It has been about a month since my last update. I've been keeping to a twice-weekly outdoor running schedule, with supplemental training on the treadmill.

I'm always looking for times when trails are empty. Additionally, I use my buff as a face mask in case I do come across anyone on the trails. Without further ado, I'll share the places we have been checking out this last month.

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On April 30th, we toured the South Platte River corridor on our way north, stopping briefly to check out the rushing river.

We soon ended up in the small town of Bailey, CO, near the north entrance to the Lost Creek Wilderness. I started my run from the north trailhead for the Brookside-McCurdy trail. I really wish I had more time to explore this place! I made a little over 9 miles (out and back) on the winding, woodsy trail that serves as an access point for the Lost Creek.

This trail in particular was quite a climb, and I reached 9500 feet before I had to turn around. There were still some pretty large snow patches as I got higher up. The Lost Creek Wilderness is filled with tall aspens and distant views.

I'm hoping to be able to return to this trail for a longer run sometime this summer. Due to our late-in-the-day timing, I only passed three hikers in the first mile on this run and saw no one else the whole time.

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On May 4th, we went to Chatfield State Park. This large reservoir sits just south and west of Denver. Since this was a Monday, it was relatively quiet compared to other times of the week. I circumnavigated the whole reservoir on the paved path. It was a somewhat windy day, but the sun was out and I got really sunburnt! A reminder that the Colorado summer sun is already upon us.

I was very happy to complete the whole 11.4 mile loop, with awesome views of the res below when running across the dam.

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On May 8th, we went to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, northeast of Denver. There are several parts to this refuge, including a bison area (no foot trails in that part of the refuge!)

First we looked at the bison, then I ran a short 6 mile out-and-back on the lovely trails (not in the bison area.)

Then I hiked with Alex and the kids a little more (bonus mileage!)

Then we drove the wildlife loop (one way drive) as the sun was setting, seeing plenty of deer, rabbits, and antelope.

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On May 12th, we made another return trip to Columbine Open Space. This quiet single-trail open space near Larkspur has been a good place to go on evenings when there aren't many people out.

This time, I made exactly 10 miles by running to the Frink Creamery Trailhead and back.

I never saw another person this day. Even the Frink Creamery Trailhead was empty.

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On May 16th, Alex took me to the eastern Rock Island Trail outside of Falcon, CO, and dropped me off for a 10 miles out-and-back towards Peyton. This was an interesting evening, as storms lingered over Colorado Springs, but I avoided any rain where I was running.

I crossed the Historic Black Squirrel Creek Bridge midway through the run.

Although really flat, this run was challenging for me.

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On May 20th, I set out at sunset at Spruce Meadows Open Space. I got a couple sunset photos, but soon the stars were out. Amazingly, the night was so clear that I could almost, but not quite, see the milky way. It was very windy, and this probably contributed to the clear air and open skies.

I made 7 miles on that clear and windy night.

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Finally, last night, May 23rd, I set out late from Spruce Mountain Open Space. The last car was just leaving as we arrived, and I had the nighttime trails to myself.

I ran an 8 mile loop, which I'm counting as this year's Memorial Weekend run.

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It's been an interesting month! As it rains and pours right now, and we can expect snow in the mountains again tonight and tomorrow, I ponder what else this summer might bring as far as social distancing runs.

I'm thankful that I've been able to see new places and get some time in the outdoors this past month. I have a few big ideas for longer runs for this summer, which may or may not happen. But at least I can dream!!

Keep dreaming, friends. And stay safe out there, so I can see you all out on the trails again!

Indian Creek Trailhead, Staunton State Park, and Golden Gate Canyon

As the title suggests, this post will mostly be about adventures to the Indian Creek Trailhead, Staunton State Park, and Golden Gate Canyon.

But first, we returned to Columbine Open Space for a morning jog there last Sunday.

Cool clouds above Dawson Butte in the distance, which is another great Douglas County open space.

Someone (not me) took the time to write "Hope 2gether" in pine cones on the trail.

I took the time to jog to the south end of the open space and peek at the connecting trail. Although it is temporarily closed during the I-25 expansion construction, the trail will eventually connect to Larkspur at the Frink Creamery Trailhead and then south to Greenland Open Space. Greenland Open Space trail is already connected to the New Santa Fe trail at Palmer Lake, which is continuous all the way to the south end of Fountain. This is all a part of the Front Range Trail system that will eventually connect the entire state from border to border, at least, as long as the COVID-19 crisis is resolved and some state funds are still available to progress on this project.

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On Tuesday, we got up bright and early and headed for Indian Creek. This trailhead is also a campground in normal times, and it is located near the northern terminus of Rampart Range Road.

I started out from the campground area on the Indian Creek trail, but soon forked eastward on the Ringtail trail.

Trail map of the area.

There were some old ruins that I encountered just after the National Forest border.

Most of the trail was soft singletrack through tall pine forest.

The aspens were not quite ready for spring yet.

A big storm cloud looms as rain was expected on the Front Range this day.

I got around 8.5 miles and a lot of ideas about how to make this into a longer run as a loop someday. It was beautiful trail, winding up and down through tall pines in the National Forest and adjacent open spaces. The trail also connects with Roxborough State Park, though I didn't make it that far this day. Definitely one that I'll come back to and plan a ~20 mile loop day.

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On Friday, we set out for Staunton State Park. Staunton is Colorado's newest state park, officially opened in 2013. And what an amazing place it is! Located off Highway 285 near the junction with Deckers Rd, it features some pretty awesome rock formations.

I did a loop which hit three major overlooks and also included some historic buildings.

Staunton State Park map.

The view northwest from the first overlook. The Mt. Evans massif stands tall in the distance.

The view southeast from the second overlook. Pikes Peak is seen far off in the distance, with the prominent Thunder Butte in front.

I must tell you about this squirrel! I saw it clambering to hide as I jogged past, and then I asked it, "why are you hiding, cheeky squirrel?" Almost in response, it climbed onto a very visible tree limb and stood perfectly still for me to take a photo. What a cute little beast!

A cheeky squirrel.

Staunton State Park trails are beautiful!

Storm clouds building over the northwest. 

Panorama of the third overlook. Wow!

This little stream on the north side of a valley was still very snowy!

I was very impressed with Staunton State Park, and glad to have enjoyed a beautiful morning there. I got almost 9 miles.

As a bonus, on the way home, we scoped out the Little Scraggy Trailhead for the Colorado Trail. This looks like a good place to return to sometime soon.

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Finally, yesterday, Monday, we tried out another Colorado State Park - Golden Gate Canyon.

Although we showed up early, it got warm fast. I first ascended a trail called City Lights Ridge and got a nice overlook into the valley below, where I would be headed next.

You can make out the trail in the valley below. 

Historic buildings. 

State park map.

After running through the valley, the park started to get a bit crowded so we packed it up and headed out. I got 7 nice sunny miles.

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The weather is heating up in Colorado! I can't wait to enjoy the warmth and hit up the mountains some more. I'll still be seeking out quieter trails and unpopulated areas due to social distancing, though. I'm thankful to live in this beautiful state and I am glad my family is willing and able to travel to find those isolated areas so we can all get some much needed outdoor recreation. 

Running in the time of social distancing

Hello,

I hope this update finds you safe and healthy at home!

Like many others, I will be limiting my exposure by switching most of my running volume to an indoor treadmill, located in my basement.

I'll still occasionally escape to the outdoors, however. I've been seeking out more isolated trails and running only by myself for the last couple months already.

My goal race for this year (Golden Gate Dirty 30) was cancelled, as were many other trail ultramarathons. Since I don't have any scheduled training plan for a dedicated goal, I'm in the unique spot of being able to run whatever distance, whenever, just because I feel like it. That's actually a pretty nice feeling.

Here's a few photos from some of the places I've been running.

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On March 18, Alex took me down to Cañon City and I ran 10 miles on Phantom Canyon Road.

It was somewhat eerie and very quiet. The skies were cloudy and the atmosphere was almost post-apocalyptic.

Phantom Canyon Road historic map.

The canyon is characterized by steep walls and craggy, dramatic rocks.

The sun going down on an eerie world as I descended the road.  

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On March 29, I ran on the eastern Rock Island Trail. The segment approaching Marksheffel Rd was especially quiet and isolated. I returned home well after dark, making good use of my headlamp. I accrued 14 miles that day.

Quiet long stretches of trail near Marksheffel Rd.

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On March 31, we went to the Spruce Meadows Open Space. Although it was Sunday and other local trailheads were packed, Spruce Meadows was empty. I was fortunate and saw no one (except my husband) during my 9 mile loop.

Alex and I at the sunny open space.

Spruce Meadows map.

Headed north through the fields towards Larkspur.

Cute wooden bench near the trailhead.

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On April 5, I had a lovely sunset run at Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space. The standard loop around is 5 miles; I added an extra mile by going out and back near the start, giving me a short but beautiful 6 miles total.

Dawson Butte Ranch map.

Sunset to the west over the Rampart Range.

Dawson Butte at twilight. 

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Finally, yesterday, April 11, we traveled to Columbine Open Space, and I added up 9 miles on the lovely trails there. I saw only one other trail user, a cyclist who was wearing a full face mask. I, too, used my buff to cover my face.

An unexpected trail hazard.

The view to the east.

Wide trail through soft meadows.

The view south at sunset, with Pikes Peak in the distant background.

Columbine Open Space map.

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Even though my outdoor runs will be limited, I'm carefully planning days where I'll be able to experience new adventures in more isolated areas.

I look forward to this summer as a time to seek out new and different experiences.

And, I'll crank that treadmill up on a steep incline and pretend I'm on the Incline itself.