Tenderfoot

Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 9,256 ft - 9,821 ft
Elevation Gain: 565 ft
Dogs: Off Leash
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Tags: #dillon, #lakedillon, #summitcounty, #hiking, #coloradooutdoors

The easy Tenderfoot trail offers stunning views of Lake Dillon

The Tenderfoot Trail near Dillon Colorado is a short but scenic outing up a west-facing hillside with "living the dream" views of both Lake Dillon and the Tensile Range. It is great as an after work doggie outing or an early morning stroll before the heat of the day.

The water treatment facility entrance near the parking lot

The road just as it exits the Water Treatment Facility

A first glimpse of Lake Dillon and Peak One in the Tenmile Range

A sure sign of fall in Summit County are the Rose Hips. 

Approaching the official trailhead

To get to the trail, head up highway 6 going to Dillon from Silverthorne. At the last stop light on the top of the hill (Lutheran Church on the left) take a left and then an IMMEDIATE right onto Road 51. A short distance up this road is a large, fenced complex for construction vehicles. On the right, as the road begins to climb, is a small parking area. There is a small sign pointing out the spot. Above the parking area is the Dillon Water Treatment Facility. The route actually starts on that property, so don't be confused.

Close up of the trailhead

Looking south along the rolling hills

Heading upwards

A dirt road exits the facility and heads southward along a now clear cut hillside. Around 0.25 miles is the official trailhead with an obvious U.S. Forest Service sign. From this point the trail heads upwards along the dry slopes of Tenderfoot Mountain.

Yellow Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) is a late blooming plant that often grows near Sagebrush

A trail segment near a clear cut area

Looking north at the Gore Range

Sagebrush, and Yellow Rabbitbrush dominate the flora for most of the route. Lodgepole pine and Aspen make a showing as well as Lupine in the summer.

Views of Lake Dillon abound on this trail

A Lodgepole segment

Grasshopper identification is not easy. 

An Aspen segment with Lake Dillon in the distance

Looking north from the final bench at 1.25 miles

The end of the trail sign at 1.35 miles

Close up of some Yellow Rabbitbrush

Here are some milestones: 0.69 miles to the first bench, 0.90 miles to a power line tower on the left, 1.25 miles to a final bench, and 1.35 miles to an official "end of the trail" sign.

South Boulder Peak via Shadow Canyon

Trail Length: 6.7 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,645 ft - 8,549 ft
Elevation Gain: 3,039 ft
Critters: Mountain Blue Birds

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes

Dogs: Off leash with OSMP voice and sight tag

Date Hiked: March 2008
Tags: #boulder, #osmp, #peak, #hiking, #coloradooutdoors

Looking north towards Green Mountain from the summit of South Boulder Peak 

Climbing to the summit of South Boulder Peak in Boulder, Colorado is an arduous adventure that is like climbing a 14er without the altitude. The lower part of the route is on dirt trails, but the last half is up the slopes of Shadow Canyon, a rock filled gorge that will require some route finding and rock scrambling skills.

Note in 2013, a small fire on the top of the peak burnt most of the trees on the summit as well as the saddle below. 

Heading up the Homestead Trail

The ascent via Shadow Canyon begins at the Eldorado Canyon/Mesa Trail trailhead. The hiker can ascend the Homestead, Towee, or Mesa Trails to the base of Shadow Canyon. This trip we chose the Homestead trail because it was a bit steeper (for maximum pain) and dogs are allowed on it off leash.

The Homestead Trail briefly intersects the Towee trail before it runs into the fire road, near the ruins of the Debacker cabin that leads Shadow Canyon. The road switch backs upwards and in its final curve to the north, dead-ends at the base of the canyon itself near the ruins of the Stockton Cabin with its large section of water pipe. This is where the trail gets interesting.

A typical trail segment in Shadow Canyon.  Narrow, rocky,  and straight up. 

From this point on, the route ascends upwards 1,620 ft in one roughly one mile. The trail is dark with pine, encrusted with boulders and scree, and poorly defined. In early spring, the trail can be covered in a mix of snow and black ice. 

There are no views per say in the canyon itself except for glimpse of the Devil’s Thumb along the right wall about a third of the way up, and of valley below from the switch backs that start about two thirds of the way up. The saddle itself is flat and covered in more Ponderosa and Lodgepole pine. 

One of the only viewpoints on the trail

From the saddle, you can go to the east and ascend and additional 281 ft in 0.3 miles to Bear Peak or head to the west and ascend an additional 369 ft in 0.2 miles to South Boulder Peak. The summit is a small scree field with lots of nooks and crannies. The views from the peak are expansive but watch out for storm clouds, which have a habit of building on top of these peaks. 

South Table Mountain...Quaker Rd Approach

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,890 ft - 6,343 ft
Elevation Gain: 453 ft (net), 700 ft (cumulative)
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Dogs: Off leash (until Jefferson County takes over)
Date Hiked: April 8, 2012
Tags: #Golden, #JeffersonCountyOpenSpace, #travel, #hiking

Castle Rock comes into view on South Table Mountain

Terrain map of South Table Mountain showing the location of the Colorado State Forestry building where you can park on weekends.

For those who travel to Golden, Colorado there is nothing better than spending an afternoon strolling across the sun drenched expanses of South Table Mountain (or North Table Mountain for that matter).  This post describes the jaunt across South Table Mountain to Castle Rock from the south starting at the intersection of Quaker Street and Golden Hills Road.  I have also hiked to the top from the east up the "Laubahn Trail".  The route in this post is longer and more gradual while the Laubahn route is straight up the side for shorter, heart-pumping experience.

Starting out the trail that parallels Quaker Street

Initial meadow where they plan to build a parking lot.  Two trails head up to the top of the mesa.

There is one thing you should know before heading out to South Table Mountain.  The area is crisscrossed with social trails, none of them marked.  If wandering about and possibly taking the wrong route is something that fills you will joy, then this trail is for you.  On the other hand if uncertainty fills you with dread, choose North Table Mountain, its trails are well marked. 

The route will head towards the power line tower in the upper left and then turn right following the power lines northwards.

Spring brings flowers to the shrubs

Parking in Golden is always a challenge, but for this route, on the weekend at least, you can park in the parking lot of the Colorado State Department of Forestry at 1504 Quaker Street.  During the week you will have to fight to find street parking.  The area is residential and the locals don't appreciate their driveways being blocked by visitors.

Passing the trail at 1.3 miles leading off the mesa to the Rim Rock neighborhood.  Don't take this left.

Prickly Pear Cactus dominates some of the drier patches.

From the parking lot the route heads up Quaker Street, which after crossing Golden Hills Road, turns to dirt and continues cross the mesa.  There is a foot path that parallels the road just to the west.  We decided to take this since it is more natural.   This path quickly dumps into a small depression with several trails crossing it.  Jefferson County has purchased South Table Mountain and plans to turn it into a formalized Open Space.  The county plans to put the parking lot in this depression since it is convenient to city streets and relatively flat.  This is unfortunate, since this small meadow is rather attractive.

At 1.8 miles Castle Rock can now be seen in the distance.

Approaching Castle Rock

The route across South Table Mountain is relatively flat with a few mild ups and downs.  It traverses open grassland spotted with shrubbery, Prickly Pear Cactus, and power lines.  The views are urban, with most of Golden being visible from above.  To get to Castle Rock, which once held a casino and illegal drinking establishment, we just kept take the trail to the left particularly at the major intersections at 0.6 miles 0.9 miles.  This is not a perfect recipe but this rule combined with a little common sense will get you to the flat rock that was also once a meeting place for the KKK.  These hooded locals were known to dance across the rock and burn crosses for all to see.  For some reason Coors Beer has not made that part of their advertising campaign! Take care around 1.3 miles.  A trail heads sharply left down off the mesa to the Rim Rock neighborhood.  Instead, head toward the power lines and follow the trail as it turns northward.  You'll finally see Castle Rock in the distance at around 1.8 miles.

The view of North Table Mountain from Castle Rock

Looking down on the Lubahn Trail from Castle Rock

In summer South Table Mountain will be a frying pan, so take to this trail in the spring when the grasses start to green and Mule Deer can be seen grazing in the distance.  If you are starved for a place to let your dogs roam free like I am, visit South Table Mountain sooner rather than later.  Once it is formally controlled by Jefferson County, the trails will be marked, but dogs will have to be on leash.   I may be moving to Idaho soon, to find a place where dogs can still be dogs.

Looking southwest into Golden from Castle Rock

Abby likes the freedom of South Table Mountain

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

Loch Vale + Mills Lake Snowshoe

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip (4.4 round trip to the Loch Vale only)
Elevation: 9,200 ft - 9,940 ft (Mills Lake), 10,258 ft (Loch Vale)
Elevation Gain: 1,137 ft (Loch Vale) 1,400 ft (both lakes)
Bathroom at the Trailhead: Yes
Dogs: Not allowed, National Park

Tags: #coloradooutdoors, #snowshoe, #rmnp, #winter

Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park 

Mills Lake

If your mother was a Yeti, then you'll enjoy snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park. I don't know what it is about this area, but while skiers on the other side of the Continental Divide can be basking in blue skies and mild conditions, snowshoers in the park will be blessed with churning vortices of snow that mask the peaks and drive all but the hardiest into hibernation.

Parking lot at Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park

To add to the fun, the winter trails in this part of the park are very different from the summer trails and unmarked to boot. Do not attempt this unless someone has already forged a trail for you or you are really good at reading terrain. Examine the map below. The summer trail is marked on the map as a grey line while the winter trail is indicated with red arrows. The trick is finding the location of where the two split from each other.

Terrain map showing the summer trail (grey line) and the winter route (red arrows). 

The summer trail, for those who have done it, winds up a series of switchbacks and then skirts along a shelf looking down into Glacier Gorge until Glacier Junction, the intersection of the trails for Loch Vale, Mills Lake and Lake Haiyaha. The winter trail skips this entirely. It starts out following a drainage, turns left around East Glacier Knob before arriving at Glacier Junction (at 1.4 miles). From this point the winter trail to Mills Lake is close to the summer trail. The route to the Loch Vale however stays in the drainage and actually climbs up what is a waterfall in summer.

Starting out

Once off the summer trail and onto the drainage, the route wanders in and out of trees. It is strange to think there may actually be 10 feet of snow between you and the frozen stream below. As the season warms, sink holes form above the water creating the opportunity to fall in without a trace.

Rock face

Starting out in the trees

On this trip we went to the Loch Vale first (2.2 miles one way), so after hitting Glacier Junction, we turned right at the hitching post, barely visible in the drifts, and headed up the lake's drainage. This part of the route is a calf-killing climb in the best of years but earlier in the season or in a season with little snow, can be death defying. March is a great time to do this route because there is generally more snow and the temperatures are not so daunting.

Parts of the route can be very thick with snow

Along the sides of the drainage, icicles the size of surf boards dangle from the walls. This is not a route suited for skiers, however, who may find the steepness and vicinity of bone crushing protuberances a bit risky.

Heading up the waterfall

Climbing over the lip of the drainage/waterfall is a life changing experience. In early winter the lake is host to preternatural winds that will freeze the eyeballs in your head and they hit you the moment you arrive. It is still another hundred and fifty yards to the edge of the lake, so have your baklavas and goggles handy. If you are lucky, you'll see the lake and not remain frozen there until spring. If you are not lucky you will assume the lake is there and beat a hasty retreat. Be advised that as cold as it is, the water near the shore may or may not be totally frozen. On at least two trips we rescued hapless snowshoers who had fallen through the ice.

The Loch Vale on a typically lovely day in winter.

The return route is straight back down the drainage, which is amazingly steep in retrospect. Near the bottom veer off to the right and search for the large frozen waterfall that hangs precipitously over the cliff face. The ice here is large, usually tainted brown, and braced by a slope of deep snow. Bushwhacking in deep snow may be required but the view will be worth it.

Climbing up to the frozen waterfall 

To get to Mills Lake, retrace your steps to Glacier Junction and then follow the other tracks away from your original route. Again, this is not a place to get lost in so hopefully someone else will have tracked the route in advance.

Frozen Mills Lake

What I like about Mills Lake in winter is the pile of driftwood that covers is lower end. These skeletal remains lie tumbled amid drifting snow, a harsh and picturesque reminder of the severity of nature. Think of the Elk, the deer, and the Marmot, existing upon that frozen tableau, and then think about your heating blanket, double espresso maker, and fire place. Count your blessings that you are a Primate!

Frozen logs at the end of Mills Lake

The soul needs a reboot once in a while; so don’t let my description deter you from venturing out on this lovely trail. It is a unique experience. Just take care that the trails are tracked and that you are prepared for changing weather conditions.