Dome Rock

Distance: 11 mile loop
Elevation: 8,788 ft - 9,742 ft (maximum elevation)
Elevation Gain: 839 ft (net), 2,160 ft (cumulative)
Dogs: Not allowed
Bathroom at the trailhead: Yes
Date Hiked: 7 October, 2012

Dome Rock is a magnetically attractive extrusion of Pike's Peak Granite.  Just being near it will make you say wow!

The Dome Rock Loop in the Dome Rock State Wildlife Area adjacent to Mueller State Park near Cripple Creek Colorado is a long, and at times arduous trek to an impressive "Devil's Tower"-sized protrusion of pink Pikes Peak Granite. The route varies from soft dirt amidst Aspen groves, to get-your-feet-wet stream crossings, and finally to gravel strewn deer paths on steep sloping hillsides.  Because of the challenges in terrain as well as the overall distance, I can only recommend this to the hardiest of hikers. If you are not scared off but such trivialities, however, then you will love the geology, solitude, and diversity of flora that this area has to offer.

There are two trailheads. This one starts the loop heading clockwise.

The initial part of the route heads up this valley.

A quick note before you race out the door...50% of this loop is closed from December 1st to July 15th each year to protect the local Big Horned Sheep. Don't let this discourage you, however. With all the Aspens in the southern portion of the route, you'll want to go in the fall anyway.

There are two parking lots at the trailhead. Since we did this as a loop, we chose to park in the lot where we would be coming OUT and therefore save ourselves an additional 0.2 miles at the end.

The first half of the route weaves in and out of Aspens.

A typical false summit on one of the many hills

While you can take this loop in any direction, I was with a friend who was familiar with the area and she chose to take the loop clockwise so we headed due south on the Willow Creek Trail. This trail climbs steadily along a wide dirt road surrounded by Aspen trees. It weaves up and down with occasional views of the surround hillsides until it reaches its highest point at around 9,742 ft. With so many false summits along the way, you won't realize you have crested until the last ascent is well behind you.

At 3.0 miles we came to the junction of the Sand Creek Trail. I would not recommend taking this route because at the far end, the trail intersect a flooded valley that you will have to either slog across or go around. Our route will have to deal with this area as well, but in a less dramatic way. 

I need to make a comment about maps at this point. I have two maps to the area. One is the standard National Geographic Topo Map and the other is a trail map provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. While similar, the placement and route of the Sand Creek Trail is totally different on these two maps. Given my GPS mileage to the junction, the National Geo map is more accurate.

A Mule Deer watches us cautiously as we go by.

Many of the views from the false summits are of Aspen strew hillsides.

Trail closure sign

The junction with the Spring Creek Trail is only 0.3 miles beyond the junction with the Sand Creek Trail. There is a VW-sized sign indicating the seasonal closure dates I mentioned earlier, so it will be impossible to miss. From this point on the trail will descend and descend 2.5 additional miles through Aspens galore. At times benign, and at other times steep, this part of the route is on a narrow dirt track that is easy to follow.

Further along, walls on either side will begin to close in as the route descends through a sharp canyon. The wall on the right hand side is actually Dome Rock, but it won't be apparent until you break out into the meadow on its far western side. Other huge rock formations surround the area as well and they were quite alluring until we were far enough way from Dome Rock to turn around and bask in its immensity.

Heading down towards Dome Rock is on a more narrow rutted trail.

The valley around Dome Rock is bordered by high rock walls.

Dome Rock from the side

If you have not guessed by now, Dome Rock is impressive. Like the Thumb of God protruding forcefully from the ground, you can almost feel the magnetism of that much fire-formed granite. We ate our lunch in the meadow near the junction of the Dome Rock Trail at 6.2 miles in. This trail is not on the Division of Wildlife Map.

From this point the route travels up and over the shoulder of another large, bulbous out cropping of rock until it turns eastward for the long slog back up to the parking lot.  It is this portion of the route that things get tricky.

The first stream crossing.  This one is required to get to the meadow with the views of Dome Rock. Even in late fall it was ankle deep.

The meadow around Dome Rock.  A great place for lunch.

If you look on the map, the route crosses the stream to the southern side and then continues up the canyon. This entire area has been turned into a swamp by the local beavers and the original trail, which crisscrosses the area is under water. There is no warning signs about this, and if you follow the well trodden route you will find yourself lost, and not happy snuggling up to the buck-toothed cause of your frustrations. My hiking companion and the one couple we saw on the other side yelling at each other in "you did this to me (*%&@$#)(%!!!!" staccato sentences can attest to it.

After the meadow, the route heads up this drainage before turning to the right at its far end.

The initial rabbit tail on the left side of the flooded valley.  At times difficult to follow and at others very obvious, staying on the left side of the valley will keep you dry.

The way to escape, is to look around carefully at the first water crossing for a small rabbit trail leading off into the shrubby.  Follow this and STAY on this side of the river, no matter how tempting the main trail is and you will find your way out of the canyon. The route on this side of the swamp is at times easy to follow and at times wanders through the shrubbery. If such route finding is something you don't like, turn around at Dome Rock and retrace your steps. 

Because the water covers most of the valley floor, the route on this side is further up the hillside and therefore occasionally traverses some steep, gravel strewn terrain. While you won't fall to your death is you slip, you will come away with some road rash and possibly a twisted ankle. A hiking pole would mitigate the hazards of these segments.

Looking down into the flooded valley.  The original trail is across the water at the edge of the pine trees.

Another view of the left-hand route with bogs to the right.

At 8.6 miles you will come to the ruins of the Jack Rabbit Lodge. There is a trail junction here as well. Remember you stay straight or you will find yourself deep with the confines of Mueller State Park and very far from your car. 

At 10.4 miles is a bridge. Stay left here and you will reach the upper parking lot at 11 miles after a steep climb out of the canyon.

While I can't recommend this area to everyone, I had a blast. While fatigued and ready for a beer at the end, the unique scenery and the unexpected challenges made it all worth while.  If you consider yourself a seasoned hiker, give Dome Rock a try. The Aspens alone will wow you.

The path on a steeper hillside

Finally out of the flooded valley the route is clear sailing on a well defined trail.  It just goes UP quite a bit before you reach the trailhead.

Doudy Draw to Community Ditch

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,670 ft - ~5,770 ft
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Bathroom at Trailhead: No but there is one 0.5 miles up the trail
Dogs: Off leash with Boulder green tag
Date Hiked: 29 March 2013
Parking fee for non-Boulder county residents
Tags: #Boulder, #osmp, #hiking

Looking west at the Flatirons on the expansive Community Ditch Trail

The Doudy Draw to Community Ditch Trail near Eldorado Springs is a flat route that traverses a wide-open expanse of prairie between Boulder and Highway 128. There are two ways to take this out and back route.  This post describes starting at the Doudy Draw Trailhead on Eldorado Springs Road. This option has the advantage of providing a parking lot and bathroom (half a mile up the trail).  The downside is a parking fee that Boulder charges for non-residents. It is possible to start this route from Hwy 93 if you are willing to scrunch your car onto the shoulder of this busy highway. There is room for one to two cars where the ditch itself crosses over to the Marshall Mesa Trail System. This option would not be suitable if you have children or dogs that might bolt into the perpetual traffic racing up the road. 

Starting out on the smooth Doudy Draw Trail

The bathroom/picnic area at 0.5 miles

Starting at the parking lot, the first 0.5 miles up the route is on the Doudy Draw Trail nestled between two low, grass-covered hills. This trail is a wide, smooth,  gravel path that is wheelchair accessible. It ends at a small picnic area and bathroom.  50 yards beyond this is the junction with the Community Ditch Trail which heads westward and gradually climbs between more rolling hills. 

Heading towards the junction with the Community Ditch Trail

The ditch

The Community Ditch Trail weaves back and forth for 1.9 miles as it follows the ditch across the praire landscape.  0.5 miles past the original junction is a cattle gate. From this point on the views behind you of the Flatirons grow along with serene views of the grasslands to the north.  Only a few houses dot the landscape to mare the serenity of the route. This portion of the route is more rutted and rocky, but is still an easy jaunt.

The initial part of the Community Ditch Trail is wide with easy access to the water for the four-legged ones.

Looking down into a draw

The turn around point is Highway 93, or for a longer outing, one can attempt to cross the highway to Marshall Mesa and its 3 mile trail loop. The Colorado Department of Transportation is planning on building an underpass at this location as part of its widening of Highway 93.  That will be a welcome addition indeed for the plethora of mountain bikers who routinely risk their lives riding across the road.

A typical segment of the route.  Note the ever present ditch (not always wet) and rutted road (from mountain bikers)

Looking west as the trail winds across an open hillside

Spring and fall are a great time to hike the Community Ditch Trail.  It is warmer when the more exposed trails are wind swept, and it is less popular than other nearby trails. It is great for a trail run or stroll with the dogs.

Another S-curve in the trail

The further west you go, the more dramatic the views to the north.  All we need are a few Buffalo!

Oregon: Riverview Nature Trail

Distance: 2 miles round trip
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes
Date Hiked: 22 May 2012

The Chetco River can be occasionally glimpsed along the Riverview Trail in Loeb State Park Oregon

The Riverview Nature Trail in Loeb State Park Oregon, is a short scenic jaunt through a damp, moss covered world. I took my parents there on vacation last year and it was just one of the hikes we did that day. While a one way trip was sufficient for them, we continued on to the Redwood Nature Trail, which starts just where this trail ends. While the Redwood Nature Trail journeys through towering...can you guess...Redwoods, the Riverview trail follows along the Chetco River. With the lush foliage, you don't see the river that often, but the the trip is pleasant none-the-less.

The start of the trail is broad and flat

This Wood Rose is normally pink but has turned white just before its petals drop off. 

The route is damp earth and gravel with a few bridges, some twists and turns that required the parental units to take care, and the occasional encroaching root. On this trip it was early May and the weather was drizzling and slightly cold. In the dry season, this trail will take on a totally different aspect and a dip in the river may become an enticing prospect.

Eventually the trail narrows and the ferns close in. 

Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra formosa), provide splash of color in a world of overwhelming green

This is a nature trail with markers every so often. Pick up a brochure at the entrance if you wish to learn more about the plants that live in the area. We learned that Salmon spawn in the river and its tributaries, that poison oak is not just a myth, and how to identify the Western Hemlock, Red Alder, and Oregon Myrtle. To a Coloradan, these were all exotics!

A steeper hill that was problematic for my parents 

Ascending to the road. The Redwood Nature Trail is just  ahead. 

You get to Loeb State Park and the Redwood Nature Trail just beyond by driving 10 miles up County Road 784 out of Brookings Oregon. There are picnic tables and a campground in the area.

The local Sasquatchs have joined the "this section of road sponsored by" club.  I was tempted dump out my pockets next to this sign hoping to get a picture of the guardian.  I would be rich beyond the dreams of avarice!

Meyer Ranch Winter Hike

Distance: 4.3 miles round trip
Elevation: 7,940 ft - 8,770 ft
Elevation Gain: 830 ft (net), 899 ft (cumulative)
Date Hiked: 3 Feb 2013
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes, but up the trail, not in the parking lot
Dogs: On leash (Jefferson County Open Space)

Meyer Ranch

Meyer Ranch is a small open space on Hwy 285 near Conifer CO that is very popular with the locals. We did this trail on a cool Superbowl Sunday and expected to have it all to ourselves. Instead, the parking lot was packed and the trail was far from empty. I can't image what it would be like on a nice, dry sunny day.

This open space blankets a pine-shaded, north-facing hillside, which means that while the areas to the north of Hwy 285 were bone dry, this trail was covered in snow. Microspikes came in very handy, and we did not see anyone with out them. 

We decided to try Meyer Ranch because we really needed some close-to-Denver elevation gain. While 800 ft is not a lot, it is better than a lot of other trails we have already tried. The area consists of two loops stacked on top of each other followed by a longer lollypop loop that shoots straight up the hillside. 

The downside of Meyer Ranch is that it is always in the trees. The Jefferson County brochure talked about great views to the northwest from the uppermost trail, but that is really not true. There is one spot with a log bench with some views but this is lower than the highest point and the views were not that great. In summer, the shade is probably a blessing, but in winter, it made for a colder experience than we were expecting.

Parking lot

The trails in Meyer Ranch head up across this meadow and up the pine covered hill

Since we were interested in maximum elevation gain, we took the Owl Perch Trail (0.7 miles) to the eastern side of the Lodgepole Loop (0.2 miles), then the uppermost side of the Sunny Aspen Trail (0.5 miles) to the Old Ski Run (0.7 miles plus a 0.6 mile loop). Note that total distance, which comes from the brochure, is 4.8 miles. My GPS registered 4.3.

Typical snowy segment

The one view point

At 2.25 miles, which was near the end of the upper most loop taken counter clockwise, is a small spur trail to a large pile of boulders. This area was open, sunny and dry. While it would make a nice lunch spot for a large group, some unfortunately placed trees blocked the views from the top of the pile itself.

A trail segment on the upper trail

The boulder pile

I have driven by Meyer Ranch countless times and now my curiosity is satisfied. With the dog leash restrictions and forested aspect of the trail it won't become a favorite, but it doesn't mean it can't be yours. It would make for a fun and easy trail run.

Oregon: Redwood Nature Trail

Distance: 1.1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 290 ft
Date Hiked: 22 May 2012
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes

Coastal Redwoods are the star of the Redwood Nature Trail

No journey to the southern Oregon coast is complete without a stroll through a swampy Redwood Forest. The Redwood Nature Trail, in the Siskayo National Forest near Brookings Oregon, loops through the northernmost Coastal Redwood grove in the U.S. and is a great day trip for those touring the area.

Map of the loop

No surface is without its cover of greenery

Coastal Redwoods are the tallest living thing on earth. Heights over 300 ft ... can you say 27 stories... and 20 ft in diameter are not uncommon. This grove is old growth which means that some of the trees are over 2,000 years old. Fie to you Europeans who say the U.S. has no ancient monuments!

The lower riparian environment is overflowing with shrubs

Entering the zone of Redwoods. Note the Sword Ferns along the trail.

The temperate rain forest that is a haven for these trees also promotes the growth of other plants.  Moss drips from every branch like a drag queens gone wild with green feathered boas. Tanoaks, Douglas Firs, and Bigleaf  Maples compete with the Redwoods for sunlight. Meanwhile Ferns, Rhododendrons, and Huckleberry's fight and unseen battle for the choices spots in the undercarriage.

The grove gets thicker

And taller...

A journey on the Redwood Nature Trail is like walking in a giant terrarium. I kept expecting giant lizards to come slithering through on their way to their food bowl. The route starts out in a mixed hardwood forest, crosses a stream and then steadily heads upwards. It is the upper part of the loop, in a more drained environments that the king of trees reigns. You won't have any trouble identifying these titans, the ache in your neck will give them away.

It was hard not to linger and wonder at these trees.

Leaving the grove and heading back to the car.  Lady Ferns dominated this trail segment.

We took our time and lingered in the upper reaches of the loop before heading back downhill to the parking lot. There are markers every so often that match the brochure we picked up at the trailhead so you can learn about the teeming diversity all around you if so inclined.

Crossing the creek again just before the trailhead

We did this trail after hiking the Riverview Trail in Loeb State Park. The two connect for a 3 mile round trip excursion. You get to Loeb State Park and the Redwood Nature Trail just beyond by driving 10 miles up County Road 784 out of Brookings Oregon. There is a parking lot and bathroom on the left.