Hiking and Nature with Angela: January 2019

Monday, January 7, 2019

Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs, CO

Where: Garden of the Gods
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: lots of short trails to choose from

I finally made the 1.75 hour trip down to Garden of the Gods, albeit, half the reason for the trip was for a visit to pick up a new camera lens at the only store that had it in stock. Maybe I have been avoiding it because of all the hype. BUT, I discovered that it definitely lives up to it's expectations. See below for proof of what makes a person question the wonder of life.

The view from the visitor center across the street from the park entrance.

The Entrance

What I was most excited for on this trip, was getting to see Pike's Peak for the first time. This mountain is a 14er, just like Longs Peak in my town. It has similar qualities, but I think everyone knows that Longs Peak is my mountain crush. The views of Pike's Peak were all from a distance and I can't wait to see it up close on a future summertime trip. Seeing Pike's Peak from within Garden of the Gods adds another whole dimension that is hard to rival. Also, a sunny and 50 degree day in January?

Despite all the red rocks in the park, I still love the classic mountain and tree pose.

The park has many short trails. I did just two that I most wanted to see for this time. Starting in the Central Garden, there was plenty to see from a paved trail. I walked the whole paved loop and then went back to meander on some unpaved side trails that I had passed. The upper loop was breathtaking and I'm glad I ventured back to explore it.

January 2019

When I'm hiking sometimes there is a rare moment of heightened gratitude in a particularly beautiful place when I look up and can hardly believe the place I've just stepped into. This was one of those places. Colorado, why are you so beautiful?

After exploring the most popular trail, I ventured to my next sights. The Siamese Twins.

Nature astounding once again.

Close Up

But wait there's more.

There's a perfect sized window that gives you a view of Pikes Peak. What more could you wish for?

A last view of Pikes Peak

Quote of the Day:

"No why. Just here."

~John Cage

Golden Ponds - Longmont, CO

Where: Golden Ponds
Difficulty: Walk in the park
Distance: Short

Golden Ponds is the neighborhood friend, frequently visited, seen in many seasons. A simple place, yet beautiful in seemingly subtle ways. I have been here a few years now, and I never tire of catching a glimpse of Long's Peak from anywhere I stand.

October 2018

My latest visit this past fall, I tried to catch the peak of the fall colors. We had a day of a good amount of snow and the chance of colors appeared to vanish overnight. I went twice in one week. The first was too early for peak. Snow arrived. The next day fall disappeared. That's how it goes sometimes. The views were still splendid none the less.