Rabbit Mountain

Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,520 ft - 5,880 ft
Elevation Gain: 450 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes
Dogs: On leash, Boulder County Open Space 
Tags: #BCOS, #coloradooutdoors, #morrisonformation, #hiking, #Colorado, #travel, #hiking

Rabbit Mountain Open Space

Rabbit Mountain Open Space near Lyons Colorado is a great shoulder season hike. It has incredible views of the Continental Divide and is generally free of snow. The Eagle Wind Trail sits on an uplift of white sedimentary rock (Morrison Formation) that was formed when much of the Great Plains consisted of an inland sea. The western edge of the trail leads to several overlooks that sit atop exposed portions of these rocks.

Trail map showing the Eagle Wind Trail

Heading up the initial pitch

The trail begins at a nice pavilion and quickly ascends 300 or so feet to a broad saddle. At one half of a mile, a junction allows the hiker to choose the short but scenic Little Thompson Overlook Trail (2 miles round trip) or the longer Eagle Wind Trail (3 miles round trip). Combining these two trails can be very nice. The first trail provides lovely views of the Little Thompson drainage while the second trail wanders over grassy slopes with views of the Continental Divide.

On top of the escarpment heading towards the start of the Eagle Wind Trail

Looking south

The Eagle Wind Trail is very rocky and can be a mud bath after a good rain or snow. It only gains 100 ft or so over its length. Most of the views exist on the right fork of the loop so you can hit them at the beginning or end of your hike. The trail is multi-use, so be emotionally prepared for lots of dogs (on leash), mountain bikers, and horses. We saw all of the above on this trip.

Standing on the Morrison Formation, looking north

Colorful valley below

There are only a few Ponderosa Pones on the trail but plenty of shrubbery. In the warmer months, songbirds seem to gather here in droves. Bring a pair of binoculars and a picnic dinner and listen to the Meadowlarks sing their melodic song of the plains.

On the back side of the loop

One of the few segments in the trees

Rock Creek Snowshoe

Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 8,765 ft - 9,896 ft
Elevation Gain: 1,131 ft (net),  1500 ft  (cum)
Dogs: Off leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Tags: #snowshoe, #coloradooutdoors, #allenspark

Rock Creek Road near Allenspark, CO

Rock Creek Road near Allenspark, CO is great place to snowshoe if you don't like crowds and don't mind the occasional snowmobile. Rock Creek Road (or FSR 1162) starts at the end of Ski Road (CO 107) where it meets FSR 1161 (St. Vrain Trailhead). After an initial decent, the road heads relentlessly upwards before dead ending just below a saddle between two 11,000 foot peaks. From the road you won't see any of these peaks but you will see towering spruce trees and a snow covered creek that gurgles pleasantly along the route.

Terrain map of the area

Parking for this snowshoe is limited, but rarely used.  A few cars can park on the edge of FSR 1161 and three to four more can park along Ski Road itself, which as a county road is usually plowed.

Looking back on a more open area towards the beginning of the route.

From the parking area, the route descends until it crosses a creek and then begins a slow climb upwards. Depending on conditions, the road can be iced over, filled with fluffy drifts, or bare in spots. It is used by local skiers who cruise up and down in marathon laps.

Rocks and Aspens 

Starting out there are campsites along the left hand side of the road while rock formations and aspens dominate the hillsides to the right. At 1.2 miles (640 ft gain) is a wooden fence near a creek crossing. Only a tenth of a mile beyond this is the first switchback and 1.75 miles is the next switchback (973 ft gain). It is two miles to a small meadow.

A more open area

The further you ascend the larger the trees seem to become. The road itself becomes more narrow so the trees begin to close in creating a mystical tableau.

Ice free area of the creek

While Rock Creek will not wow you with views, it usually has snow and is off the beaten track. Its steady ascent will give you a work out to boot.

Towering trees near the upper reaches of the road