Rabbit's Ear Trail

Distance: 5 miles round trip (out and back to the overlook), 6 miles round trip (if you do the loop)
Elevation: 5,000 ft -5,700 ft
Elevation Gain: 700 ft (net), 1,347 ft (cumulative)
Dogs: Off leash
Date Hiked: 26 May 2011
Bathroom at Trailhead: No

The skeleton of a Utah Juniper stands guard over the vista of the Colorado River on the Rabbit's Ear Trail

The Rabbit's Ear Trail near Fruita, CO and the Utah border is a semi-desert hike to a river vista that will make you drop your jaw and find a rock and gaze stupefied into the distance. Not as easy as it looks, the route travels up and down humps of a ridge until it reaches a plateau 700 ft above the trailhead. From this point on, the trail is flat and the going is soft and easy.

The trailhead with its kiosk

An early trail segment with a smooth path and Sagebrush in the distance

Rabbit's Ear is part of the Rabbit Valley Recreation Area located at exit 2 on I-70 near the Utah border. While the main trails of Rabbit Valley can be filled with ATVers, Rabbit's Ear, 4 miles back west up a dirt road, is for hikers only. We had the entire place to ourselves.

Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) dots the landscape as clouds hang over the distant western plateaus.

Looking west into Utah. That is I-70 in the distance.

The terrain is rocky with occasional Utah Junipers, tufts of grass, Yellow Rabbitbrush, clumps of the unusual Mormon Tea, and since we did this hike in May, the occasional wildflower.

Desert Paintbrush (Castilleja angustifolia variety dubia) likes hot, dry, sandy soils. It blooms in the desert in early spring. Don't confuse it with Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), which is found in more alpine settings.

A glimpse of the long ridge ahead. Our destination is the lump on the far right.

The Rabbit's Ear Mesa, whose shape gives the area its name, overlooks the Colorado River as it winds its way through several canyon systems. The sedimentary striations of long lost sand dunes are clearly visible from the trails many vista points. To the east the Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa can be seen in the haze.

Ginger enters the slot canyon at 1.0 miles

The trail traverses both rock and dirt as it climbs steadily higher.

I found myself stopping frequently on this trail. Not only were there numerous critters, plants, and vistas to photograph, but this was the first hike of the season after being laid up all winter with a foot injury and I was sucking wind more than I would like to admit.

Another trail segment heading up through Utah Juniper

A steeper segment

Some mileage points to guide your journey include a small slot canyon at 1 mile, the final stretch to the top of the mesa at 1.36 miles, and 2.3 miles to the best views. The trail does continue around in wide circle past our stopping point but we were doing this in the heat of the day and decided not to take the longer route back (6 miles round trip versus 5 miles round trip). As it was this trail was rougher than I should have been doing first time out of the gate.

Looking down on the Colorado River and colorful rocks of ancient sand dunes

There were several specimens of the Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus uspenskii) blooming along the trail. It typically grows in clumps in rocky open areas between 4,000 and 9,000 ft.

At our stopping point, one is gazing down into Ruby Canyon, which has resulted in this trail to be called the Ruby Canyon Overlook in several prominent hiking guides. In the distance is the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Area and the entrance to Mee Canyon. Further away are Utah's Le Sal Mountains with their snowy peaks and the broad expanse of the Uncompahgre Plateau, which we planned to drive around the following day.

The view to die for. The Colorado River as it winds through Ruby Canyon on the way to Utah. Tiny rafts dot the river. The snowy peaks of the La Sal Mountains in Utah are visible in the distance.

Heading back down at the edge of the mesa

We could see several large rafts floating serenely down the river. I couldn't help but wonder what the canyon looked like from that level. Certainly, the towering walls must have been majestic indeed.

A photo of rocks, lichens, and a rail tunnel in the distance

A close up of what looks like the Red Crust Lichen (Caloplaca trachyphylla). Lichens are actually two organisms. A fungi and an algae living together in a symbiotic relationship. The algae provides food and the fungi provides the home. They are common throughout Colorado. The Egg Yolk Lichen is another favorite.

There are two common lizards on the western slope that can be hard to tell apart. The Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) and the Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus). If I had to guess, I would say the former. These lizards feed on insects, primarily grasshoppers, moths, crickets etc.

If you are in the Grand Junction Area and are looking for a short hike with major payoffs, this hike if for you. Just bring plenty of water and be prepared for changing weather conditions. This is snake country as well, so look before you sit or place your hands on any rocks. We did not see any snakes, but the lizards were out in force, so I know the snakes were out there too.

A close up of Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis). This unusual plant has long, jointed needles. It is highly prized for various medicinal properties.

A parting shot of the river and desert beyond

Linville Falls North Carolina

Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
Elevation: 3,160 ft - 3,360 ft
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Dogs: On leash

Linville Falls, taken with my cell phone camera.

On a recent business trip to Asheville, North Carolina, I took an afternoon off and drove the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Linville Falls.

Typical vista seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Below 2000 ft, the hard wood trees were in full bloom but above this elevation the trees were barren and the air chilly. Already enthralled with the area, I stopped frequently and view points to gaze out at the rolling green hills covered in hard woods. It was obvious that in the fall the area would be stunning.

The Upper Falls

Linville Falls is two hours from Asheville and can be very touristy on weekends. There are two options for viewing it. Pictures of both options exist in the small visitor's center so it is easy to decide. Since I was practically wearing slippers (continuing saga with tendinitis), I did not want to walk too far. As it was the trail was rougher than I anticipated. It wandered up and down, over roots, and up and down stairs. Normally a walk in the park, this route was more than I should have been doing. It was so scenic, however, that I am glad I broke the rules.

Looking down into the S-curve of the Linville River just before the Falls

The falls is actually a series of falls. The first is the twin Upper Falls. A nice view point allows the visitor to wander over layers of sedimentary rock and look straight at this first step. Turn around and water flows through an intriguing S-curve that has been eroded from the cliff face over millions of years. It is dramatic to say the least and a testament to the power of water.

The eroded channel just to the left of the S-curve

The Chimney View Point is reached 0.3 miles beyond the cutoff to the Upper Falls and is on the other side of the gorge and partway down the cliff face. From this vantage point, the 45 foot drop and surround cliffs are clearly visible. Turn around and one can follow the river as it heads to the entrance of the Linville Gorge itself.

Another view of the falls from the Chimney View Point

Anyone interested in Geology will be interested to know that the Falls spill over an actual Thrust Fault. The rocks along the Upper Falls are older than the rocks below the Falls. Cool eh?

Looking down the Linville River from the falls. The lighter green trees are Firs that have been killed by an invading insect.

I became so enamored with the area that I picked up topo maps and hiking guides to the Carolina Mountains. I plan to return this October for a week of scenic driving, hiking, and culture activities in and round Asheville.

Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is one of the largest birds in Colorado. It can be seen flying overhead with its large wings cutting the air. A wading water bird, the beak on the Great Blue is impressive indeed. Pictures abound of this bird with a fish locked in its bill. A solitary feeder, it is rare to see more than one Great Blue at a time unless in their communal rookery.

I know it is anthropomorphic, but the gleam in this birds eyes looks predatory indeed. A small culvert is just out of view. The turbulence of the water flowing into the pond must be attracting fish.

I have seen this specimen hanging out at a small pond near an office building. There was a steep slope down to the water so it was difficult to set up the tripod and inch my way closer so these shots were taken from a greater distance and the zooms are grainy. I was watched continuously as well and the bird took to flight before I could get within 30 yards.

Vedauwoo Wyoming: Turtle Rock Trail and Beyond

Distance: 3.2 mile loop (Turtle Rock), at least 6 miles if you include Renyold's Hill and the Devil's Playground
Elevation: 8,280 ft
Elevation Gain: 958 ft (up and down)
Date Hiked: 13 May 2007

Vedauwoo, in the Medicine Bow National Forest Wyoming, is a unique treat. This formation is in an area called the Devil's Playground.

Vedauwoo, (pronounced "vee-da-voo") is a cool area in Wyoming filled with interlocking trails, interesting rock formations, beaver ponds, and young Aspens. It is a great place to hike, bike, rock climb or lounge.

The start of the Turtle Rock Trail

Vedauwoo rocks are formed from Sherman Granite.

Just across the border from Colorado, it makes for a unique day trip for Denverites and an easy jaunt from those in Ft. Collins. It is also easy to find, just take I-80 west of Cheyenne to exit 329 (Vedauwoo Road). There is a very nice campground in the park for those who want a quick getaway from the city.

My friend Tom revels in an early spring day.

This lone boulder is on the back side (having gone clockwise) of the Turtle Rock Loop.

On this trip, a friend took us on the Turtle Rock Trail and then veered east toward Reynold's Hill and the Devil's Playground before returning to Turtle Rock. Since I did this trip in 2007 before I started blogging, this post won't be as accurate as my current descriptions. We did at least 6 miles that day but I can't give you our exact route beyond Turtle Rock, just the major destinations. Many of the rock formations in the area are named and easily identifiable.

A view of the Sherman Mountains from the north side of the Turtle Rock Trail

Streams crisscross the area. Many contain small ponds with Beaver houses or dams.

The word Vedauwoo means "land of the earthborn spirit" in native Arapaho. The granite rock formations that are the main attraction are 1.4 billion years old. Hard as a rock (ha!) this stone resisted erosion and remained long after much softer substrate slowly drained away.

Looking east with Turtle Rock to our backs at Reynold's Hill, our next destination. We'll be crossing that meadow filled with Sagebrush.

Getting closer to Reynold's Hill

If you enjoy rocky scenery, you may wish to check out Mathew Winters Park in Golden and Roxbourough State Park south of Denver for easy hikes and Goose Creek Trail south of Pine for a more strenuous experience. Further away is the Dillon Pinnacles.

A nice view of Renyold's Hill
A map showing the Vedauwoo area. The icon in the lower left is the start of the Turtle Rock Trail. Turtle Rock is obvious on the terrain map. The first icon in the upper right is Reynold's Hill with the Devil's Playground just beyond.

Western Meadowlark

Several times a minute, the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) opens its throat wide and warbles a pleasing "Come to me sweetheart!" cry.

Spring is here and the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is getting frisky. Silent all winter, this member of the blackbird family can be seen on fence posts, tall reeds, or small mounds of earth strutting its stuff and filling the air with a flute like call. I always look forward to the Meadowlark's return.

I watched this Meadowlark for at least a half hour getting closer and closer with my tripod and 500mm lens. Between cries he would fluff his feathers and primp. I think he was quite please with himself.

Feeding mostly on insects, this medium-sized bird nests on the ground, which is why it is common in open fields. The distinctive yellow breast and black bib make this bird easily identifiable even when zooming by at 60 mph.

Roxborough State Park: Fountain Valley Loop

Distance: 2.3 mile loop
Elevation: 6,280 ft - 6,100 ft
Elevation Gain: 180 ft
Dogs: Not permitted, even on leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes
Date Hiked: 9 April 2011

Looking at the dramatic red rocks of Roxborough State Park as a thunderstorm builds in the distance

An afternoon stroll on the Fountain Valley Loop in Roxborough State Park south of Denver is a road trip into the depths of geologic time as well as a wonder to the senses. There is nothing that makes Colorado more like Colorado than red rocks and blue skies.

Looking south through the Fountain Formation from the Fountain Valley Overlook on the west side of the loop. Barren Gamble Oaks shroud the valley while a prominent hump of the Dakota Formation can be seen in the hazy distance.

A topographical map of the area. The Fountain Formation is to the left followed by the Lyons Formation and the Dakota Formation. The Fountain Valley Loop is depicted on the map as well.

The Fountain Valley Loop begins and ends at the visitors center and contains two overlooks with expansive views of the Fountain Formation. The trail is not flat, but is well manicured and easy on the feet.

Looking at the Fountain Formation across a wide meadow

On this trip, the trees were still barren and gray, which made the oxidized rocks stand out even more sharply. If you are like me, however, and get over stimulated by cool rock formations, it won't matter what time of year you go, because the main attraction at Roxborough is rock and lots of it.

Looking up at the Lyons Overlook and Lyons Formation from the Fountain Trail

The Fountain Formation is just one of three formations in the park but the undisputed star of the show. Like giant fins of prehistoric sharks, the blades of red sandstone dominate the scenery. Formed from the eroded sands of the ancestral Rocky Mountains, these rocks have been uplifted to pleasing 60° angle and eroded by wind and rain into soft curvaceous shapes. Isn't geology grand?

Looking back down the loop at the Persee House, a man who thought to turn the area into a resort. The house is open for tours on select days of the week. Call the park for info. The hogback of the Lyons formations is quite obvious directly behind the house.

Not unique to the park, protrusions of this formation can been seen periodically from Boulder to Colorado Springs. It never fails to impress. Check out Mathew Winters Park near the Red Rocks Amphitheater for a pleasant hike through similar protrusions.

Heading up the east side of the loop

The aptly named Lyons Overlook, on the right side of the loop, stands atop the Lyons Formation, which is formed from Permian age wind blown deposits. Its white sandstone contrasts sharply against the red sandstone.

The narrow trail through Gamble Oaks that leads to the Lyons Overlook

To the east of the Lyons Formation is the Dakota Hogback of Cretaceous "my what a lovely snack you would be" fame. The road into the park traverses the east side of this formation and then cuts through it to the parking area. Dinosaur Ridge near Morrison is good place to walk along this formation.

Looking south from the Lyons Overlook. A small Ponderosa Pine clings to the cliff.

If you are one of those people bored with rocks (as if), don't forget to look for one of the 145 species of birds in the park as well as Mule Deer.

Looking north from the Lyons Overlook

Roxborough State Park is a Colorado classic. The fact that even people with disabilities can get access to the amazing geology contained within is an added plus. Locals...you have no excuse. Bring a friend the next time they are in town.

A slab of white Lyons Formation with the monoliths of the Fountain Formation in the distance. I actually took this picture up side down. I was sitting on a bench and bending over to stretch my back when this interesting alignment came into view.

Gray-headed Junco

This Grey-headed Junco (Junco hyemalis) was bouncing around the base of a tree and conveniently hiding behind twigs, throwing off any chance of focusing correctly.

The Gray-headed Junco is one of the six subspecies of the Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). Taken together, this group is one of the most common birds in North America. All six subspecies live in coniferous or mixed woods or patches of brush. They can be seen foraging on the ground or flitting from shrub to shrub.

The rust colored patch is an obvious identifier for this sub-species.

They live in Colorado year round. These pictures are from Roxborough State Park but I have also seen them at Odessa Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Their diet is mainly seeds (notice the strong beak), and insects and will often been seen foraging in groups on the woodland floor.

Juvenile start out brown and sparrow-like but eventually gain their identifying plumage after 2-3 months.