Colorado Hike: Back to Staunton State Park

If I haven't mentioned it often enough, Colorado is a pretty spectacular place to live if you like to play outdoors. To take advantage of the warm, early-fall like weather, Matt and I headed back to a park we visited our first fall in Colorado, not long after it opened - Staunton State Park.

With nearly 4,000 acres and seemingly endless miles of trails, we could go back many more times to explore different areas of the park. The first time we went we hiked to the falls overlook and the trail to Elk Falls wasn't quite finished. This time, we wanted to get up close and person with the waterfall. And we did. The waterfall is quite beautiful but I'm sure at some points in the year it's just roaring!

This was our half-way point, so we took a break and enjoyed a snack and the view before starting back to the trailhead. We saw a good number of people along the trail, but we had this spot to ourselves.

Finishing out at 12 miles, the hike was a bit more strenuous and longer than we anticipated when we set out, but we were enjoyed every minute of it. The varied topography kept things interesting. The trailhead starts in a grassy meadow, you pass by and climb granite cliffs, hike along a stream and of course, sit next to a beautiful waterfall in a canyon.

It was a really nice day that we finished with a picnic lunch in the pavilion at the trailhead before heading back to Denver and collapsing on the couch.

What to know if you go:

• The park is only about 45 minutes from Denver.
• There's a $7.00 daily fee if you don't have an annual pass.
• The trailhead facilities are great and well taken care of, including port-a-potties, a great pavilion (available for rent) and plenty of picnic tables and grills.
• While most of the trails are multi-use - available for runners, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians - there are several trails that are for hikers/runners only. 
• Here's the map you'll want; the gate keeper can also provide one when you arrive.
• Spring 2017, the park will begin offering the use of specialized all-terrain motorized trail that will allow disabled visitors the ability to enjoy the park. It's pretty incredible, read about it here.

If the weather's still warm where you live, how are you taking advantage of it? * What are your favorite snacks to take with you on a hike?

My Latest Denver Addiction: High Line Canal Trail

In early April fellow Denver Oiselle runner Lindsay introduced me to the High Line Canal Trail. I'm not sure how I've missed out on this gem for so long, but I'm glad I'm in on it now. The 71 mile urban trail winds its way from the Roxborough State Park south west of Denver to Aurora in the north east. 

Since that first run, I've been back twice more: once with Woody for a seven mile run, and also on my Birthday this past Thursday for a 5-mile walk/jog. In retrospect I shouldn't have gone out on Thursday being that I'm sick and all, but I was determined and stubborn, and so I went anyway. I had planned to start my birthday with an 8-mile run, so at least I adjusted when I got sick and pulled back a little (although I highly doubt I did myself any good by going out at all).

While I've only experienced one small section thus far, it is a beautiful one for sure and a nice reprieve from my regular scenery. Starting just south of E Hampden off Colorado Blvd (there are some parallel parking spots for trail users just outside a church parking lot) and just a little further south on Colorado Blvd where there are some spots along the side of the road at Three Pond Park. 

The wide trail - a mix of paved and natural surface - is open to runners, walkers, bikers, dogs (on-leash), and horses. Its owned by Denver Water, but maintained by the municipalities it runs through, so regulations can vary in local areas. Since the trail goes through some parks, there are some facilities along the way but it's best to bring along your own water.

Here's one map for reference, although it's not perfect as it doesn't trace the trail all the way to Roxborough State Park. Still, a good reference. I'm hoping we spend a lot of time on this trail and explore many other sections. Until then, here are some photos I captured to share the gorgeousness with you. How could someone not love this?

How good are you at cutting back on running or exercise when you get sick? * What was the best part of your weekend? * Who's up for joining me on the High Line Canal Trail?