One of the most difficult hikes that we have ever done was our hike from the base of Pikes Peak to the summit. The entire hike is over twelve miles and has an elevation gain of over 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) to the peak, which is at 14,114 (4,301 meters). It certainly is not a hike for novices and was very much a challenge for us and we hike on a routine basis. Barr trail starts in the town of Manitou Springs and quickly ascends into the Pike National Forest. It was important to time when we did the hike because even in the middle of summer it can snow on the top of Pikes Peak, so we hiked in August on a day when we knew that the temperatures would be fine at the base as well as the summit.
Early in the HikeSign on Barr Trail, about 3 miles into the hikeView of Pikes Peak from Barr TrailLower Barr Trail
The hardest part of the trail was when we reached the tree line at 11,000 feet (3,350 meters) and the air thins out. The Summit House sits on top of Pikes Peak and is a restaurant and souvenir shop, which is visible from the base on a clear day. Once you reach the tree line, the point where the air is too thin for plants to grow, the Summit House seems like it should be close, but it is still a couple of hours away. The total hike took us about 8 hours, although we took our time and paced ourselves.
Steep Hike at PointsBarr Trail at Tree LineSo Close and Yet So FarView from Barr Trail, Garden of the Gods at the Base of the Mountain
For this week’s Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge, we thought that we would share a few photos from that strenuous hike. As we prepare to return to South America and hike in the Andes Mountains, our minds have returned to this hike several times.
Sign for the SummitMiddle of the HikeStanding on Top of Pikes PeakWe Were Exhausted When We Reached the Summit
Most people associate Steamboat Springs with being a destination for skiing, which would be correct, but it is also a popular destination during the summer. Situated in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, there is ample hiking, biking, zip lining, golf, and other activities. The town of Steamboat Springs is a typical Colorado mountain town with historic buildings and ample choices of restaurants and local shops. Whether mountain biking, walking or riding bikes along the Yampa River, playing miniature golf, or riding down the Alpine Slide, there are plenty of things for children as well as adults.
View of Downtown Steamboat SpringsThe Yampa RiverStunning Views as You Drive to SteamboatFun for the ChildrenShopping and Dining in the Old Town Square
Getting into the mountains is a wonderful way to beat the heat and enjoy fresh air, good food, and get away from the daily grind. If you are looking for solitude, though, you will need to get out of town and go hiking or biking on a nearby trail as the resort town is extremely busy as tourists descend upon it in droves. The weekends are especially congested as people escape from Denver and other surrounding cities to join tourists from around the world. Friday and Saturday nights feature a pro rodeo as well as an opera series during the summer. There is also a farmer’s market on Saturdays with a large variety of local artists, fresh vegetables, and other oddities for sale.
Farmer’s MarketCourt HouseBusy Streets DowntownWalking the Trail along the Yampa RiverWhimsical Statue Downtown
If you make your way out of town and up to the actual ski resort, you take the gondola to the top to enjoy the views or, if you are more daring, rent a mountain bike and take a thrilling ride down the side of the mountain. There is also horseback riding or white water rafting for those who want a true mountain experience. With so much to do, you may find yourself jumping in the hot tub of your local condominium or hotel to sooth those aching muscles at the end of the day. Also, be aware that Steamboat Springs is at 6,700 feet (2,050 meters), so be sure to drink plenty of water as well as sports drinks. When not refueling, perhaps enjoy one of the many local craft beers that are available in the restaurants and pubs.
Gondola to the Top of the MountainBike Rentals and Rafting AdventuresEnjoying a Drink at the Ski ResortBiking across the RiverDowntown Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is definitely a wonderful place to enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer. Stunning views, outdoor activities, friendly people, and gourmet dining. Regardless of your fitness level, you will be able to find activities that suit your lifestyle. Also, being a large ski resort area, you can find accommodations ranging from upscale hotels and resort condominiums to motels and cabins catering to almost any budget.
Rugged SceneryMiniature GolfStatue at the ResortDowntown Stores and Restaurants
We all know that life is very busy and it is hard not to get caught up in the immediate needs that are right in front of you. The same is true when you are traveling, it is easy to be so consumed with what you need to do next that you don’t truly absorb the experience of the country or city that you are visiting. We aren’t suggesting that you don’t read about or investigate the place that you are planning on visiting, but we do suggest that you don’t put yourself on a ridged schedule.
Weathered RocksLava Field in Iceland
There are always going to be some things that you have to see or attractions that you have to plan in advance because tickets sell out, but as a rule we try not to have a specific timeline for the things that we want to see. Often we will discover something that wasn’t in the guide books or travel apps by talking to the locals and asking them what things they believe is important to see in the place that they call home. We never know when we might want to stop someplace and grab a quick bite to eat or have a glass of wine and never want to feel like we can’t because we have to rush off to the next place on our list.
Standing on Top of Pikes PeakRustling Leaves
We didn’t always use to be this way. There was a time when we planned every part of a trip and tried to cram as much into each location as we possibly could. We usually came home from traveling more exhausted than when we left and often everything was a blur until we went back and review photos later. Then one time we packed our bags, put them in the car, and flipped a coin as to whether we would head north or south. We looked at the map, picked a city, and went on our way. No reservations, no idea where we would stay or what we would see. It turned out to be a wonderful trip to Alamosa, Colorado, and the Great Sand Dunes.
Moon Valley in La PazAndes Mountains
We aren’t recommending that you necessarily head to the airport with no destination in mind or even drive to a city without any plans as it could turn into a disaster, but there is something to be said for spontaneity. During our time in Europe, we usually decided on our weekend destination on Wednesday and then booked the hotel and train or plane that night with no real knowledge of what we would see when we got there. This week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge is Textures and, although it may seem a little off-topic for this post, we decided to share some photos of interesting patterns in the foreground and mountains in the distance. Much like not being able to see the forest for the trees, travel is about much more than just the next place on the itinerary.
Pikes Peak from Garden of the GodsVineyards in Spain
