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

Royal Arch, Chautauqua Park - Boulder, CO - October 30, 2016

Where: Chautauqua Park Boulder, CO
Destination: Royal Arch
Type: Out and Back with options for short loops
Mileage: 5 miles with added optional loops
Difficulty: Hard due to elevation gain: approx. 1,400 ft

This was my first visit to highly trafficed Chautauqua park in Boulder Colorado. I arrived early in the morning so I was able to park at the very small lot near the Enchanted Mesa trail, but there is a larger area available for parking where the Chautauqua trail leaves off from. I was actually looking for this lot, but ended up at the other lot due to my gps directions. Because these trails are so close to town, there will be a lot of people on the trails and it may take a bit of time to find a parking spot if arriving mid-day.

In looking at the park map below, it looks a bit overwhelming with all the choices on where to go. I aimed to hike to Royal Arch for the day and planned to hike there and back, adding on loops as I felt up to it. There are signs along the trails as well so you probably won't get lost despite the confusing map below.

I started along the McClintock trail and took the most direct route over to the arch.

You'll catch glimpses of the infamous Flatirons between openings in the forest as you start your gradual climb up.

The forecast called for a cloudy day and the flatirons were encircled in wispy clouds that created a whimsical scenery for the early morning.

There are some signs that warn about bears in the area. I didn't see any bears, but good to be cautious.

The trail continues on until you reach a junction indicating the Royal Arch.

From here the trail takes a turn for the worst for a flatlander. Up, up and away we go.

The stairs below are what you'll see for the rest of the hike up. It does get pretty steep so take breaks when needed.

First you''ll reach the Sentinel Pass. I thought this was where the arch was at first, but it's a false summit. The arch is another .23 miles away.

Climb a bit more and you'll see your first glimpse of the arch.

Random person hanging out in the arch.

 There are a few spots to sit and rest around the arch. Walk through and under and take in the scenery around you.

View of the arch from the other side.

View while sitting on an opposing rock.

View looking outwards towards Boulder.

 Okay, time to head back. Heading down the way I came, I decide to add on the Flatirons loop when I arrived to the junction.

It's a short up then down gradual hike. I was hoping they'd be a good view of the Flatirons from here, but it was a mostly wooded and shielded walk with one little boulder field to cross.

This loop is where you'd go to access the actual Flatirons. A Flatiron hike wasn't going to make it into the plans for today, but it will have to be a hike of it's own in the future.

An informational sign.

I took the Enchanted Mesa double loop back in place of the McClintock trail. The Enchanted Mesa was a nice wide and gradual trail with tall grass. The second loop I actually took by mistake as I missed the crossover, but it had good views looking out towards Boulder.

Some last views of the Flatirons on my way back.

Overall, it was a nice hike and worth checking out. It may not be my first choice as it's not the quietest or most peaceful place to be, but a good choice when you don't feel like venturing too far out of the way.

Stats info from Gaia GPS: