snappypepper
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Post by snappypepper on Sept 10, 2020 11:03:42 GMT -8
A friend and I are traveling to Denver in a couple of weeks and are looking to do a few dayhikes. We will have a rental car, so are open to anywhere within an hour or so drive. Really want to focus on beautiful landscapes/views. I think we would like to keep each hike to 6 miles or less because she just had a baby and isn't quite back in shape yet to do more at elevation. What are a few "can't miss" hikes in that area?
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Deborah
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Post by Deborah on Sept 14, 2020 16:01:51 GMT -8
My take on your question. 1. The high country already has some snow, I have not looked but it is likely that more will fall in the next two weeks. So, be prepared for that. 2. One will not get any "can't miss" hikes within one hour of Denver. A trail that I love, which is not horribly far past your distance is The 4th of July trail. You need a high clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea?recid=28180&actid=51 It is not all that long, in terms of miles, but lots of elevation gain and the scenery is outstanding. If you are not accustomed to the altitude and your friend is recovering from having a baby, you might consider driving Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and possibly doing some of the easier hikes there. Check their website for rules on gaining access. Everything is more complicated with COVID. |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Sept 16, 2020 17:29:16 GMT -8
The Wild Basin Entrance to RMNP gets fewer visitors, Ouzel Falls is a nice hike.
Mount Falcon near Denver is a relatively easy hike (if you start from the West entrance), There is a nice short loop in Red Rocks Park
The Beaver Brook Loop (just past the Buffalo Herd Overlook off I-70 is one of my favorite hikes.
There are some good hikes from the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel.
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snappypepper
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Post by snappypepper on Sept 21, 2020 10:41:21 GMT -8
Thanks all. I think we have decided to venture out of Denver and do a road trip to the Ice Lake trail. She had the baby a year ago, so I shouldn't have said she's still recovering, just that she's not quite as fit as before the pregnancy, though she's still a very active person. Neither of us have had issues previously with adjusting to the altitude (fingers crossed it stays that way!) and we are super excited to check out the South Rim of the Black Canyon and some other sights along the way!
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 1, 2020 13:23:18 GMT -8
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snappypepper
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Post by snappypepper on Oct 7, 2020 6:36:28 GMT -8
It was awesome! We had perfect weather and the hike to Ice Lakes was 100% worth it. We also got to see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and thoroughly enjoyed the long drive through such beautiful country. |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 7, 2020 8:10:23 GMT -8
I'm heading down that way on Friday.
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burntfoot
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Post by burntfoot on Oct 7, 2020 18:39:41 GMT -8
I'm heading down that way on Friday. Stop by here either on the way or on the way back. |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 7, 2020 19:03:16 GMT -8
Stop by here either on the way or on the way back. I'd love to, but I'm going to be on a pretty tight schedule. |
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