Passport Edition: Blue Sky Trail - October 9, 2016

Where: Blue Sky Trail - Fort Collins, CO
Distance: 6.7 miles
Type: Out and Back with possibilities to link to other trails with a car shuttle
Difficulty: Easy

This passport hike is to the post labeled 'hard.' The 'easy' post is located at Devil's Backbone Open Space which is a hike we did a different day. We took the Blue Sky trail to the post since that's what the passport book said to do, but it can also be reached from Coyote Ridge or from a long hike from Devil's Backbone Open Space as well. All photos on this hike were taken with an iPhone, so the clarity might not be as great.

There was plenty of parking available in the lot for the Blue Sky trail. Part of the reason for the ample parking is probably because this trail seems to be used primarily by bikers. Mountain biking is a popular hobby in northern Colorado and you'll see occasional bikers on trails around here, but some trails get much more use. I would definitely classify this as an 'active/exercise' trail, meaning best for bikers or runners rather than for leisurely hikes. Though the Passport book lists Blue Sky trail for the post I would recommend hiking to the post from Coyote Ridge instead if you want more of a leisurely hike for your day.

Let's start on over at the informational board. Even if I've looked at the map beforehand, I always like to check out the board and re-verify details.

There are a few open spaces in this area and the trails all connect to each other which is pretty nice.

We're heading out under the overpass.

The lands out here are very open which is very characteristic of the Front Range here in Northern Colorado. 

The trail has some ups and downs, but it is nothing too hard. It's just enough to get your heart rate up at times without tiring you out.

We made our way up towards the small half mile loop.

The post is located where the loop starts.

We finished up the loop and headed back the way we came. If you have two cars, a shuttle between Blue Sky and Coyote Ridge might be a fun idea so you can continue on without turning back.

We're almost back now. 

 Jesse decided to run the majority of the trail back to become more in sync with the dynamics of the trail. He waited for me underneath the tree here while I walked on back most of the way.

Tree photos are my favorite.

There was still some yellow rabbit brush in bloom.

The drive by the reservoir is very pretty. People like to take boats out here if you've got one.

Overall, this is a nice trail to visit. Though I'd probably hike the other trails in the area over this one and come here if I want to get a run in.

Trip stats: (Note: The gps mileage is off a little. Not sure why.)

Hike info:
http://larimer.org/parks/bluesky_brochure.pdf

Passport Edition: Ramsay-Shockey Open Space - October 15, 2016

Where: Ramsay-Shockey Open Space, Loveland, CO
Mileage: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy

We're winding down on the Passport hike program for Larimer County. This is my second to last hike, with only one more left to finish. (Though I have yet to post the others I've done!)

This was a beautiful drive to get to in itself aside from the hike. It was a pleasant drive along one way roads with no traffic and wide views to look out upon. I imagined how peaceful it would be to live out along these lands as I passed by ranch homes. The road becomes curvy and adventurous as you near the park entrance.

The trailhead is near Pinewood Lake and a campground. This park seems to be a place where fishing is popular and a short hike is a side dish to a weekend camping/fishing trip rather than a hike starring as the main event.

To start out we'll cross the short bridge and hike up a tiny ways to where the junction for the Shoshone loop starts.

There is another trail here in addition to the Shoshone one, but I did only the Shoshone one that had the post on it.

It was a peaceful start to the day, looking out towards the calm water.

Here is where we'll start our loop. I headed off towards the right.

We travel through the woods. It's not too hard of a hike, only a slight incline.

It's not long before I see the post about halfway along the loop. There is an overlook a little beyond the post you can take a rest at.

Oops, sometimes these posts are a little hard to get clear, but it's recognizable enough.

A plaque on the rock near the post.

Continuing on the second half of the loop, the lake will come into view again.

Heading closer to the water, I come across a few aspen trees. Fall is a good time to visit this park I think.

I like this spot a lot and take some moments to gather a few photographs.

We're almost back. I spot this beautiful tree at it's fall peak, though I'm not sure what type of tree this one is.

I head back across the bridge and finish up the hike.

This was a very short hike ( I even got away with just wearing my crocs, instead of sneakers), but it was just what was needed for the day. Only a few people were out and about on the trails and it was just how a walk through the woods should feel. A restful and calm walk that energizes the soul with fresh air and quietness to soothe the mind.

Trip stats from Gaia Gps:

Well, we're not done yet, we do still need to get the other post in the area to complete the Passport. The next post is just down the road at the campground. There is a kids playground that you can drive up to. This might be the easiest post yet.

No hiking required for this one.

This is the type of place I might not have stumbled across if it were not for the passport program. It would be a good family camping trip for a future weekend if you're looking for something to do that's not too far.


Park info:

https://www.larimer.org/parks/brochure_ramsayshockey.pdf