Since moving to Colorado, we’ve really developed a true love for hiking. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore all around the state. To reinforce this new passion and work on staying in shape, I (Kirsten) decided to challenge myself to hike 50 miles in Colorado by the end of June.
Photo Map courtesy of Jefferson County Website – Click on the Map to be brought to their site for more information.
Yesterday evening, I took off to meet a friend after work at Deer Creek Canyon Park in Jefferson County, CO. Because it was so hot (over 90 degrees F still after 6:30 pm!), the 3-mile loop we took was a great mix of sunshine and shade, winding through rocky hills with plenty of wildlife.
Check out the amazing views along the hike! Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, June 2014
Many others had the same idea to get outside yesterday – we ran into hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers along the different paths. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed, so of course, I brought Moguls. As usual, Moguls was a trooper regardless of the heat.
Furry friends are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash – make sure to pick up after them as well! Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, June 2014
The hike yesterday knocked off 3 miles, so 47 miles left to go in order to complete the June Hike Challenge. This hike is an easy-to-moderate trail. At times the path narrows and more rugged terrain is present; nothing too difficult, it is just important to wear proper footwear.
View of one of the trails at Deer Creek Canyon Park. Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, June 2014
View of one of the trails at Deer Creek Canyon Park. Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, June 2014
Check out all of the great shots I got on our hike! I especially loved the variety of wild flowers along the trail – very nice to see that summer is in full bloom.
Neat Rock Ridge! I wonder if anyone has Mountain Biked down THAT before? Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, June 2014
Beautiful wildflowers growing alongside the trails. Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, June 2014
Sometimes it’s still hard to believe what a beautiful place we live in. Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, June 2014
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting hikes for the June Hike Challenge; I hope this motivates you all to get outside in our wonderful state and explore!
Have a great hike to share with us? Comment below! We would love more ideas.
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We were there on Sunday and I was amazed at all the flowers there this late! Wasn’t it beautiful? This is a great hike!!!
Yes, the flowers were great! Beautiful hues of blue, violet, and bright purple. We didn’t go all of the way to the top, but I look forward to trying that next time.
On Sunday, we’re headed to Castlewood Canyon State Park to take in the great sights and count down more miles! Any hikes planned for the weekend??
I’m going to be stopping by your blog to especially peruse the hikes and see what I can plan in the month of June. You will be such a great help! 🙂 THANK YOU!!
The top had a lot more of the yellows and some white along with all the purples and blues. We love that top trail, it gets much less crowded then the lower loop on the weekends.
We just did the East Canyon at Castlewood and it was so much fun! I am sure you will love the park!
I haven’t picked a trail yet for Saturday but I am hoping for something around 10,000 ft to keep our lungs in shape. With our warm temps I am hopeful that we had some good melt this week so maybe something in RMNP or Mt. Evans Wilderness. Not sure yet…
I am so glad you are finding hikes you want to try on my blog, please always let me know if you ever have any questions or want a suggestion!
Have fun hiking!
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