Bear Creek Lake Park and Campground

I have fond memories of camping as a little girl with my Dad in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  I remember how much I loved his tent.  He had actually made the tent himself…stitched every seam.  It was bright yellow with plenty of room inside.  I used to bring my Glo Worm with me on these camping trips.  When the sun would drop below the mountains and darkness would fall all around, I would simply squeeze my Glo Worm and there would be light.  I guess it served as some type of pacifier to calm my nerves.  In my young adult years and on into my 20′s and early 30′s I never spent another night under the sky…until now.

Bear Creek Lake Park is located just west of Denver at C-470 and Morrison Road.  It is approximately 2,500 acres in size and open year round.  The park offers many trails for walking, biking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.  Many other outdoor activities await you at Bear Creek Lake Park, such as fishing, boating, and camping.  Below is a picture of one of the many maps located throughout the park.

Whether you choose to spend an afternoon in Bear Creek Lake Park, or spend the night, there are plenty of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.  One phenomenon I had never heard of, before moving to Colorado, is ‘car camping’.  If you are new to car camping, let me take a moment to explain the basics.  Car camping, also known as caravanning and RV camping, is a great way to introduce yourself to the joys of camping.  If you are curious about this recreational activity but hesitant to forge out on your own for the first time, this is a great way to ‘get your feet wet’.  Car camping allows you a way to get all of your gear to the campground without having to lug it on your back.  For those of you who tend to over pack, this is a great way to take everything you could possibly want/need without the manual labor and guilt.

After arriving at the park and paying the campsite fee, the area is yours to explore.  The campsite fee at Bear Creek Lake Park is  $18 per car and are rented out on a first come, first serve basis.  Each campsite allows a maximum of 2 vehicles and 5 people.  There are some car campgrounds that take reservations, so please call ahead in case the campground is full.  As pictured above, the campsites may fill up quickly on weekends/holidays.

As you enter the campground, the ranger will hand you a triple-ply receipt of payment.   One is your                  receipt to keep, the second one belongs on the interior windshield of your car, and the third is posted at           your campsite.  We chose campsite #33.  The 47 campsites at Bear Creek Lake Park are well equipped with paved drives and carefully landscaped sites featuring charcoal grills, picnic tables, water fill stations (pictured below) and electrical hook-ups.  The park offers shower and toilet facilities as well.

Once we picked our perfect camping site we began to set up the tent.

Travis just purchased a new tent from REI and surprised me with a brand new sleeping bag as well.  We were both excited to test out our new gear.  Please look for a more in-depth review of the tent and sleeping bag in my ‘get your gear here’ page.  If you don’t have a tent or the means to borrow one for the night, Bear Creek Lake Park offers yurts for rent.  What is a yurt?  A yurt is a circular domed dwelling.  Each yurt has a wooden circular platform, and a lattice framework and conical roof covered with a heavy, wind- and weatherproof canvas.   The yurts at Bear Creek Lake Park rent for $30/night and accommodate up to 4 adults.  To reserve a yurt at Bear Creek Lake Park, please call 303-697-6159 or visit the Visitor Center.

Another wonderful aspect of car camping is the ability to bring along your pet.  We were joined by Trav’s chocolate lab, Priscilla.  She had a blast playing catch, taking in all the scents, and snuggling in the tent with us at night.

After the tent is set up, we are ready to build a fire and get dinner started.  Each site has a picnic table as well as a charcoal grill/firepit.  The collection of firewood at Bear Creek Lake Park is prohibited.  If you forget to bring your own firewood, there is a gas station on the opposite side of C-470 (about a 5 minute drive) that has bundles of wood for purchase.

The daylight hours are longer now and with a nice fire to keep us warm, we are able to enjoy the beautiful outdoors well into the evening hours.  Once the sun creeps behind the mountains and the fire embers begin to cool, the temperature drops quickly.  I would suggest that everyone in your party have a headlamp of their own, as the campsite can become dark fairly quickly at night. After placing all our food in the car and putting out our fire, we tuck ourselves into our sleeping bags for a peaceful slumber under the stars.

The next morning we awoke to the beautiful blue skies of Colorado.  We took a nice walk along the many multi-use trails that wind through the park.  It was a great start to what I expect will be a great summer of camping, backpacking, and hiking.  I hope you enjoyed my first blog of the season.  As always, I welcome any comments and suggestions.

Mountain Bike Riding in South Valley Park, CO

South Valley Park – Mountain Bike Ride

South Valley Park is a 909 acre Jefferson County Open Space park located just to the west of Denver. It is easily accessible by taking C-470 South to the Ken Caryl exit (westbound). Turn left onto South Valley Road to the park’s north parking area. The south parking area can be accessed by Deer Creek Canyon Road. There is plenty of parking available; however, the weekends are more crowded.  South Valley Park is a beautiful area for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. There are approximately 6.8 miles of natural surface trails and 1.2 miles of hard surface trails.

Many of the trails in South Valley Park are multi-use trails, however, the park also includes a Hiker Only trail. Dogs are allowed on the trails but must remain on a leash and kept under control at all times. It is imperative to stay on maintained trails, as creating your own trail will only cause erosion and damage to the surrounding habitat. Use caution when passing and respect other trail users. Look for a future blog explaining trail etiquette and the right of way on multi-user trails.

I have been biking for most of my life. I remember riding my first bike with training wheels and the overwhelming excitement that took hold when I finally graduated to a 10-speed bike. Even with the seat positioned at its’ lowest height and wooden blocks taped to the pedals, it was a stretch to reach the pedals. Over the years I have become quite comfortable on a road bike, going out for long rides on the weekends and competing in several triathlons. After moving to Colorado last year and meeting my boyfriend, Travis, I was introduced to mountain biking. I had never been on a mountain bike, but figured it could not be much different. I was mistaken. Mountain biking over varied terrain is a far cry from the smooth pavement I have grown accustomed to on my road bike.

Travis is a teacher, his gift as an educator has never been more apparent to me than as I climb onto a mountain bike for the first time.  He is patient and kind, giving great advice when needed and keeping his thoughts to himself when I become frustrated.  I am anxious for my skills to develop so that we can enjoy more challenging rides together.

The trail that we rode would be considered extremely easy by most, but not to a novice like myself.  The trails throughout South Valley Park are well marked with few rocks and/or obstacles to dodge along the way.  The trails wind their way through stunning red rock formations.  It is difficult to believe that this park is situated outside the city of Denver. That is one of the things I love most about Colorado.  There are hundreds of outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered and most are located just minutes away from work or home.

As you can see in the picture above the trail is not very technical.  However, after a summer of rain storms and heavy foot/bike traffic the trail was slightly washed out in some areas.  I had to pay close attention to my front wheel at times as increased amounts of sand made the surface fairly unstable in some areas.  Because sandstone is easily eroded, climbing in South Valley Park is prohibited. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain on at leash at all times.

I hope you enjoyed my first blog about mountain biking.  I am already looking forward to my next adventure.  Thank you Travis for being my biggest cheerleader, helping to edit my blogs, and introducing me to the world of mountain biking.  No matter how many times I have fallen off my bike and will continue to do so in the future, you are always there to pick me up, brush me off and encourage me to get back in the saddle.

References/Resources:

http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace

The Switzerland Trail of America

The Switzerland Trail

The Switzerland Trail is an abandoned railroad bed that once served several mining areas throughout the Colorado Front Range. A large portion of the railroad bed remains and is now maintained as a hiking/biking trail. My Dad and I were ready to explore the route once traveled by trains delivering supplies to mining areas and transporting refined metal down to Boulder. We left my parents’ home in Nederland, CO and drove along the Peak-to-Peak Highway (CO 72) to one of many access points for the Switzerland Trail. My Dad and I were accompanied by two faithful friends, Cheyenne and Skylar. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must remain on a leash at all times.

It was only a ‘tiny’ railroad in comparison to many railroads in the 1800′s, and was built to serve the gold and silver mines located along the front range. The line helped to sustain several prominent mines, including the Blue Bird Mine and the Caribou Mine. The earliest segments of the railroad date back to 1859 and continued until 1891 when a large flood ruined much of the track. It was reopened in the late 1890′s under new ownership and with a new purpose. As the mining industry began to decline the owners turned to tourism to boost business. During the summer months, residents of Denver and Boulder would ride the line up the front range to enjoy picnics, hiking and boating. Ownership of the railroad changed hands again in the early 1900′s and the line was permanently shut down in 1919.

The trail is typically between 8-10 feet wide and climbs between altitudes of 7,000 – 9,000 feet above sea level. Having been a railroad pass the terrain is easy to navigate with gentle grades between 2% – 5%. The portion of trail that remains today is about 12.5 miles long and weaves past the small mountain towns of Eldora, Gold Hill, and Ward. Running shoes or trail running shoes provide adequate support for the gentle terrain encountered on the Switzerland Trail.

There are astonishing views of Caribou Ranch along the trail. Purchased by James William Guercio in 1971, Caribou Ranch became a legendary recording studio and a beautiful retreat for famous musicians. They traveled to this famed destination studio in order escape the fast paced life of the big cities. Here musicians were able to relax in the well appointed cabins, enjoy numerous outdoor activities and candlelit dinners. Artists such as Chicago, Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Supertramp, Joe Walsh, Frank Zappa, and The Beach Boys are just a few of rock and roll’s elite who passed through Caribou Ranch during the 1970′s.

During the late 1970′s and early 1980′s destination studios began appearing throughout the world and the novelty of Caribou Ranch began to diminish. The studio was shut down in 1985 after a fire destroyed the control room, causing about 3 million dollars worth of damage. The salvaged music equipment was donated to The University of Colorado-Denver. Mr. Guercio sold the ranch to Boulder County and the City of Boulder in December 1996.

The front range is a splendid backdrop for a colorful array of Colorado wildflowers. During the summer months, the meadows are alive with Indian Paintbrush, Cinquefoil, Rocky Mountain Columbine (CO state flower), Aspen Daisy, Pasqueflower, and Penstemon. These are the most common wildflowers you might happen upon in the front range. My Dad and I continued along the trail through aspen groves and conifer forests before stopping for lunch.

The harsh winter weather, frequent line closures, automobile invention, and several mine closures were all factors that led to the termination of the railroad line. I am so grateful to Boulder County for maintaining the Switzerland Trail, allowing the public to explore an important piece of CO history while enjoying the beauty of this marvelous region.

Dad, thank you for joining me on this expedition along The Switzerland Trail. Your knowledge of the trail, Caribou Ranch, the history of the railroad, and the wildflowers is truly astonishing. My childhood memories are filled with adventures we shared, from camping in the backyard to whitewater rafting down the Snake River in freezing cold water. Thank you for continuing the tradition.

Resources/References Used:

The Switzerland Trail of America by Forest Crossen, 1978
www.wikipedia.org

http://www.invictarecords.com/colorado_music_history.asp

Mineral Belt Trail – Leadville, CO

In September my Mom and I drove to Leadville, CO to explore the Mineral Belt Trail. Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States, at an elevation of 10,152 feet. Founded in 1877, Leadville was the greatest of all the Colorado mining regions. Mining for gold began in 1859; however this boom was short lived, followed by the discovery of vast amounts of lead carbonate (rich in silver content) in 1874. By the late 1800′s Leadville was thriving and had become the second most populous city in Colorado. The Silver Boom was an era referred to around the world as “Top Hats and Tenderloins”.

Spectacular views and scenery await along The Mineral Belt Trail; a paved trail which loops around the town of Leadville. The trail meanders through aspen groves, conifer forests, and the Historic Leadville Mining District. It is a 12.5 mile all-season, non-motorized route with numerous access points. The trail is designed for walkers, cyclists, and in-line skaters. During the winter months the snowcat-groomed trail is used for freestyle and nordic classic skiing, snowshoeing, and winter biking.

The drive to Leadville from my parents home in Nederland, CO is about two hours in length. Leadville can be reached by CO Highway 91 which connects Leadville with Interstate 70 or US Highway 24 (an east-west highway). The roads are well maintained and allow for easy access year-round. Leadville is located 103 miles west of Denver, 129 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, and 38 miles south of Vail.

We parked in the town of Leadville and easily found the trail where we embarked on our adventure. We were accompanied by our two dogs, Cheyenne and Takoda. They love joining us on our adventures and exploring new areas of Colorado.

Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must remain on a leash at all times. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and a portable water bowl for your 4-legged friend. Please bring doggie waste bags (preferably 100% biodegradable) to keep this National Recreation Trail beautiful. Trash receptacles are few and far between along the trail so be prepared to carry your trash with you for the duration of your trip.

It was a gorgeous day for exploring. The skies were a beautiful shade of blue that I have only found in Colorado with scatterings of puffy white clouds throughout. There was a slight breeze and I was happy for my layers of clothing. The trail was designed/developed using three major railroad ways that once served the Leadville Mining District. Along the way we came upon a General Store (pictured below) that was once a bustling stop along the railway.

I wore my trail running shoes, but could have easily worn walking shoes or running shoes. It is important to choose shoes that fit your foot best and suit your needs. It may be a daunting task to shop for a pair of walking shoes as there are so many choices available to the consumer. I have listed a few stores in my ‘Get Your Gear Here’ section (below) that I have found provide the best customer service and the most knowledgeable staff. It is critical to find a shoe that will provide support, cushion, and flexibility while correcting for any gait deviations.

Although the terrain is somewhat rugged, the entire trail is ADA accessible. The gentle climb into the higher elevation above the town gives way to breathtaking views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. A look back through California Gulch reveals the picturesque town of Leadville surrounded by the striking yellows and greens of Colorados’ fall foliage.

Plaques and postings along the trail provide a fantastic account of the rags-to-riches stories that made Leadville a booming town during the late 1800′s. Some of the more noteworthy individuals include Horace Tabor, Baby Doe, Doc Holliday, and Molly Brown. The legacy of a successful mining town is evident in the numerous abandoned mine shafts along the trail. Some reaching depths of 1,800 feet.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated California Gulch a Superfund Site, the largest in the nation. This environmental program was designed to clean up abandoned and hazardous waste sites. The Superfund clean up process has greatly helped to decontaminate the water and soil in California Gulch.

Mules are an integral part of mining history. Mules are quite intelligent, sure-footed, and possess the ability to pull a lot of weight in relation to their size. Known for excellent endurance, mules will not work themselves to the point of exhaustion unlike horses. In mining towns they were used to pull the coal cars inside the mines. It has been documented that many mules went blind after spending so many years in the mines without light.

We arrive at the summit of the trail. The elevation has reached 10,606 feet. The clear, blue skies had given way to clouds and cooler temperatures. While this is not a technical trail, walking the entire distance can take several hours. It is important to carry plenty of water, high energy snacks, a lightweight jacket, a camera, and of course sunscreen. I purchased a CamelBak Helena Hydration Pack in May. This pack is specifically designed for women with a 100 oz. reservoir, plenty of gear storage, and ergonomically designed harnesses/straps which provide a comfortable fit. CamelBak packs come in all shapes and sizes for both men and women, designed for various outdoor activities. You can view their entire selection of packs at www.camelbak.com.

As we continue on our journey back towards the town of Leadville, we are captivated by the bright yellow color of the aspen trees and the beauty of the surrounding area.

It is difficult to believe this area was barren of such beauty and peace 100 years ago. The shouts of miners and the braying of mules has now been replaced by the rustle of aspen leaves in the breeze. Leadville is a charming, historic mountain town filled with many outdoor and recreational activities. The town itself has many historical museums, fantastic restaurants, and quaint shops. I hope you enjoyed my second blog. I welcome any comments or additional information about this historic mining town.

A special thank you to my Mom for joining me in Leadville and instilling in me a sense of adventure at an early age. You have been my inspiration.

Resources/References Used:

www.leadville.org
www.tophatsandtenderloins.com
www.visitleadvilleco.com
www.americantrails.org
www.epa.gov/superfund/about

Hiking My First 14er

Gray’s Peak

Last weekend I accomplished something that had been on my ‘bucket list’ for several years. I hiked my first 14er. The term ’14er’ refers to any mountain peak that rises over 14,000 feet above sea level. Colorado is home to 54 such peaks. Gray’s Peak is found on the Continental Divide in the Front range. With an elevation of 14, 270 feet, Gray’s Peak is the highest peak on the Continental Divide. As 14er’s go, this is one of the easiest (Class 1) to summit.

My boyfriend, Travis, and I packed all our gear and food into the Jeep on Friday afternoon and drove to the campsite located at the trail head. From Denver we drove west on I-70 to Bakerville Road (exit 221). Just off the interstate we connected with Forest Road and found an easy 4WD dirt road winding through Stevens Gulch to the campsite. The road was in decent condition, but I suggest using a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. The great thing about ‘car camping’ is being able to lug all of your gear to the campsite without carrying it on your back. The campsite is clean and beautiful with level areas to pitch a tent, a stream nearby, and designated pits used for fire. No fees or reservations are required to use the campsite.

We arrived as the setting sun began to paint the mountain walls with beautiful hues of pink and orange. As dusk approached the temperature began to drop. I would advise packing clothing that can be layered for extra warmth. We also stopped along I-70 to pick up firewood which made building a fire much easier. After Travis set up the tent and we got a warm fire going it was time for dinner. One piece of gear that has proven invaluable when camping is a headlamp. It is amazing how dark our surroundings become without the glow of city lights at night. Please refer to my gear section for information on headlamps. We dined on delicious ‘mountain pies’ (www.chuckwagondiner.com) and S’mores for dessert. It was a clear night and the stars were shining bright. Once the fire died down, we snuggled up in our sleeping bags and drifted to sleep.

Around 5:30 in the morning we woke to the sounds of car engines, car doors slamming, and the chatter of hikers getting ready to summit Gray’s. If you choose to drive to the trail head in the morning, arrive early. There are approximately 20 parking spaces available at the trail head which tend to fill up quickly on the weekend. Plan to begin your hike early to avoid hazardous weather at the summit. Allow yourself enough time to reach the summit before noon as storms have a greater chance of developing in the afternoon. Lightning is especially dangerous when hiking above treeline, so plan to descend below treeline as early in the afternoon as possible.

The view from camp is gorgeous, as seen in the photo above. Travis boils water using his camping stove and we enjoy hot chocolate, oatmeal and tea for breakfast. In preparation for our hike we filled our water bladders, packed food for the trail and extra clothes for layering. Layers of clothing allows for improved regulation of body temperature.

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts subscribe to the 3-Layer System. The first layer of clothing is referred to as the base layer. This layer is designed to wick moisture away from your body and prevent ‘post-exercise chill’. Base layer clothing is made from high tech synthetic fibers which are very light weight and designed to dry quickly. The second layer (worn over the base layer) is known as the insulation layer. Fleece and wool are the most common materials used to prevent heat loss by creating a layer of still air around your body. The third and final layer is known as the outer shell. The purpose of this layer is to provide protection from wind and outside moisture (rain and snow). This layer is usually made of Gore-Tex materials that also provides breathability. It is important to remember a hat because you lose more heat through your head than any other body part. Despite the cooler temperatures you might encounter in the mountains it is extremely important to wear sunscreen, so lather up.

There is a bathroom located at the trail head. Separate men/women facilities are available. I would suggest using the restroom before hiking because there are not any located along the trail. Although ample amounts of toilet paper are provided, you may want to bring along a roll of your own.  Just after 7 am, Travis and I are ready to begin our climb to the summit of Gray’s Peak. I am so excited. The elevation at the trail head is 11, 280 feet. The total trip length (round trip) to the summit of Gray’s Peak is 8 miles with a vertical climb of 3,000 feet.

As we begin the hike I am greeted by a well maintained trail that promises an easy ‘walk’ to the top. The terrain changes along the way and some parts are covered in rocks, but the hike to Gray’s Peak is considered one of the easier 14er’s to summit. I did see some people wearing athletic shoes; however, I would recommend wearing trail running shoes or day hiking shoes which will provide better stability and improved grip on slick surfaces.

The trail can become crowded on weekends, especially one of the last warm weekends of summer. As seen in the picture above, the trail head is located just below tree line. In higher elevations this is known as the alpine tree line which is the edge of habitat at which trees are unable to grow due to inhospitable conditions (weather, temperature, lack of water, etc.). The vegetation changes as you climb through higher elevations. Trees give way to a tundra landscape consisting of shrubs.

The trail becomes a little more rocky as we continue our ascent, but nothing that would be considered difficult or technical. The crowds that were gathered at the trail head begin to thin as Travis and I settle into our hike.

I realize at this point, I have only briefly touched on the necessary and recommended gear for hiking. Please refer to future blogs for a more detailed description of the gear that I use throughout my adventures. I will review shoes, clothing, camping stoves, backpacks, water bladders, sleeping bags, tents, headlamps, various gadgets, personal hygiene products, and lots of fun gadgets. I have also listed my favorite ‘gear’ stores and links to websites where you can compare pricing and shop from the comfort of your own home. Please look for a future blog titled ‘Fuel For Your Body’. Here you will find information on foods that provide excellent nutrition while on the trail, yet remain lightweight and easy to carry in your pack.

Along the way you may come across man made rock formations, such as the one pictured to the right. These are known as cairns. In the world of hiking they are often found at regular intervals to mark a path or trail. Hikers help maintain cairns by adding another rock as they pass. Most are only about one foot tall, but those found in mountain regions may be taller (such as this one) to protrude through the snow. As I mentioned before, the trail to Gray’s summit is well maintained and easy to follow. While cairns are not necessary to stay on track, I thought this was a great picture to include and some fun information to include in my blog. The first time I encountered cairns was on a vacation to Arches National Park with my Mom. Cairns were a vital part to some of our hikes and I was happy to add a rock in passing to maintain such an important landmark.

A look back through Stevens Gulch.

In the picture below you can see the ‘saddle’ between Gray’s Peak and Torrey’s Peak. Torrey’s Peak is another 14er located in the Front Range, just 0.5 miles north of Gray’s Peak. Many hikers opt to summit both Gray’s Peak and Torrey’s Peak in one day.

There is a lot of debate in the hiking world regarding the required elevation gain in order to qualify as climbing a 14er. In most discussion groups I have found online, the general consensus is that one must ascend 3,000 feet or more. If you choose to follow this ‘rule of thumb’, climbing Gray’s Peak and then traversing the saddle (about 500 vertical feet) to Torrey’s Peak would not count as climbing two 14er’s.

We continued on our journey to the peak. The trail becomes a little more narrow, rock covered, and steep. After about 3 hours of hiking we reach the summit of Gray’s Peak and the view is breathtaking. Travis told me that it would feel as though I was standing on top of the world…he was right.

We stayed at the top for about 30 minutes, taking in the views, eating a snack, drinking more water, and taking lots of pictures.

My first 14er!!!

After taking in the views from the ‘top of the world’, we began our descent. Instead of traversing down the same path, we decided to explore part of the trail through the saddle over to Torrey’s Peak. This trail (which is visible in the distance below) continues to the summit of Torrey’s.

The portion of the trail to the bottom of the saddle proves the most technical. The picture below is a look back to the top of Gray’s Peak. We return to the camping grounds/parking area using the main trail through Steven’s Gulch.

What a fabulous day! I would like to thank Travis for helping to make this dream a reality. Your knowledge in hiking/camping made this a safe and enjoyable experience. Putting together this blog would not have been possible without your continued support and encouragement. I am already looking forward to our next adventure.

I hope that you found this blog interesting and informative. Hopefully this blog inspires you to get outside and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. I welcome any comments and suggestions for future blogs.

Resources/References used:

www.14ers.com
The Complete Walker IV written by Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins