SNAP*Shot: Magical Rime Ice Landscapes

Posted on by Joy

Last Wednesday I woke up to clouds down to the ground, we call fog, and temps in the low 20s. Amazingly, it was like that all day which is unusual in Colorado Springs. There were occasional snow flurries, but it never actually snowed. At times I could see what looked like ice crystals floating in the clouds. Ice/snow also seemed to be forming on trees. By the next morning we had clouds/fog mostly along the horizons, bright sun, and magical landscapes due to the heavy coating of rime ice. Come see!!

So Magical!

Levsa Canyon Trail–A Pygmy Forest Experience

Posted on by Joy

There is so much to explore around Trinidad Lake State Park. Let’s start by taking a noon-time walk on Levsa Canyon Trail not far from the Visitor Center. This mile-long loop trail is designed to help us explore the Piñon-Juniper forest, one of Colorado’s most dynamic ecosystems. Often called the Pygmy forest, this ecosystem is known for short, drought-tolerant trees; coarse, well-drained soils; only 10-20 inches of precipitation a year; and wildlife specially adapted for dry, sometimes harsh conditions. Speaking of harsh conditions, the wind is beginning to seriously pick up speed, so let’s go and enjoy while we can!

Hold onto your hat!

We’ve Been Warned!

Posted on by Joy

Hello from Trinidad, Colorado. Here for four days to explore the gateway area between plains and mountains. We are about 13 miles north of the New Mexico state line. The Weather Service has been warning high wind on Wednesday along the Rocky Mountain Front, almost the entire length of Colorado! So fingers crossed it won’t be too bad.

EE-gads! Here comes the wind . . .

Hiking the Niobrara Ridge

Posted on by Joy

I’ve been wondering, why travel when there are beautiful places to hike here at home? OK, totally kidding! Here in Colorado Springs we have amazing parks and open spaces, not least of which is Garden of the Gods, a geologist’s dream come true on the Rocky Mountain Front.

Niobrara Ridge is just over a half mile walk, but the views are amazing. Hey, beauty is beauty regardless of trail length! We parked at High Point, Lot 9, at the southeast edge of the Park and are heading to the base of the trail. What a beautiful view north at 7:30am.

Gorgeous morning, so let’s go!