If you look at a 3D map of Colorado Springs, you will notice a huge area of uplift that runs like a big diagonal through the heart of town, southeast to northwest. Starting from the southeastern corner of Palmer Park, these bluffs form an essentially continuous rise through Palmer Park, Austin Bluffs Open Space, Pulpit Rock Park, and Ute Valley Park, all the way until they run into the foothills.
They rise up and down many times, creating peaks and valleys. Like a giant put his hand down from heaven, we mere mortals are left on the ground to scale each finger individually.
That's how I ran 13 miles this morning, with almost 2000 feet elevation gain, right in the heart of town.
I started out by ascending Edna Mae Nature Trail Palmer Park, coming up to the top of the first mesa I'd cross. I descended the Yucca trail into Lazyland and then encircled the northern side of the park, westbound. I went through the pedestrian underpass at Austin Bluffs & Union, beginning my ascent of the UCCS bluffs after a short uphill jog through the eastern part of the campus.
Soon, twilight began to illuminate my climb near the top of the UCCS bluffs.
I topped out the UCCS bluffs, crossed the street,, and immediately entered into Austin Bluffs Open Space on a new trail that I'd never been on before. The trail climbed gently along a prominent ridgeline until an open view of Pikes Peak popped out right in front of me!
I was amazed that I've been living so close to this gorgeous trail for so many years and didn't even know it existed. How awesome!!
After a short yet steep descent from this bluff, I entered one of the pretty meadows with the sunrise beginning to illuminate the fields.
The grasses in the meadows were beginning to get a little bit golden, and there was a distinct chill in the morning air that indicated it was already mid-August, well beyond the peak of summer.
The sun took a long time to actually peek above the horizon, and the morning twilight seemed to last forever. More indications of the rapid approach of autumn!
Around every new bend in the trail was more unique rock formations. Many of these formations are ones I've seen in photos, without knowing the exact location of them in the real world. That is, until now!
The sunrise and the photogenic clouds just got better and better as I continued on this fascinating trail loop.
Austin Bluffs Open Space truly is a hidden gem. I was a little hesitant about even posting this blog (it's too good of a find to give away!) But then I realized that very few people read my blog, anyway. :)
After I completed my journey through Austin Bluffs Open Space, I descended through University Heights and crossed over Union, coming to the north side of Union Meadows Open Space. This small open space is still blossoming with late-summer colors.
As I continued my southbound trek, I returned to Palmer Park's northwest corner, and decided to complete my adventure for the day by returning along the Palmer Point trail, which hugs the western border of the park.
By this time, the sun was brightly lighting the hillsides in the foreground and the mountains behind. Wispy patterns high in the sky made for a very picturesque view to the west on this clear day. (So glad the smoke from the fires isn't here at least for today.)
As I finally returned home and got a chance to soak in all I'd just seen, I realized how much beauty there is to appreciate so close to me.
I'm thankful I found this particular trail loop, which is close, convenient, and will make a good winter training loop that won't require a trip to the mountains.
Of course, I'm still looking forward to some mountain adventures this late-summer and autumn as well. I am just biding my time and waiting for completely smoke-free days to return to the Front Range!
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