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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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. 

***

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.

***

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.

A higher volume week

On Wednesday, I hit up the park for a 10k+ trail loop.

Then, on Thursday, I ran to a pho restaurant and met my husband for dinner. I rounded out 10 miles exactly by running three loops around the parking lot when I got there. (You might be able to relate to that!) We had a lovely dinner, and I have to mention here that I appreciate his support and him meeting me after runs. It makes for a fun way to change up my training a bit and include my family.

Speaking of training/family balance, on Friday, I took my kids for a short run. 1.5 miles up the little hill, just enough for them and a quick recovery workout for me.

Finally, on Saturday evening, my growing concern about Sunday morning's forecast (high winds and snow) forced me to decide to do my long run right then. I set out an hour before sunset, and decided to do an urban 15 mile loop that's pretty standard for me.

Templeton Gap trail. Lovely urban trails in Colorado Springs!

I felt good setting out, even though my legs were a bit fatigued from more volume lately. I felt elated within the first few miles, but my energy wound down somewhat with the sunset. It was still a very peaceful evening and I wasn't in the pain cave as much as I could have expected, and I got a semi-decent photo from the Garden of the Gods overlook at night.

Twilight lingers at the Garden of the Gods overlook.

I was surprised that I was able to stay focused and out of the "real" pain cave for the duration of my run! Anytime I began to feel a low, I tried to check my posture and stay focused on the trail. My urban loop had over 1000 feet of climbing, and it felt good to have it accomplished before the storm.

It was refreshing to sleep in on a snowy Sunday. Even though I had a very satisfactory week for my training, every weekend that I don't go to the mountains does make me miss them - just a little. :) Hope to see you all next weekend!

Blue skies on Barr trail with Jill, Mark, and the Incline club

Sunday was a day that reminded me, once again, why I love Barr trail in the winter so much!

It was a bluebird day after a lot of snow during the week. And with the expectation of more snow in the forecast on Monday, lots of Incline clubbers headed to the hills to make the best of a clear winter day.

As an aside, since it is a new year and hopefully I have some new blog followers, I wanted to share the link to the Incline club website. They also have a link to their Facebook page, which is updated more frequently than the website. But generally, we meet at Memorial Park in Manitou on Sundays from Nov to Aug. 8 am in the winter, 7 am after Memorial day. All are welcome to come join us!

After some cheery conversations at the start, I headed out with Jill to Barr trail. I brought my nanospikes, which were very necessary, since the trail was a sheet of ice from the very start. It was that kind of crunchy ice that has been beat up by lots of spikes already.

Near the Incline connection trail, Tim was coming down from his Incline trip. We stopped and chatted for a while.

Our conversational pace wasn't too terrible because when we were moving, our pace felt athletic. Soon we were already at No Name Creek, where Jill's turn around for the day was.

After No Name Creek, the trail conditions were much better, mostly packed snow with a few patches of ice.

After Bob's road, I decided to check out the rock overlook that Jill and I went to two weeks ago. This was a quick off trail photo stop, since I wanted to grab the clear views of the Pikes summit with blue skies while they lasted. (And the afternoon skies did cloud up later.)

I love this view to the south from the overlook. It is a peek through to the Bear Creek drainage, with Cameron's Cone on the far left behind the rock outcropping, and Almagre to the right of the photo (with all the snow).

Soon after my photographic detour, Mark caught up to me on the trail! He'd started later, but he was moving at quite a speedy pace compared to the relaxed stride I'd fallen into. He gave me quite the boost! We had great conversation and made it to Barr Camp in what felt like no time.

At Barr Camp, I was very happy to see Zach, since he might not be a caretaker too much longer. Zach has always been warm and friendly during his tenure here, and it will be sad to see him go on to other adventures.

Of course we all wish him the best!!

Barr Camp has traditionally been a natural gathering hub for the trail running community, and it will continue to be. But it won't be quite the same without Zach, the ultramarathon guru!

After a lovely amount of chatting at Camp, including hearing all of Craig's latest adventures, I had to head back down the big hill.

The downhill felt like coasting all the way to No Name Creek, after which the trail had melted out a ton from the morning, and was basically completely slush. It was a sloppy mess of downhill splashing that I can't say I didn't enjoy, but certainly demanded an extra level of attention.

At least it was warm enough to go to a tank top! There is an extra layer of elation when running downhill through the forest on a warm winter day, feeling the breeze on your skin.

When I finally arrived back at my vehicle, I was close to 16 miles for the day.

And of course, as I sit at home now with a fresh layer of snow covering everything, I'm thankful that I was gifted the opportunity to share another lovely Sunday with friends on the Barr trail.

I'll leave you all off with some photos from my downhill, and I hope to see you on the trails soon.

Almagre in the distance, from Bob's road. 

Pikes Peak from Bob's road.

Deep snow at No Name Creek! That sign is several feet under. 

Cameron's Cone on the right.

Engelmann Canyon, clouding up and waving goodbye as I return to the city after a day in the sky, with good companionship and soul-refreshing energy.