Going on Leisurely Hikes During the Autumn Season

On September 16, 2021September 16, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado4 Comments

We love hiking year-round, but it can be especially rewarding during autumn when the leaves are changing to their vibrant colors. We are heading to Park City, Utah this coming weekend and we are expecting to see at least pockets of Aspen tree groves turning to their golden color. Throughout the years, we have made sure to get into the mountains during September to see the beautiful leaves and although each year is very similar, each year is also unique. Depending on how much rain the mountains have gotten or whether there has been frost or snow already can certainly change how dramatic the autumn colors are when we go hiking. Generally speaking, when we go hiking during autumn, it is more about the beautiful scenery and less about going on a strenuous hike, so these hikes are some of the most enjoyable.

The great thing about hiking in the high country is that you get a mix of seeing the changing colors up close as well as the tapestry of colors across the skyline. The park that we usually hike in September is located on the backside of Pikes Peak and the scenery is always amazing regardless of the time of year. The colors are mostly the golds and yellows of the aspen groves surrounded by the deep greens of the pine trees, which is different than the reds and oranges that you find in most other places. If you get a chance to visit Colorado in autumn, we’d highly recommend that you get into the mountains, even if just by car.

Stunning Seven Falls in Colorado Springs, Colorado

On August 23, 2021August 23, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado4 Comments

The are many wonderful waterfalls throughout Colorado, especially when you hike in the high country during early summer. Not everyone, however, has time to get into the high country, so if you are visiting Colorado Springs it is definitely worth while to go to Seven Falls. Although it is seven distinct falls, it is really one waterfall that cascades across seven distinct rock faces to create the seven unique falls. The entire area is beautiful and well worth walking through the canyon where the falls reside. If you are willing to climb the 224 steps to the top of the falls, you will be rewarded with wonderful views and also have the option to hike one of the trails that are at the top. Across from the falls, you will find an elevator that will take you to a viewing platform that provides wonderful views of Seven Falls. Even if you hike to the top of the falls, the views from the platform give you a different perspective of the falls.

View of Seven Falls from the Observation Deck

Going up the steep stairs that are adjacent to the falls, even if only part of the way, is certainly worth the effort as it gives you an opportunity to see the various waterfalls up close. There are a few rest areas on the staircase that allow you to not only take a break, but have the opportunity to step out of the way of others and enjoy the amazing views. At least for us, going down the stairs was a little more unnerving than heading up the stairs just because they are so steep and you spend the entire time looking down. Once you reach the bottom, however, there is a restaurant and an outdoor sitting area where you can enjoy something cool to drink.

Restaurant and River at the Base of Seven Falls

There is a fairly healthy price to visit the falls, $16.50 for adults thirteen and older and $10.50 for children two to twelve, which is certainly something to take into consideration. If you visit at dusk, the falls are lit up and during the holidays the lights are changed to multiple colors to make it even more festive. Just to visit the falls and climb the stairs, you should give yourself at least a couple of hours, but it is likely to take you closer to a half-day, especially if you stop in the restaurant for a meal.

Tunnel to the Elevator to Get to Observation Deck

The Beauty of a Mountain Trail

On June 25, 2021June 25, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado, Photo Challenge8 Comments

We love hiking throughout the year and the scenery in the Rocky Mountains is always quite stunning. Although we always take time to look around and see the mountain peaks or stop to gaze at a waterfall, but when you hike you spend the majority of your time staring at the trail that is right in front of you. Obviously we try to keep our eyes on the trees around us to catch a glimpse of any animals that might be near by, but the surest way to trip and bang yourself up is to try to walk over roots and rocks without paying attention to where you place your feet.

Trails come in many different styles from wide and well-traveled to narrow and sometimes overgrown. Some places are deep in the woods and others are in open fields or even along the edge of a cliff. The different parts of the trail also provide different things along the trail itself, such as Aspen leaves falling on the path or roots of giant pine trees jutting out of the ground. It is quite common for trails in Colorado to be a mix of everything as you hike the full length of the trail. We enjoy all of the different types of trails for the natural beauty that each supplies. Just getting out into nature is its own reward and hiking is a great way to relax, unwind, and recharge ones battery.