and Upper Chicago Lakes Hike near Idaho Springs---8.7 miles round trip, 1,972 elevation gain

This hike is located off of Exit 240 off of I-70 in Idaho Springs. About 10 miles South on Highway 103 will lead you to the Echo Lake trailhead. The Chicago Lake trailhead is clearly marked as you walk the perimeter of Echo Lake (when facing the lake, start walking right). There is clear signage that is hard to miss.

The Good: This hike is very close to Denver and is a wonderful retreat into wildnerness surrounding by 13,000 and 14,000 foot mountains. Mt. Evans Wildnerness is such a convenient gem for all of the Denverites who want to get away. The inital mile of the hike is breath-taking with a gorgeous view of Mt. Evans.

The Bad: The hike is in a shape of a bowl, meaning that you have to climb down to a road and then climb back up again to see the alpine lakes, all of this happens within about 5 miles. The hike to the upper lake climbs over a ridge that is quite challenging and the climb back to the car also takes some real grit.

The Beautiful:
This hike had some very unique gifts:A stunning view of Mt. Evans from the first mile, a beautiful upper alpine lake that gives you a gorgeous view of the lower lake and a home-made quirky labryinth in the middle of the trail. A perfect hike to get lost in for a day.
#chicagolakes #idahosprings #denver #alyssa #mtevans #echolake#labyrinth

Blodgett Peak Plane Wreckage Hike---6 miles, 1600 feet elev gain, 3.5 hours
Today I hiked to the WW2 era-plane wreckage site on Blodgett Peak. There are two ways to get to the wreckage, through Rampart Range Reservoir or from the Air Force Academy. We took the Air Force Academy route. You need to find a friend with a military ID to enter the academy grounds. Enter the South Academy Gate (exit 150). Turn left onto Pine Dr. In about 2.4 miles, there is a fire station on the left; turn left here to W Monument Creek Rd. In approximately 1.1 miles, there will be an old road and small area for parking on the right. If you reach a gate, you have gone too far. Walk on the 713 trail. There is great signage for most of this hike. The 713 trails veers left at times but just keep following the signs. the trail turns into a dirt road following a power plant, it turns back into 713. At one point you cross another road that says "no trespassing", stay on 713. 713 does fork at one point. Stay on the trail more traveled and that has a giant stone arrow pointing in the direction you are supposed to walk. 713 eventually dumps you onto that road that you passed earlier, which said "no trespassing." I guess at this point the road is ok to trespass upon:)? Go right on the road until you reach the former site of a water tank at the base of Blodgett's Peak north ridge. It looks like a damn of sorts. Right there, we turn South. We crossed a small footbridge next to the water tank site and hike up the steep ridge about 1/2 mile, taking care to stay on the spine of the ridge. The wreckage is visible on the east side of the ridge about 25 meters below.

The Good: The hike has an interesting history behind it. On Feb 23, 1943, a USAAF c-49 transport aircraft crashed on the north slope of Blodgett Peak while in route from pueblo to Denver with no survivors. The C-49 was the designation given to civilian DC-3 aircraft which were pressed into wartime service after the US entered WW2. The wreckage site is still accessible nearly 75 years later.
The Bad: Oh, Blodgett Peak, you never cease to amaze me with your copious amounts of scree. While you are not actually summiting Blodgett for the hike, you still have to deal with the precarious loose rock that no other mountain does quite like Blodgett. Be prepared to fall on your bum at least once or twice during the last steep 1/2 miles of the hike.

The Beautiful: The rolling hills of the Air Force Academy are always a beautiful sight to see. There is also a dark but fascinating juxtaposition between the wreckage site and the beautiful rugged nature that surrounds it. The plane looks almost like a tin can pressed by the jagged edges of Blodgett. It is a reminder that nature is beautiful but unforgiving.
#blodgettpeak #blodgett #coloradosprings #airforce #localhike #dayhike#airplanewreckage #meetup

Blodgett Peak Plane Wreckage Hike---6 miles, 1600 feet elev gain, 3.5 hours
Today I hiked to the WW2 era-plane wreckage site on Blodgett Peak. There are two ways to get to the wreckage, through Rampart Range Reservoir or from the Air Force Academy. We took the Air Force Academy route. You need to find a friend with a military ID to enter the academy grounds. Enter the South Academy Gate (exit 150). Turn left onto Pine Dr. In about 2.4 miles, there is a fire station on the left; turn left here to W Monument Creek Rd. In approximately 1.1 miles, there will be an old road and small area for parking on the right. If you reach a gate, you have gone too far. Walk on the 713 trail. There is great signage for most of this hike. The 713 trails veers left at times but just keep following the signs. the trail turns into a dirt road following a power plant, it turns back into 713. At one point you cross another road that says "no trespassing", stay on 713. 713 does fork at one point. Stay on the trail more traveled and that has a giant stone arrow pointing in the direction you are supposed to walk. 713 eventually dumps you onto that road that you passed earlier, which said "no trespassing." I guess at this point the road is ok to trespass upon:)? Go right on the road until you reach the former site of a water tank at the base of Blodgett's Peak north ridge. It looks like a damn of sorts. Right there, we turn South. We crossed a small footbridge next to the water tank site and hike up the steep ridge about 1/2 mile, taking care to stay on the spine of the ridge. The wreckage is visible on the east side of the ridge about 25 meters below.

The Good: The hike has an interesting history behind it. On Feb 23, 1943, a USAAF c-49 transport aircraft crashed on the north slope of Blodgett Peak while in route from pueblo to Denver with no survivors. The C-49 was the designation given to civilian DC-3 aircraft which were pressed into wartime service after the US entered WW2. The wreckage site is still accessible nearly 75 years later.
The Bad: Oh, Blodgett Peak, you never cease to amaze me with your copious amounts of scree. While you are not actually summiting Blodgett for the hike, you still have to deal with the precarious loose rock that no other mountain does quite like Blodgett. Be prepared to fall on your bum at least once or twice during the last steep 1/2 miles of the hike.

The Beautiful: The rolling hills of the Air Force Academy are always a beautiful sight to see. There is also a dark but fascinating juxtaposition between the wreckage site and the beautiful rugged nature that surrounds it. The plane looks almost like a tin can pressed by the jagged edges of Blodgett. It is a reminder that nature is beautiful but unforgiving.
#blodgettpeak #blodgett #coloradosprings #airforce #localhike #dayhike#airplanewreckage #meetup

Comanche and Venable Lakes Loop Hike--13 miles, elevation gain and loss 3,600 feet. Moderately Difficult
The hike is located South of Westcliffe. On Highway 69, make a left on Road 328/140 and 140 will lead you to the trailhead. The hike is located in the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range. This loop hike has both trailheads in the same parking lot, which is always a major bonus. You can approach the hike from the Venable Lake side or the Comanche Lake side. I recommend that you start the hike with the Northern entrance, which is the Venable Lake side. The trail is well marked with the exception of one important left about 30 minutes after you pass the Venable lakes. The left is marked by cairns but it was really nice to have a map with us to make sure we didn't miss it. Long loop hikes make an error on the trail quite painful. Luckily, we had no trouble finding the right path.
The Good: This loop hike passes by three stunning Alpine lakes.
The Venable lower lake is especially beautiful as it seems to have a look of an infinity pool as the cliff drops off nearby it's edge. I recommend walking up to the upper Venable lake because you will be able to take beautiful pictures of the lower lake.
The Bad: At the top of the loop, you have to cross Venable pass (12,533 Elevation) and this precarious section of the hike is called Phantom Terrace. If you have a fear of heights, crossing this pass isn't a pleasant experience. The trail has a steep drop-off on one side although I always felt like I had good solid standing. The extremely high winds made matters a little worse. It was quite the thrill ride :) The high winds that we encountered on the pass felt like our faces were going to fall off. A face cover is definitely advised for attempting this hike in the Fall.
The Beautiful: The bad was also one of my favorite moments. What a thrill ride it was to get over the pass! It felt like such a wonderful adventure. The views of the San Luis Valley are heaven on earth. This may be my "last hurrah" above treeline until the end of winter and I am thrilled to go out with a bang!!! I highly recommend this loop. Thank you Kevyn Brown for the glorious recommendation. Thank you Jamie Lynn for joining me on this adventure. #westcliffe #sangredecristo #jamie #venablecomanchelooptrail#venablelake #venablepass #phantomterrace #backpacking

Lizard Rock in the Lost Creek Wildnerness. 5 miles total (2.5 each way) out and back. 
The hike starts at the Spruce Grove Campground perched along the Tarryall Creek. This is one of my favorite campgrounds near Colorado Springs, by the way. 
Directions: From the springs, drive east on HWY 24 and turn left on CR77 (Tarryall Road). Continue on road for 13 miles to the Spruce Grove campground. You will see signage for Lizard Rock after you cross the bridge. One helpful hint, you will see a rock in the shape of a lizard ahead. Keep your eye on it. You will want to know when you pass it because there is an unmarked fork to the left to ascend to the top of it. If you hit the Hankins Pass/Brookside-Mccurdy trail signs, you went a tad too far, turn around.
The Good: Lizard Rock is a go to hike
for me if I don't want to travel too far. It is about an hour away from town but gives you the feeling that you are far away. The Lost Creek Wildnerness is our best kept secret in Colorado Springs. Don't tell anyone how beautiful it is over there.
The Bad: Due to construction on CR77, construction crews were only letting cars through about once every 45 minutes. Hiking is always an adventure. You never know when you are going to be on a middle of nowhere road and told that you have to wait there for almost an hour. I wish I would have had a map of the area with me because later I found out that I could have taken a different route to the trail.
The Beautiful: Sitting on top of Lizard Rock and staring at the lakes, valleys and rivers of the Lost Creek Wildnerness makes you feel like everything is going to be all right. #terryall #lizardrock #lostcreekwildnerness

I didn't get a chance to get a picture of the actual "lizard rock" so I googled imaged it for the blog