Some people might say that waking up at 4am on a Saturday morning to go hiking is crazy, but I say it's the only way to experience the best of some of the more popular trails in Colorado. That's especially true when you get into the I-70 ski resort area of Breckenridge, Copper, Vail, etc., …
My hike Sunday and this post are dedicated to my Grandma Branch that passed away on Friday. When I was little, I used to write one or two page stories for her to read, and almost every time I talked to her growing up, she would bring them up and how much she enjoyed them. …
Continue reading "Hiking the Second Creek Trail to Twin Cones"
Waking up early and heading to the mountains for a morning hike has been my escape of choice over the last couple of months. There's something about breathing the cool mountain air and getting some exercise that brings about a feeling of freedom and accomplishment to my weekends. I think that's what keeps bringing me …
Carly and I have been dating for over six years and married for just under three now, which seems like such a short time when I write it like that, but we've packed a whole lot of adventure into those 6 years. In that short time, we've also started to develop some family traditions. There …
https://youtu.be/hAFV1xV2ZhU During my parents visit over the Fourth of July weekend, the plan was for us to visit the main part of Rocky Mountain National Park that my mom, despite her many trips to Colorado already, had not visited. Unfortunately, we realized too late that you needed a reservation for a timed entry, due to …
I've explored a number of different hikes in the front range near Denver, and I decided to put together my list of personal top 5 hikes - even though as the title suggests, there's way too many more places to explore for this to be anything but a "way too early top 5". I've had …
Continue reading "Top 5 Hikes Near Denver – Way Too Early Edition"
With the pandemic taking its toll on everyone, it's been a while since Carly and I have had much contact with anyone other than each other, so it was nice when my parents decided to come to Denver for a long 4th of July weekend. Planning a visit from my parents during this, though, proves …
Continue reading "Family Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park"
Those of you who have read a few of my posts are probably starting to notice a theme that the hikes that I choose tend to have some sort of a view as a payoff for your hard work. The trail I decided on this week was another one that I chose for exactly this …
Continue reading "Exploring Staunton State Park – Mason Creek to Bear Paw Trail"
There are certain hikes that I've done over the past couple of years that I'll remember for a lifetime, and this turned into one of them. It may be because of a particularly impressive view the inspires awe, or potentially an encounter with wildlife that makes me appreciate the beauty around me. This hike would …
Continue reading "Chicago Lakes Trail – Mt. Evans Wilderness"
Having the ability to escape to the mountains in less than an hour is one of the main reasons that we moved to Colorado, and the current pandemic has made us appreciate that quick escape even more. I personally can't imagine being stuck in a place where there isn't nature around to explore during these …
As a result of a very long series of events, we didn't end up making it to the mountains to hike for Carly's birthday last weekend, forcing us to reschedule to this weekend. Going for a hike for our birthdays has become somewhat of a tradition the past few years and it was better late …
